Jobs in Biola California

The Client Service Coordinator (\"CSC\") drives the flow of clients and pets through the hospital, maximizes the productivity of the veterinary medical team (in terms of numbers of clients and pets), ensures good communication with associates and clients, and coordinates the care of clients and pets in a happy, welcoming, friendly and efficient manner, influencing clients to return and refer their friends and families.

Essential Responsibilities and Tasks

• Live and exemplify the Five Principles of Mars, Inc. within self and team.
• Actively recruit new clients by promoting hospital services and route the flow of clients and pets to ensure superior client care and maximum productivity of the veterinary medical team.
• Maximize the number of pets seen by the hospital team through a productive and efficiently run hospital to support the needs of our wellness plan clients.
• Provide professional, efficient and exceptional service at all times. This includes encouraging hospital visits, welcoming clients and pets, ensuring that they are comfortable in the hospital, and educating them about their pet's health.
• Educate clients about Optimum Wellness Plans, preventative care, pet health needs and hospital services
• Assist incoming clients by completing the required documentation, entering all pet information and history in the computer, utilizing proper collars and tags for identification, and ensuring prompt service.
• Assist outgoing clients by providing all necessary instructions, information and invoices, dispensing prescription items per the veterinarian's instructions, selling retail products and scheduling future appointments.
• Manage the finances by maintaining accurate balances and utilizing proper opening and closing procedures.
• Conduct administrative functions as necessary.
• Other job duties as assigned.

The Five Principles

• Quality The consumer is our boss, quality is our work and value for money is our goal.
• Responsibility As individuals, we demand total responsibility from ourselves; as associates, we support the responsibility of others.
• Mutuality A mutual benefit is a shared benefit; a shared benefit will endure.
• Efficiency We use resources to the full, waste nothing and do only what we can do best.
• Freedom We need freedom to shape our future; we need profit to remain free.

Hiring Qualifications / Competencies

Leadership

• Customer Focus
• Peer Relationships
• Integrity & Trust
• Action Oriented
• Listening

Functional

• Preventative care and OWPs
• Communication Skills
• Client Service Skills
• Priority Setting
• Time Management

Capabilities and Experience (Can Do)

• Ability to multi-task- Manages multiple tasks at one time; quickly and accurately shifts attention among multiple tasks under distracting conditions without loss of accuracy or appearance of frustration.
• Communication skills - Reads, writes and speaks fluent English, using appropriate grammar, style and vocabulary. Correctly spells commonly used English words and job specific terms. Demonstrates exceptionally strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Organizational ability Demonstrates a systematic approach in carrying out assignments. Is very orderly and excels at cutting through confusion and turning chaos into order.
• Problem solving skills - Demonstrates a strong ability to identify, analyze and solve problems. Translates problems into practical solutions.
• Client service skills - Consistently ensures the team provides the client with attentive, courteous and informative service. Gains and shows personal satisfaction from delivering great service.
• Intellectual ability - Accurately and consistently follows instructions delivered in an oral, written or diagram format. Can provide directions.
• Mathematical ability - Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide, and to compute rate, ratio and percent; ability to convert units of measurement.
• Computer skills - Comfortably and confidently uses a computer and specialized software. Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, Outlook, etc.

Attitudes (Will Do)

• Initiative shows willingness and aptitude to use own discretion in taking appropriate steps in finding solutions to problems; presents options and ideas to enhance current processes or procedures. Takes on additional responsibility when both big and small tasks need to be done.
• Integrity Firmly adheres to the values and ethics of Banfield Pet Hospitals. Exhibits honesty, discretion, and sound judgment.
• Cooperativeness Willing to work with others, collaborating and compromising where necessary; promptly share relevant information with others.
• Flexibility Is open to changing situations and opportunities and is willing to perform all tasks assigned.
• Independence Able and willing to perform tasks and duties without supervision.
• Tolerance for Stress / Resiliency Maintains a positive \"can do\" outlook, rebounds quickly from frustrations and unpleasantness, and maintains composure and friendly demeanor while dealing with stressful situations.

