Veterans Service Officer

Directs local administration of federal and state Veterans’ Service programs for persons who served in the U.S. armed forces and their dependents or survivors as provided by Wis. Stats Chapter 45. Informs, advises and assists veterans in securing entitlements and benefits; serves as advocate and counselor in providing referral and follow-up services; serves as a liaison between veterans and the State and Federal Departments of Veterans Affairs, agencies in the branches of the armed forces and all other agencies for which military service or veteran status is or becomes a factor.

• Investigates the eligibility of veterans, dependents and/or survivors for various state and federal benefits and functions as their advocate to acquire them.
• Conduct accurate, objective and timely assessment to determine the most appropriate agency to best meet the veterans need and cooperate with those federal and state agencies to ensure claimants’ needs are met.
• Advises veterans of benefits to which they may be entitled and assists in the preparation of those claims including researching for evidence of diagnoses and nexus to military service and writing claims based on that evidence.
• Counsels, advises, and aids claimants on a variety of issues or problems including but not limited to appeals, financial assistance, educational programs, medical needs, alcohol and other drug abuse, shelter, vocational adjustment and mortuary affairs.
• Establish and/or implement objectives, plans, policy and procedure to promote an efficient and effective department in conjunction with WI State Statute Chapter 45 and county policies and procedures. Evaluate the overall department
  performance in relation to goals and objectives.
• Serves as the Executive Secretary of the County Veterans Service Commission in accordance with Wis. Stats Chapter 45. Makes or directs all necessary investigations by using Veterans financial, social, medical, and/or psychological background to determine eligibility for aid.
• Develops and maintains the department internal policies and procedures relating to training, budget/grant funding, programs, records, reports, and liaison with
  other agencies to provide information and/or assistance as needed.
• Maintains and coordinates communication between federal and state departments of Veterans’ Affairs, as well as the County Administrator and County Board. Promote positive public awareness of veterans and veterans’ issues to inform and educate.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Must be a veteran as prescribed in Wis. Stats Chapter 45.
• Knowledge about the principles and philosophy regarding veterans’ assistance programs. Must acquire and maintain professional accreditation to represent Sheboygan County claimants with the US department of Veterans Affairs.
• Must have a thorough knowledge of federal, state and local veterans’ assistance statutes and regulations and must be able to understand and interpret those laws and regulations.
• Ability to read, analyze, research and interpret complex provisions and laws for individual case use. Exercise good judgment in that evaluation to establish the facts and draw conclusions to assist Veterans and their families.
• Ability to deal successfully with people, provide counseling and assistance to veterans and claimants directly or through referral in adjusting to changes in their life situation. Education/training or experience in counseling techniques and principles of counseling for problem resolution highly recommended.
• Ability to keep accurate and detailed records and to prepare clear, detailed reports. Accurately perform mathematical calculations including percentages and interpret basic statistical reports. Maintain confidentiality in all aspects of duties.
• Working experience in state and/or federal laws regarding veterans’ service programs; or equivalent combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and abilities are evident in order to carry out the essential functions of the position.
• Good organizational skills, oral and written communication skills as well as public speaking skills and knowledge of computer programs such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Unlimited access to a car, a valid driver’s license, and the ability to drive or arrange travel in and out-of-county, as needed.
• A bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Social Work or a related field is preferred. Two or more years’ experience working with Veteran’s is desirable.

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

• Reports directly to the County Administrator Director of the Veterans Service Office is responsible for the direct supervision of the Assistant Veterans Service Officer and Veterans Benefit Specialist.
• Oversees other individuals and volunteers directly associated with the office.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Work is sedentary performed primarily in a standard office setting. Ability to frequently 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. Duties may require travel to other locations in the county and/or state.
• Must be able to operate standard office equipment including but not limited to, telephone, computer, facsimile, calculator, printer, photocopier, scanner and microfilm/microfiche reader.
• Risk of blood borne pathogen exposure is considered low.

Salary : $66,368 - $89,611