The Board of Supervisors is slated Tuesday to approve revisions to the Riverside County policy that permits spouses of military veterans to apply for credits toward job placement in county government, loosening up the process for applicants.
The Department of Human Resources is asking the board to authorize amendments to Board Policy C-3, also known as the “Veterans Preference Policy.”
It permits qualifying retired, disabled or active-duty military personnel preparing to leave the service to receive credit that elevates their standing in consideration for county employment. The policy further provides credits for wives or widows of service members, though there are limitations.
As currently written, the provision for spouses mandates that, as part of the application process, they submit corroborating documents, including marriage certificates, veterans’ death certificates, service discharge forms, disability verification forms and at least one letter from the U.S. Veterans’ Administration confirming the applicant’s marital relationship to a veteran.
“Human Resources confirmed that the VA does not issue eligibility letters to veteran spouses,” according to an agency statement posted to the board’s agenda for Tuesday. “As a result, the current policy’s language may be misleading and could unintentionally create barriers for qualified applicants.”
Officials are recommending that the board eliminate the specification under C-3 that requires the submission of spouses’ letters.
“This change reduces unnecessary barriers for qualified applicants and ensures a fair and more transparent hiring experience,” the Department of Human Resources stated. “For businesses and community members, the policy supports the county’s commitment to hiring individuals with ties to military service.”
The last time any part of the policy was updated occurred in 2023.
If the board signs off on the proposed change, it would take effect immediately.