Special Working Conditions

• Ability to work at a computer for long periods of time.
• Ability to be confident around pets (i.e., dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, etc.)
• Client needs and work volume may often require more than 40 hours per week to complete essential duties of this job. This position requires special hours including working weekends and evenings.
• Must have mental processes for reasoning, remembering, mathematics and language ability (reading, writing, and speaking the English language) to perform the duties proficiently.
• The noise level in the work environment is moderately high.
• Requires sufficient ambulatory skills in order to perform duties while at hospital.
• Ability to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, and climb as well as manipulate (lift, carry, move) up to 50 pounds.
• Requires good hand-eye coordination, arm-hand-finger dexterity with the ability to grasp, and visual acuity to use a keyboard and operate equipment.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• Associate is routinely exposed to a variety of pets that may bite or scratch, and on occasion, exposed to anesthesia, radiation, biological hazards and medication/controlled substances.

Experience, Education and/or Training

• High School Diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Must be at least 18 years old to perform duties involving radiography (x-ray) and exposure to radioactive substances.
• One year related experience required with customer service preferred.
• Medical background (veterinary technician, human healthcare, pharmaceutical, etc.) with medical terminology training is preferred.

Banfield Pet Hospital strongly supports and values the uniqueness of all individuals and promotes a work environment where diversity is embraced. Banfield Pet Hospital is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetic information, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with disability. Banfield Pet Hospital complies with all applicable federal, state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every Banfield location.

Pay Range: $16.16 - $20.66 Hourly

The pay range listed reflects a general hiring range for the area, with the specific rate determined based on the candidate's experience, skill level, and education, and may vary depending on location or applicable minimum wage laws.

Here at Banfield, we prioritize your well-being and professional growth by offering a comprehensive total rewards package, including health, wellness, and financial support for you, your family, and even your pets.

Check out some of our \"Meow-velous\" benefits:

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance: Enjoy peace of mind knowing your health and wellness are our top priorities. We've got your essential medical, dental, and vision care covered.
• Generous Retirement Plans (401(k) and Roth): Invest in your future and enjoy a generous company match to help you build a secure financial future.
• Best-in-Class Student Debt Relief Program (for Full-Time DVMs): At Banfield, we understand the significant financial burden of student debt on veterinarians. We are committed to supporting our veterinary professionals and believe that addressing student debt is crucial for the long-term health of the veterinary profession.
• Paid Time Off and Holidays: Take a break

Fresno, California, E.M. Pizza, Inc.

You were born to be the boss. You get up in the morning and you make sure everyone else in the house is doing what they need to do. Then you go to work and you make sure that everyone there is doing what they need to do, even your boss. You just do that because you've always done it. Well maybe it's time you moved up. You want to be the boss? Well now's your chance - Domino's Pizza is hiring bosses - more specifically assistant managers. It's a tough job, one that needs a natural like you. Of course, you'll need some skills - judgment, math and the ability to multitask. You'll be working for a company that's fun and flexible. Not to mention, it's work experience you're going to use for a long time to come. You've had our pizza delivered to you, now help us be the best in pizza delivery. Go on, boss, show us what you've got.

You are responsible for everything that happens during your shift. This includes all cost controls, inventory control, cash control and customer relations. You must set the example. You must follow ALL policy and procedures 100% of the time and expect the same from your crew. In addition: Staffing, paperwork, cost controls, cash control, food management, work to a schedule, perfect image and adherence to standards, great customer service, attendance punctuality, transportation to/from work, store cleanliness, marketing, profitability.

Many of our team members began their careers as delivery drivers and today are successful Domino's franchise owners. From assistant manager to general manager, general manager to franchisee or Manager Corporate Operations, our stores offer a world of opportunity.

Our mission is to recognize, appreciate, value and utilize the unique talents and contributions of all individuals. To create an environment where all team members, because of their differences, can reach their highest potential.

We take pride in our team members and our team members take pride in Domino's Pizza! Being the best pizza delivery company in the world requires exceptional team members working together. At Domino's Pizza, our people come first!

