WDVA Veterans Benefit Specialist 2, Seattle



WDVA Veterans Benefit Specialist 2, Seattle

Salary

$42,420.00 - $55,524.00 Annually

Location

King County - Seattle – Other, WA

Job Type

Project (limited duration)

Job Number

2021-14763

Department

Dept. of Veterans Affairs

Division

Central Office/Veterans Services

Opening Date

12/29/2021

Closing Date

1/16/2022 11:59 PM Pacific

Description



Please Note: This recruitment is for a project position, anticipated to last through December 31, 2023.

Here at the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA), we are passionate about our mission of “Serving Those Who Served.”  As a national leader in our advocacy for more than 500,000 veterans and their family members, we strive to connect them to earned benefits as well as innovative programs focused on their overall health and wellness.  In addition, we provide critical community services through a variety of programs, and at our four State Veterans Homes located in Orting, Port Orchard, Spokane, and Walla Walla.  These locations provide Medicare and Medicaid nursing home care to honorably discharged veterans, including, in some instances, their spouses, widows, or Gold Star.

We are in need of a Veterans Benefit Specialist 2 to manage housing navigation services through the Veterans Reentry Case Management (VRCM) program.  Housing navigation is a new and major component of the VRCM program and is critical to the success of the program.  In this role, you'll be responsible for defining the needs of the program, developing specialized program activities and implementing all services related to housing navigation.

We need someone to perform outreach and case management services.  If you have a passion for serving justice involved veterans in order to improve their outcomes upon release from jail, then join our team by applying now!

Duties

Some of what you'll be doing includes:

  • Managing housing navigation services for veteran enrolled in the Veterans Reentry Case Management (VRCM) Program. 
  • Defining program needs, procedures, protocols and standards related to housing navigation.
  • Providing outreach and case management services; enrolling eligible veterans into the program and developing case plans.
  • Addressing individual barriers to accessing housing and employment.  These barriers may include criminal behavior, substance abuse disorders, mental health issues, job skills, and general life skills.
  • Working with housing providers and advocates on behalf of clients; assisting with accessing emergency shelters and/or transitional housing and obtaining civil legal aid.
  • Making appropriate referrals for veterans related to health care, mental health, substance abuse treatment, employment, benefits and services.
  • Using the Enterprise Veterans Case Management System (EVCMS) to input client level case management data in order to perform case management activities and produce reports on client outcomes.

Qualifications

Required:

  • Two (2) years of experience as a Veterans Benefit Specialist 1 in state service.
OR
  • A Bachelor’s degree in psychology, social services, social work, social science, health care or liberal arts/sciences. 
AND
  • Two (2) years of experience with providing services for individuals with chronic mental illness or substance abuse disorders.
  • Supervisory experience.
Please Note: Additional qualifying experience may be substituted, year for year, for education.

Desired:
  • Experience providing reentry case management; specifically with regards to incarcerated or justice-involved veterans.
  • Experience providing case management with veterans.

Supplemental Information

Check out this awesome video here to see what it is like to work for the WDVA! 

Application Process:  
The top candidates will be contacted directly to interview for this position. Because the selection will be based on information provided by you, it is in your best interest to identify the knowledge, skills and abilities that address the mandatory and desirable qualifications described below.
 
Please include the following documents with your application:
 
1. A letter of interest describing specific qualifications.
 2. A current resume detailing applicable experience and education.
 3. A list of at least three professional references with current telephone numbers.

Other Information:

  • Per Governor Inslee’s Proclamation 21-14, state employees must be fully vaccinated no later than October 18, 2021.  Your vaccine status will be verified at New Employee Orientation.  Please reach out to the HR Office at HR@dva.wa.gov if you need information on medical or religious accommodation.
  • Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. The successful hire must be able to pass a criminal background check in order to be granted access to federal VA and DOD information systems.
  • Valid Washington State Driver’s License.  

Applicants wishing to claim Veterans Preference should attach a copy of their DD-214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22, or signed verification of service letter from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to their application. Please blackout any personally identifiable data such as social security numbers. For further information please contact us at: recruiters@dva.wa.gov.


Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer

Here at YOUR Washington Department of Veterans Affairs our employees come from all walks of life. We strive to hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds.   All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.
 
We believe in the importance of recognizing the value each of us contribute to the success of the mission of the agency. Having a diverse workforce is this agency’s greatest resource of strength and knowledge. It is through the combination of talents and abilities that we can pursue finding effective measures on how we can provide the best customer service. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace for everyone.

The State of Washington is an equal opportunity employer. Persons with a disability who need assistance in the application process or testing process, or those needing this announcement in an alternative format, may call (360) 725-2183. TTY users should first call 711 to access the Washington Relay Service.   
  
You are welcome to include the name and pronoun you would like to be referred to in your materials and we will honor this as you interact with our award-winning diverse and inclusive organization.

If you have any questions regarding this announcement, program, or the agency please contact Ashley Harris at recruiters@dva.wa.gov.  

More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note:  If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the
Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.


Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS).  New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs.  For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP).  This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.


As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165. 

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, are entitled to three (3) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Parental Leave
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 12-31-2022

01
Please select your highest level of education from the list below:
  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Associate's Degree
  • Bachelor's Degree
  • Master's Degree
02
How many years of experience do you have with providing services for individuals with chronic mental illness or substance abuse disorders?
  • I do not have this type of experience.
  • I have less than 1 year of this type of experience.
  • I have 1 year of experience.
  • I have 2 years of experience.
  • I have 3 years of experience.
  • I have 4 years of experience.
  • I have 5 years or more of this type of experience.
03
Please briefly describe your experience with providing services for individuals with chronic mental illness or substance abuse disorders. If you do not have this experience, type N/A.
04
Do you have at least two years of experience as a Veterans Benefit Specialist 1 in state service?
  • Yes
  • No
05
Do you have any supervisory experience?
  • Yes
  • No
06
How did you hear about this opportunity? Please select all that apply from the list below:
  • www.careers.wa.gov
  • Job search website such as Indeed.com, SimplyHired.com, etc.
  • Washington State Dept. of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) employee
  • WorkSource Representative or website
  • Through a Military Transition Assistance Program (TAP)
  • Career Fair/Hiring Event
  • Other
07
If you answered "Other" on the question above, please indicate how you heard about this opportunity. If you did not answer "other" please type N/A.
08
Please select all that apply. I have experience with the following:
  • Providing reentry case management; specifically with regards to incarcerated or justice-involved veterans.
  • Providing case management with veterans.
  • None of these Apply

Required Question

Agency
State of Washington
Address
View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504
Phone
View Posting for Agency Contact