Veterans Service Officer, $63,481 |
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The successful candidate will join our dedicated team supporting people by serving as an advocate and counselor, working directly with veterans and also helping them connect with other state, county, or local services that meet their needs.
This position serves as a department head, reporting to the county administrator. The role delivers services, reports, and information as described in Chapter 45, Wisconsin Statutes.
Qualifications: Degree in human/social/community service, administration preferred, or any combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills, and abilities. U.S. military service as defined in Wisconsin Statutes §45.35 is required, along with a valid Wisconsin driver’s license. Must obtain Veterans Administration Accreditation and Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card from the VA within one year of hire.
Determine basic eligibility for, educate, and assist veterans as well as their spouses and dependents in securing all possible entitlements and benefits for which they are eligible. This position serves as an advocate and counselor in providing referrals to other state, county, or local services to claimants who needs such assistance. This position provides services, reports, and information as directed in Chapter 45, Wisconsin Statutes and performs all the tasks and duties of a Kewaunee County department head.
DIRECT SERVICES
The Veteran Service Officer must:
Function as educator, advisor, and advocate for veterans, their dependents, their survivors and community as a whole. Weigh general eligibility standards to determine what benefits claimants are currently eligible for, keeping in mind income or regulations may expand their entitlements.
Assist claimants in the completion of all necessary forms and guidance in the application for benefits from federal Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA). This may require assisting in the procurement of other vital records, military unit history research, efforts to locate veterans they served with, and gather all supporting evidence needed for their claims. Conduct visits to veterans and their dependents who are housebound or residing in local residential facilities as needed.
Attend and complete all classroom and online training required by the WDVA and the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers (NACVSO) to achieve accreditation(s) with various Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) in order to act as their authorized claims agent. This training is required to apply for and obtain a Personal Identification Verification (PIV) card required for access to the electronic claims systems within VA.
Be fully versed in the regulations and laws regarding the preparation of all claims and appeals forms/evidence through attendance of annual classroom and online course required to maintain accreditation and PIV authority. Attendance at these training sessions will also allow you to remain current various financial assistance, educational assistance, medical needs, alcohol and other drug abuse programs, alternative housing programs, vocational assistance, and mortuary affairs.
Make referrals to other State/County agencies or local programs and non-profits when the state and federal VA or WDVA programs do not meet the needs of the claimant or family member. Serve as liaison and coordinator with other agencies as appropriate for the relief of claimants, as authorized as necessary within the scope of obtaining life enhancing benefits identified, or in an effort to prevent fraud.
PUBLIC RELATIONS
Establish and maintain an ongoing relationship with all veteran organizations within the service area.
Ensure a wide dissemination of pertinent information to all veterans and the public by use of all media on a timely basis. Conducting periodic informational seminars at both veteran and non-veteran gatherings of service providers to veterans and their families.
Assist in organizing and/or participating in significant veteran and community activities in the county (i.e. Memorial Day, Veterans Day, County Fair, Senior Benefits Awareness Fair, etc.).
Establish and maintain a positive working relationship with the County Board and committees thereof.
Maintain a positive working relationship with Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs, VA Regional Office and VA Medical Centers staff to ensure a strong advocacy position for represented veterans.
As time permits, participate in regional public information and outreach events, supporting CVSOs within the northeast region of the state.
These opportunities provide perspective and consultation on matters of veterans and veterans issues, while educating all community members.
ADMINISTRATION
Serve as the Department Head of the County Veterans Service Office and perform duties as prescribed in Wisconsin Statutes, Chapter 45.
Establish and/or implement policies and procedures for the effective management of the Veterans Service Office.
Plan, develop, and administer the annual budget to ensure that effective services are provided to veterans while serving as a steward of public funds.
Establish contacts and serve as liaison to other veteran agencies, outside agencies and veterans organizations to provide information and/or assistance as needed.
Participate in professional associations such as County Veterans Service Officer Association of Wisconsin (CVSOA-WI) and Northeast Regional Chapter of CVSOA-WI and National County Veterans Service Officer Association to promote an ongoing awareness of veterans’ needs and identify potential solutions through the knowledge and experiences of membership.
Report on a timely basis to the County Board and/or the appropriate liaison committee or county administrator regarding the functions, activities and productivity of the Veterans Service Office.
EDUCATION
High school diploma or equivalent. Postsecondary degree in human/social/community service, administration preferred or any combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills, and abilities.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and access to transportation suitable to complete necessary work outside of the office.
Possess VA accreditation with the National Association of County Veteran Service Officers, or obtain accreditation within one year of employment.
U.S. military service as defined in Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 45.35 required.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Tasks performed are inside and protected from the weather about 75% of the time. Most work is completed in a sedentary position and in a normal office setting. While performing the duties of this job one may be required to sit for a period of up to 2 hours. The employee must be able to receive and enter information using a standard computer operating system. The employee is required to stand, walk, use hands and fingers, feel, push, pull, reach with arms, hands above and below shoulders, stoop, kneel, crouch and crawl. The employee may occasionally lift or move up to 25 pounds. Functions include travel to and ability to access homes, schools, hospitals, conference centers for training and other offices.
The physical demands described here are generally representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable an individual with a disability to perform the essential functions while performing the duties of this job.