Operate all equipment. Stock ingredients from delivery area to storage, work area, walk-in cooler. Prepare product. Receive and process telephone orders. Take inventory and complete associated paperwork. Clean equipment and facility approximately daily. Training Orientation and training provided on the job. Communication Skills Ability to comprehend and give correct written instructions. Ability to communicate verbally with customers and co-workers to process orders both over the phone and in person. Essential Functions/SkillsAbility to add, subtract, multiply, and divide accurately and quickly (may use calculator). Must be able to make correct monetary change. Verbal, writing, and telephone skills to take and process orders. Motor coordination between eyes and hands/fingers to rapidly and accurately make precise movements with speed. Ability to enter orders using a computer keyboard or touch screen. Navigational skills to read a map, locate addresses within designated delivery area. Must navigate adverse terrain including multi-story buildings, private homes, and other delivery sites while carrying product.

Exposure to varying and sometimes adverse weather conditions when removing trash and performing other outside tasks. In-store temperatures range from 36 degrees in cooler to 90 degrees and above in some work areas. Sudden changes in temperature in work area and while outside. Fumes from food odors. Exposure to cornmeal dust. Cramped quarters including walk-in cooler. Hot surfaces/tools from oven up to 500 degrees or higher. Sharp edges and moving mechanical parts. Varying and sometimes adverse weather conditions when delivering product, driving and couponing. And with others, work under stress, meet strict quality control standards, deal with people, analyze and compile data, make judgments and decisions.

Bring your energy to the role of American Airlines Ramp Agent to perform daily responsibilities with dedication.

Provide excellent interactions with customers and colleagues.

Stay adaptable in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

Perks include competitive pay, flexible schedules, hands-on training, a collaborative workplace, and room for career growth.

As a Sales Associate, you will be responsible for delivering the Tillys Experience to our Customers.

Are you a \"people person\" who has a talent for making friends with perfect strangers? Do you have a love for shopping and the Tillys lifestyle? Are you ready to combine those traits to create a unique and engaging Customer Experience in a sales-focused environment? Then we want to hear from you!

Part-Time Employees: We offer a 401k plan as your financial security is our priority.

Employee Discounts: Shop to your heart's content with exclusive discounts in-store.

Enjoy the latest fashion and gear without breaking the bank.

Discounts Galore: Have fun without breaking the bank.

Our discount programs offer discounts on various attractions, travel, and events
- opening a world of adventures for you.

Sick Time/Overtime: Employees will earn sick and overtime as applicable.

• Small business, close culture
• Medical/Dental/Vision
• 401K match
• PTO and paid holidays
• Room to grow and be groomed into the CFO role

Customs and Border Protection Officer (CBPO) NEW RECRUITMENT INCENTIVES! U.S.

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) offers those interested in a career in law enforcement an exceptional opportunity to work with an elite team of highly trained professionals whose camaraderie, pride, and purpose are hallmarks of their daily mission of protecting America.

You will be part of the Department of Homeland Security workforce, protecting American interests and securing our nation.

If you are looking for a rewarding career with great pay, benefits, and job stability, now is the time to make your move.

DON'T FORGET TO CHECK OUT THE INCENTIVES – SEE SALARY SECTION BELOW As a Customs and Border Protection Officer (CBPO) , you will be part of our 60,000 workforce that strives to protect the American people by safeguarding our borders, deterring illicit activity, and enhancing the nation's economic prosperity.

Being a CBPO makes you a valuable member of the Federal Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) profession.

Typical assignments include: Enforcing customs, immigration, and agriculture laws and regulations.

Facilitating the flow of legitimate trade and travel.

Conducting inspections of individuals and conveyances.

Determining the admissibility of individuals for entry into the United States.

Preventing the illegal entry of individuals and prohibited goods and the smuggling of illegal drugs and other contraband.

