See Veterans Benefit Assistant.

At this level, individuals operate under broad supervision and hold overarching responsibilities for organizational programs. In programs with statewide significance, they serve as specialized experts overseeing specific facets or assisting higher management across various areas. These encompass diverse programs like veterans’ health initiatives, veterans support efforts, educational outreach, and transportation management.

Program components entail a range of specialized duties, including but not limited to program planning, supporting social, financial or health services for veterans, data analysis, and stakeholder engagement. These professionals actively support senior management by orchestrating program operations, delivering technical expertise, and offering strategic guidance to participants, staff, and external stakeholders alike. They excel in identifying and resolving intricate program challenges while adeptly gauging participants' needs to design custom-tailored services and training initiatives. Their proactive approach ensures the smooth and efficient delivery of program objectives.

Positions at this level supervise employees or have specific subject matter expertise of at least two of the following activities:
1. Develop, review and perform case management for complex claims such as post-traumatic stress disorder, exposure to agent orange, discharge upgrade, and/or ex-prisoner of war related claims, all of which require extensive medical documentation and personal history;
2. At least 20% of the time, perform the full range of outreach activities which can consist of providing training to agency staff/contracted claims staff and provide information/assistance to veterans and their family members in remote or temporary settings or outreach visitation for the purpose of assessing client’s social needs and ensure the case plan is being followed;
3. At least 15% of the time conduct intensive inter-agency coordination with local, state and federal agencies as well as give presentations to community-based organizations regarding federal or state programs and benefits; or,
4. In accordance with RCW 73.04.130, 131, 135 and 140 manages the estate of any incapacitated veteran or incapacitated veterans' dependent under the Veterans Estate Management Program.

Develops the conceptualization and implementation of veterans’ programs or strategic program plans, including the formulation of policies and procedures for the delivery of essential social, financial, or health services by staff or providers;

Develops comprehensive rules and regulations governing program service delivery. Conducts thorough program audits and performs on-site visits to field offices/institutions to oversee policy implementation and ensure compliance;

Examines state and federal legislation and regulations, proposing necessary revisions; advocates for the establishment and dissemination of Washington Administrative Code guidelines related to social, financial, or health programs;

Collaborates with program participants, staff, representatives of external organizations, and members of the public to assess needs and strategize, conceptualize, and implement tailored program activities;

Ensures diligent monitoring and tracking of participant eligibility and engagement in program initiatives;

Engages potential conflicts and proactively resolves them preemptively; strategically plans, evaluates, and collaborates with internal staff and external stakeholders to identify, analyze, and propose solutions aligned with the program's objectives;

Engages with counterparts in other states for insight into federal regulations interpretation. Represents the agency at public hearings on WAC matters and facilitates coordinated responses to federal statutes;

Creates curriculum and instructional materials tailored for training agency personnel, vendors, community members, and clients. Conducts training sessions for agency staff, vendors, and vendor personnel;

May supervise lower-level staff.

Knowledge of: state and federal policies and regulations concerning social, financial, and health programs; principles and methodologies of program planning and evaluation; prevailing social and economic challenges relevant to program clientele; principles of community organization and public administration; program consultation, development, contract creation, monitoring, and negotiation.

Ability to: develop and assess programs effectively; collaborate with program staff and local agencies for efficient program implementation; analyze and resolve intricate issues related to social, financial, or health programs; communicate clearly and concisely in interactions with various stakeholders; write articulate and coherent documents.

There may be instances where individual positions must have additional licenses or certification. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the appropriate licenses/certifications are obtained for each position.

Persons legally authorized to work in the U.S. under federal law, including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients, are eligible for employment unless prohibited by other state or federal law.

A bachelor's degree in social work, a health or social science, public administration or a related field; and two years of professional experience in planning, administering, developing, consulting or delivering social, financial or health support programs. Additional qualifying experience may be substituted, year for year, for education.

Equivalent education/experience.

New classification: Veterans Benefit Specialist 3; adopted June 23, 2025, effective July 1, 2025.