Acceptable Experience and Education
Associate Degree in Psychology, Sociology or Social Sciences or Counseling is preferred with three (3) years of experience in working with community-based social service organizations.

Must have served on active duty in a branch of the armed forces of the United States for at least four months or have a service-connected disability, and been honorably discharged from service or be a widowed Gold Star Mother or un-remarried widow of a serviceman or a veteran whose death resulted from his service.

Achieve and maintain benefits counseling accreditation through the Texas Veterans Commission and National Association of County Veterans Service Officers.

Or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Certificates and Licenses Required
Must have or obtain by date of hire a valid driver's license applicable to job responsibilities, with a driving record acceptable to the County of El Paso.

Essential Duties
Assists with VA County assistance programs that provide benefits assistance to veterans, spouses of veterans or their dependents including assistance with appeals for denied benefits;

Assists with the planning, coordinating and administering federal, state, and County assistance programs;

Maintains current knowledge about an array of assistance programs and veterans' benefits and the application process or processes necessary to access these benefits; explains benefits available and assists residents with obtaining benefits; may travel to and meet with clients at home or other locations;

Interviews veterans, widows, and/or dependents of veterans and collects information sources to determine eligibility; completes interview forms and documents; enter information into the county databases, certifies client eligibility for services; makes appropriate referrals; completes all necessary paperwork, interviews and forwards them for consideration and implementation; and advises them on benefits and entitlements for veterans;

Serves as liaison with veteran's boards and organizations in El Paso County;

Ensures compliance with all Veterans Administration and Texas Veterans Commission policies, procedures, administrative rulings, and training and certification requirements;
Provides support as directed to the Veterans Court;

Initiates and maintains contacts with various community organizations regarding program operations;

Inspects homes to be utilized by clients;

Works with Manager on the status of claims with the Veterans Administration Regional Office;

Is available to respond to inquiries in person, by telephone or at informational forums;

Completes VA forms that assist veterans in accessing any other available services;

Makes home visits as necessary to facilitate eligibility process;

Commits self to providing excellent customer service and demonstrate commitment through cooperative team and individual efforts; and

Creates a high quality work culture through participation in and emphasis on training and mentoring to develop leadership, management, and technical skills in self and all employees, including safety related training and skills.

Other Important Duties*
Travel to client homes for home visits as necessary

Performs such other related duties as may be assigned.

As members of the County of El Paso Emergency Response System, all El Paso County employees are designated as Disaster Service Workers during a proclaimed emergency and may be required to train on emergency response and/or perform certain emergency services at the direction of their supervisor.

Summary of Position
The Veterans Assistant Specialist under general supervision, assists by providing oversight and assistance to county residents who are veterans or widows and/or dependents of veterans to promptly, properly and rightfully obtain benefits to which they are entitled under existing state or federal laws.

Organizational Relationships
Reports to: VA Program Manager

Directs VA Work Study staff

Other: Has frequent contact with the general public and other county employees

EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EdAP)
Reimbursement up to $2000 per calendar year for eligible education expenses.

EMPLOYEE FITNESS AND WELLNESS CENTER
The Employee Fitness and Wellness Center opened in October 2021 at the County Courthouse. The cost is $5 per employee per month.