Duty Locations – Incentives available for some locations You will be asked to provide your preference for one of the following mission-critical locations: Anchorage, AK; Douglas, Lukeville, Nogales and San Luis, AZ; Calexico, Otay Mesa, San Francisco, San Ysidro, and Tecate, CA; Washington, D.C.; Key West, Miami, and Orlando FL; Honolulu, HI; Chicago, IL; Calais, Eastport, Houlton, Jackman, Madawaska, Van Buren, and Vanceboro, ME; Detroit, Port Huron, and Sault Ste Marie, MI; Grand Portage and International Falls, MN; Raymond, Roosville, Sweetgrass, and Wild Horse, MT; Columbus and Santa Teresa, NM; Alexandria Bay, Champlain, Massena, Trout River, and Buffalo NY; Dunseith, Pembina, and Portal, ND; Brownsville, Dallas, Del Rio, El Paso, Hidalgo, Laredo, Presidio, Progreso and Houston, TX; Beecher Falls, Derby Line, Highgate Springs, Norton, and Richford, VT; Blaine, Oroville, and Sumas, WA.

The preference locations listed above are expected to have vacancies available in the future, however, if the duty locations do not have vacancies at the time of your final offer, you may be offered a duty location in another geographic location within the United States.

Locations offered are based on operational and mission requirements and critical agency hiring needs for entry-level CBPOs as determined by the CBP Office of Field Operations (OFO).

Salary – and Duty Location Recruitment Incentives – and Benefits Recruitment Incentive Newly appointed Customs and Border Protection Officers (as defined in 5 CFR 575.102 ) will be offered up to a $15,000 incentive per year, for a three-year service contract, in the following locations: Arizona: Douglas, Lukeville, Nogales, San Luis California: Calexico Hawaii: Honolulu Maine: Calais, Eastport, Houlton, Jackman, Madawaska, Van Buren, Vanceboro Michigan: Detroit, Port Huron, Sault Sainte Marie Minnesota: Grand Portage, International Falls Montana: Raymond, Sweetgrass New York: Alexandria Bay, Champlain, Massena, Trout River North Dakota: Dunseith, Portal Vermont: Beecher Falls, Derby Line, Highgate Springs, Norton, Richford Washington: Blaine, Oroville Recruitment Incentive Newly appointed Customs and Border Protection Officers (as defined in 5 CFR 575.102 ) will be offered up to a $15,000 incentive per year, for a four-year service contract, in the following locations: California: Otay Mesa, San Francisco, San Ysidro, Tecate Florida: Key West North Dakota: Pembina Annual Base Salary for newly appointed CBPOs varies as follows: GS-5 and GS-7 $40,332
- $109,952 per year Locality pay varies by duty location.

Note: A fully trained CBPO is eligible for up to $45,000 in overtime pay in addition to the starting salary.

Grade level eligibility and salaries vary depending upon background, including experience and education, and duty location of the opportunity.

This is a career ladder position with a grade level progression of GS-5, GS-7, GS-9, GS-11, and GS-12.

You will be eligible for a promotion to the next higher grade level (without re-applying) once you successfully complete 52 weeks in each grade level.

Promotions are at the discretion of the agency.

Officers are eligible to select from an array of federal employment benefits that include health, dental and other insurance plans, a generous annual and sick leave program, and participation in the Thrift Savings Plan, a retirement plan akin to a traditional and ROTH 401(k) offering.

Qualifications: You qualify for the GS-5 grade level if you possess one of the following: Experience: A minimum of three (3) years full-time general work experience that demonstrates the ability to meet and deal with people and the ability to learn and be able to apply a body of facts; OR Education Substitution: A bachelor's degree or successful completion of a full four (4)-year course of study in any field leading to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; OR Combination of Experience and Education: A combination of successfully completed college education AND general work experience.

This will be calculated using your resume and official or unofficial college transcripts submitted with your application.

You qualify for the GS-7 grade level if you possess one of the following: Experience: A minimum of one (1) year of specialized full-time work experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level that includes: Performing physical inspections of people, documents or goods for criminal activity, fraud, and/or illegal operations.

Utilizing observational techniques, evaluating facts, and reviewing documentation while applying Federal, State, or local laws and regulations.

Making determinations in compliance with laws and regulations that may lead to arrests, seizure of property, fines, and/or penalties based on findings.

OR for the GS-7 grade level: Education Substitution: A bachelor's degree with Superior Academic Achievement based on (1) class standing, (2) grade-point average (3.0 or higher), or (3) honor society membership; OR one (1) full year of graduate-level education.

