Veterans Services Officer; VSO

Overview

The Veteran Services Officer (VSO) counsels, advises, and assists veterans and their dependents in obtaining benefits provided for them by County, State, and Federal law. The VSO acts as an advocate for veterans in need of such services, provides community outreach, and coordinates between and among other veterans services within Kittitas County to support veterans. This position is open until filled.

Candidates should apply by 5:00 PM on 2/13/2026 for optimal consideration.

• Counsel, advise, and educate veterans, dependents, and survivors of the various benefits and services available to them through local, state, and federal resources.
• Determine primary eligibility and prepare claims for service-connected disabilities and non-service persons; compose letters with all pertinent facts.
• Provide assistance in the preparation, application, and follow-up of claims for benefit programs.
• Monitor application of claims to ensure compliance with applicable laws.
• Recommend veterans for medical or hospital treatment.
• Coordinate transportation services when needed.
• Manage the distribution of financial assistance to qualifying veterans through the Kittitas County veteran’s assistance fund.

• Work with Chief Administrator, Public Health Director, and Accountant to develop and maintain budget for the Veterans Services Program (VSP).
• Seek and secure strategic funding from diversified sources including but not limited to Federal, State and local grants, local government appropriations, and private sector partnerships to support the activities of the VSP.
• Supervise VSP volunteers, including recruitment, training, task assignments, and coordination of schedules.
• Provide coordination and leadership for the Veteran’s Advisory Board (VAB) in accordance with RCW 73.04.080 and seek guidance from the VAB on the needs of local veterans.
• Serve as the primary liaison of the VSP to the Kittitas County Board of Health, including presentation of program activities as requested.
• Establish and maintain client files following all applicable confidentiality and retention requirements.
• Perform routine office tasks as necessary.

• Create, update, and distribute outreach materials to provide education on services to veterans and their dependents through the VSP and other community organizations, including but not limited to flyers, social media posts, newsletter materials, articles, and surveys.
• Participate in community events including but not limited farmers markets, parades, stand downs, and service and resource fairs to educate the community about the VSP and reach veterans not yet accessing services.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with local organizations serving veterans and assist in coordinating local efforts to provide effective community wide services.

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
• Ability to obtain and maintain Veteran Service Training, and VSO credentials through Washington Department of Veterans Affairs within six months of hire.
• Experience working with veterans and their families.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the knowledge, skills, and ability necessary to perform the work required may substitute for the minimum qualifications above, at the discretion of the Public Health Director.
• Valid and active Driver’s License.
• Ability to obtain National Incident Management System training courses 100, 200, and 700 within one (1) year of hire and 800 and 300 within two (2) years of hire.
• Must document immunity or provide proof of vaccination against vaccine-preventable diseases as recommended for health care workers by the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices OR must be willing to undergo the necessary vaccinations through the Public Health Department; OR must sign a waiver to decline to receive vaccines based on documented medical or religious reasons.
• A criminal history and background check will be performed on qualified applicants. Convictions may preclude candidates from employment in certain circumstances. Factors such as seriousness of the conduct,…