Veterans Service Officer

Located in northern California, Contra Costa County extends from the northeastern shore of San Francisco Bay to San Joaquin County. With a population of just over 1 million, the County is among the 10 most populous counties in California and home to one of the State’s most ethnically, culturally and socioeconomically diverse populations. Contra Costa is home to numerous attractions, including wildlife refuges, state parks, historic sites, and a variety of museums. The wine country of Napa and Sonoma counties, picturesque seaside communities such as Carmel and Monterey, and the Sierra Lake Tahoe region are all within driving distance.

The Veterans Service Officer (VSO) is a department head position responsible for planning and administering a county-wide program of comprehensive service for veterans, their dependents, and survivors. The new hire will report directly to the Chief Assistant County Administrator and oversee a staff of 13. The new VSO is expected to maintain the high service levels and visibility at the state level, in supporting the county veteran community. The VSO must maintain close communications, collaboration, and a cohesive work relationship with the Board of Supervisors, the CAO’s office, and with peer county executives. This includes helping the county organization identify and implement strategies to reduce disparities that exist in justice, health, and social services. The VSO will also establish and maintain professional relationships with constituents including veteran service organizations, community organizations, as well as with elected and appointed officials at the local, state, and federal levels.

The required background includes five years of experience in a local, state, or federal government veterans’ program or a federally recognized veterans service organization counseling veterans on a variety of rights and benefits with at least one year of supervisory experience. A Bachelor’s degree in Business/Public Administration, Counseling, Psychology, Sociology, or a closely related field. In addition, the incumbent must secure at least one active accreditation by the California Department of Veterans Affairs or by a congressionally recognized National Veterans Service Organization at the time of hire, or within one year of hire date. To be considered, please visit the Avery Associates Career Portal at www.averyassoc.net/current-searches/to upload your letter of interest, resume and contact information including email addresses for five work-related references to Paul Kimura by March 24, 2023.