This education must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work; OR Combination of Experience and Education: A combination of specialized work experience equivalent to the next lower grade level AND graduate level education from an accredited college or university.

This will be calculated using your resume and official or unofficial transcripts submitted with your application.

If you have previous or current law enforcement or military law enforcement experience , you may qualify at the GS-9 grade level.

See the GS-9 Job Opportunity Announcement (JOAs) at USAJOBS, the federal government's official employment site to determine if you qualify.

Other Requirements: Citizenship : You must be a U.S.

Citizen to apply for this position.

Residency : You must have had primary U.S.

residency (includes protectorates as declared under international law) for at least three (3) of the last five (5) years.

Age Restriction : In accordance with Public Law 100-238, this position is covered under law enforcement retirement provisions.

Candidates must be referred for selection to the Customs and Border Protection Officer position before reaching their 40th birthday in accordance with Department of Homeland Security Directive 251-03.

The age restriction may not apply if you are currently serving or have previously served in a federal civilian law enforcement (non-military) position covered by Title 5 U.S.C.

8336(c) or Title 5 U.S.C.

8412(d).

Veterans' Preference : You may also be eligible for an excepted service Veterans Recruitment Appointment (VRA).

The age restriction does not apply if you are Veterans' Preference eligible.

Formal Training : You will be required to complete a paid pre-academy orientation for approximately two (2) weeks at your home port.

You will then attend a 101-day training program – CBP Field Operations Academy – conducted at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) located in Glynco, GA.

This training consists of basic law enforcement skills, immigration laws, firearms training, examination of cargo/bags/merchandise, physical fitness, etc.

Candidates assigned to the southern border, Miami, or Puerto Rico duty locations must attend and pass an online Spanish training program, which will be completed at their home port.

Successful completion of the Academy is required for this position .

How to Apply: Click the Apply button on this site.

You will be linked to the CBP Talent Network page.

For Position of Interest , select Customs and Border Protection Officer.

You'll then receive a link(s) to the CBPO JOA(s) on USAJOBS to complete your application.

Be certain to review ALL details of the job opportunity announcement and follow all instructions in the application process, including items (resume, transcripts, etc.) to submit.

You will be evaluated based on your resume, supporting documents, and the CBPO Entrance Exam.

As a subscriber to the CBP Talent Network, you'll receive monthly emails with information about webinars, career expos, and future opportunities with OFO and CBP.

Do you want to become a surrogate? We are now offering a sign on bonus to all qualified and matched surrogates that sign contracts. The first step is to fill out our surrogate application. A fertility specialist will contact you to continue the process. For intended parents interested in surrogacy to start or grow their families please contact us today. The surrogacy process is complex, but we will be with you every step of the way. Call today to get started.

Women who may have the ability to produce eggs but are unable to use their uterus or do not have a uterus, may consider a surrogate. A donated egg may also be used with the surrogate in the event a woman cannot produce her own eggs or her uterus is not intact or insufficient to carry a pregnancy. In either case, the husband's sperm, if viable, may be used.

Using an egg donor unrelated to the surrogate carrier eliminates any biological tie. The egg of the surrogate is never used as part of the assisted reproduction process, so that a surrogate is never in the position of delivering her own biological child.

The basic requirements of a woman to serve as a surrogate are:

• Emotionally stable
• Responsible
• In good physical health
• Non-smoker
• Has had at least one successful pregnancy
• Is capable of carrying a child to full term

A woman is not required to fall within a particular age range to serve as a surrogate, but most intended parents prefer a surrogate under the age of 40. For more information on surrogacy please see the documents on the left side of this page.

In Texas, there is a judicial process for validating the Gestational Contract (the contract between the intended parents and the surrogate). Included within the various requirements for having a Gestational Contract validated by a Texas court is that the intended parents must be married and the surrogate must have previously carried a child to term. Additionally, there are residency requirements that apply to either the surrogate or the intended parents, but not both.

Compensation for a surrogate services generally starts in the range of $35,000 - $40,000, for base compensation with over all fees up to 70k, in many cases. The amount of compensation is dependent upon a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, whether the surrogate carries twins, what procedures a surrogate is required to undergo and whether the delivery is vaginally or by cesarean section.

