**NOTE: This is an Internal Only position for current Skagit County Employees**

Under the direction of the Division Manager, the Veterans Program Lead provides leadership and coordination of Skagit County’s Veterans Services Program. This position ensures service delivery is responsive and outcome-driven, consistent with County policies and legal requirements. The Veterans Program Lead supports the integration of veteran services across systems, leads quality improvement initiatives, and provides technical assistance to staff and partner organizations. The Veterans Program Lead supervises the day-to-day operations and work of the Veterans Program team, and represents the department in policy, planning, and stakeholder arenas at the local, regional, and state levels. This position also serves as a Veterans Service Officer (VSO)

• Under direction of the Community Services Division Manager, leads the daily operations of the Veterans Services Program, ensuring alignment with County goals, state dates, and best practices.

• Trains and provides guidance to staff providing direct services to veterans and their families; serves as a subject matter expert on veterans’ benefits and system navigation.

• Oversees the operations of the Veterans Service Center, ensuring a safe, welcoming environment for veterans and partner providers.

• Monitors Veterans Program service quality, program fidelity, and fiscal compliance.

• Provides oversight and technical assistance to the Veterans Advisory Board; facilitates agenda-setting, policy development, and systems-level engagement.

• Leads community outreach, education, and interagency initiatives to improve access to housing, behavioral health, employment, and medical services for veterans.

• Collects, analyzes, and reports program data to evaluate outcomes, identify gaps, and drive continuous quality improvement.

• Prepares and submits reports, program budgets, grant applications, and strategic plans as required by local, state, or federal entities.

• Advises County leadership on veteran-related policies, program development, and emerging needs in the community.

• Represents Skagit County at local, regional, and state forums focused on veterans’ services and interagency collaboration.

• Serves as a certified Veterans Service Officer, responsible for assisting veterans in navigating complex benefit systems and filing claims.

Supervisory:

This is a lead-level position responsible for directing the daily work of team members, providing coaching, technical oversight, and mentorship. Does not have authority for hiring, discipline, or formal evaluations, but plays a key role in team functioning, quality assurance, and staff development.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS:

Performs related duties as assigned. *

* Related duties as required are duties that may not be specifically listed in the Position Description but are within the general occupational series and responsibility level typically associated with the employee’s classification of work.

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical path to obtain the required qualifications would be:

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field.

• A minimum of three years of professional experience in program development, oversight, and community engagement related to veteran services, behavioral health, or social services.

• One year of supervisory or lead-level experience preferred.

• Veteran with honorable discharge strongly preferred.

• Experience working with providers and community groups.

Requires knowledge of:

• Federal, state, and local veterans’ benefits and programs.
• Community resources and systems that support veterans, including housing, behavioral health, and employment.
• Contract management and program evaluation.
• Trauma-informed, client-centered service delivery.
• HIPAA and confidentiality policies.

Requires the ability to:

• Lead and mentor staff in a complex, client-centered service environment.
• Develop collaborative, multi-sector partnerships to support veterans.
• Interpret and apply federal, state, and local regulations.
• Use data for decision-making and systems improvement.
• Communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Maintain composure and professionalism in high-pressure or crisis situations.

Licenses and/or Certifications:

Valid Washington State driver’s license.

Completion of WDVA Veterans Service Officer Training or ability to complete within 3 months of hire.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Work performed primarily in an office setting. Sitting 80% of time. Sufficient hand-eye coordination to operate office equipment. Attendance at meetings and some travel involved.

Hazards:

Those present in a normal office environment..