Assistant County Veterans Service Officer / Veterans Benefit Specialist

Becoming a member of our growing team also means that YOU become our top priority. You will not only enjoy a dynamic work environment but a variety of perks including but not limited to the following:

• Generous benefits package and access to our free InHealth Clinic
• Time off: 15 vacation days, sick time and 10 paid holidays
• Other perks: Referral program, Wisconsin Retirement System, education discount and more!

• Responsible for daily operations of the office and serves as the receptionist maintaining daily activities log, answering telephone inquiries and composing correspondence in relation to those inquiries.
• Investigate eligibility for various state and federal benefits.
• Inventory office supplies and request procurement.
• Update the State database with deceased veteran information.
• Assist with obtaining military honors and grave markers.
• Conduct assessments to determine the most appropriate resources for veterans, dependents, and survivors and coordinates with federal and state agencies to ensure services are provided.
• File claims for disability and other benefits to the Department of Veterans Affairs and Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs.
• Advise veterans on available benefits and assists with claim preparation, including research and documentation of medical and service-related evidence.
• Provide counseling and guidance on various issues, including appeals, financial assistance, education programs, medical services, housing, and employment.
• Create digital files for veterans returning from active duty or relocating to the county.
• Assist in the coordination of Memorial Day flag distribution, grave registration, and veterans' memorial records.
• Represent clients in their appeals to the Department of Veterans Affairs.
• Assist veterans and dependents in obtaining necessary documents such as discharge papers, birth certificates, marriage licenses, and death certificates for benefits processing.
• Promote awareness of veterans' issues through outreach and education initiatives.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
  

• Knowledge of veterans’ assistance programs, including federal, state, and local statutes and regulations.
• Ability to advocate on behalf of veterans and their families.
• Ability to understand, interpret, and explain eligibility criteria and guidelines relating to benefits.
• Ability to communicate effectively with professionals and consumers.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain professional accreditation to represent Sheboygan County claimants with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to provide effective counseling and advocacy.
• Ability to read, interpret, apply, and explain eligibility criteria and regulation relating to benefits.
• Ability to work independently and use good judgment in stressful situations.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and have access to an insured and reliable vehicle for work related travel.
• Thorough knowledge of federal, state and local veteran benefits.
• Strong organizational, communication, and public speaking skills.
• Ability to complete tasks independently and to work closely with others.
• Ability to protect and practice discretion with confidential information.
• Organizational skills for managing heavy workloads
• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Minimum of 3 years experience working with federal veteran benefits preferred. A degree in Public Administration, Social Work, or a related field is a plus.
  

• This position reports directly to the Director of Veterans Services. This position does not directly supervise other employees. This position has frequent contact with co-workers, consumers, members of the public, and representatives of other agencies/departments.
  

• Work is performed in a standard office setting, and with some work in a variety of settings in the community. The ability to travel is required. Ability to lift up to 20 pounds and a combination of sitting and standing postures may be required. Ability to regularly work 8-hour days and 40-hour weeks is required.
• Must be able to operate standard office equipment including telephone, computer, calculator, printer and photocopier.
• Risk of blood-borne pathogen exposure is considered low.
  

Salary : $22 - $28