Why USAA?

At USAA, our mission is to empower our members to achieve financial security through highly competitive products, exceptional service and trusted advice. We seek to be the #1 choice for the military community and their families.

Embrace a fulfilling career at USAA, where our core values – honesty, integrity, loyalty and service – define how we treat each other and our members. Be part of what truly makes us special and impactful.

The Opportunity

We are looking for a SIU Investigator (mid-level). This is a Desk position . Within defined guidelines and framework, protects USAA and our members from potential fraudulent claims by investigating questionable, suspect claims activity in compliance with state insurance fraud-related laws and regulations and policies and procedures. The selected candidate will have a strong multi-line SIU investigation background.

This position is remote eligible. However, you must currently live in California .

What you'll do:

• Applies knowledge and understanding of fraud schemes and investigation strategies on any questionable or suspect first or third part claims.

• Participates in the development of fraud prevention strategies.

• Applies knowledge of P&C insurance industry products, services, and processes in investigating claims to include P&C insurance policy contracts, coverages and internal claims handling process and procedures.

• Applies knowledge of state laws and regulations pertaining to insurance fraud in investigating claims.

• Collects evidence of potential fraud through field or remote interviews and thorough searches of investigative databases, internal resources, Internet resources, public records, and forensic tools.

• Makes recommendations within defined authority guidelines.

• Prepares and presents detailed and comprehensive verbal and written investigative reports summarizing the results of the investigation and recommended outcome.

• Develops and maintains external relationships with industry, law enforcement and other contacts involved in fraud investigation, detection, and prevention.

• May serve as a resource team member on specific matters through demonstrated skill or training.

• Assists with the delivery of fraud awareness training initiatives in a defined environment.

• Handles CAT duty responsibilities as business requires.

• Ensures risks associated with business activities are effectively identified, measured, monitored, and controlled in accordance with risk and compliance policies and procedures.

• Minimum High School Diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (GED).

• 2+ years claims adjusting experience, or P&C SIU/Fraud Investigation experience OR 4+ years prior investigative law enforcement (to include military) or relevant fraud industry investigation experience.

• Proven investigatory skills.

• Experience obtaining statements from various parties to incidents, witnesses, and suspects.

• Ability to gather broad range of evidence and draw conclusions based on the objective details related to the applicability of fraud.

• Demonstrated ability to organize and prioritize workload, performing multiple tasks and devising solutions to problems.

• Familiarity with using computers and various software packages to enter and extract data for analysis from relevant data sources and systems.

• Knowledge of city, state and local regulations, legal concepts, understanding of contracts, case law, medical treatment, and medical terminology.

• SIU experience conducting low to complex P&C fraud investigations OR a combination of Claims and Law Enforcement Investigations OR Military Investigative experience.

• Strong multi-line SIU experience

•  Designations such as CFE, CIFI, SCLA, ACLS, FCLS, LPCS, AIC, CPCU, CCLS, or other.

• US military experience through military service or a military spouse/domestic partner

Compensation range: The annualized range for this position is: $77,120 - $147,390. However, this is an hourly position.

Compensation: USAA has an effective process for assessing market data and establishing ranges to ensure we remain competitive. You are paid within the salary range based on your experience and market data of the position. The actual salary for this role may vary by location.

Employees may be eligible for pay incentives based on overall corporate and individual performance and at the discretion of the USAA Board of Directors.

The above description reflects the details considered necessary to describe the principal functions of the job and should not be construed as a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be performed in the job.

Benefits: At USAA our employees enjoy best-in-class benefits to support their physical, financial, and emotional wellness. These benefits include comprehensive medical, dental and vision plans, 401(k), pension, life insurance, parental benefits, adoption assistance, paid time off program with paid holidays plus 16 paid volunteer hours, and various wellness programs. Additionally, our career path planning and continuing education assists employees with their professional goals.

For more details on our outstanding benefits, visit our benefits page on

Applications for this position are accepted on an ongoing basis, this posting will remain open until the position is filled. Thus, interested candidates are encouraged to apply the same day they view this posting.

USAA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.