Veterans Services Officer

JOB REQUIREMENTS: Directs and manages the Veterans Service Office and

staff to ensure that veterans, their dependents and surviving spouses

receive the information and assistance they need in applying for the

County, State VA and Federal VA benefits, programs and services they may

be entitled to as a result of their military service. Essential Duties

Plans, directs, administers and monitors the day-to-day operations of

the Veterans Service Office with the focus of high quality customer

service. Hires, supervises, plans, coordinates and assigns the duties

and responsibilities of three full time staff and two part time staff.

Develops their potential to ensure that office goals and objectives are

met. Plans the annual office budget and controls expenses for the

department; maintains cost control measures and seeks cost savings ideas

to ensure compliance with approved budget and policy. Develops,

communicates and monitors policies, procedures, and standards for the

department; conducts regular staff meetings to review activities,

progress, accomplishments, budget, strategies and plans for the

department and ensures quality standards and compliance with regulations

are maintained. Supports the \"lean concept\" in Brown County government

and engages the staff to use kaizan events to achieve productivity

improvements. Develops and maintains office safety and security

standards and communicates to staff; works with appropriate Brown County

staff to implement necessary improvements. Advises veterans, their

dependents and surviving spouses of the benefits, programs and services

available as a result of their military services from the County, State

VA and Federal VA; helps to establish eligibility as required and

assists with the proper completion of forms and documents to send to the

applicable department with the best opportunity for success. Explains to

and assists veterans and surviving spouses with appeal options when they

do not agree with a State or Federal VA decision. Helps to develop the

appeal or waiver case for a favorable outcome. Serves as a liaison with

County, State and Federal agencies and legislators and educational

institutions of higher learning to advocate for veterans, dependents and

surviving spouses for improvements in VA services, programs and

benefits. Refers clients to other agencies who may best assist in

meeting other needs (Job Center, ADRC, Human Services, Salvation Army,

St.Vincent de Paul, Vets Center, etc.). Keeps the County Executive

updated on issues, concerns, successes and new developments regarding

office activity. Maintains and upgrades professional knowledge, skills

and development of self and staff by attending workshops, meetings

(NEACVSO and WISCVSO), and training at the County, State and Federal

levels, especially those provided on State and Federal VA benefits and

programs. Develops communication tools to best apprise veterans of VA

benefits and services available-web-site, newsletter, news releases and

correspondence. Screens for eligibility and provides emergency

assistance to veterans, dependents and surviving spouses in the areas of

rental assistance, food, utility bills, transportation, and

medical/dental through the Veterans\' emergency fund. Serves as the

secretary for the \"Veterans\' Service Commission\" and provides

recommendations and reports at their scheduled meetings to ensure proper

use of budgeted dollars for this program. Assists \"homeless veterans\"

with possible solutions to their condition utilizing community and State

and Federal VA resources. Develops and maintains a program for \"aging

and disabled veterans\" in coordination with the Brown County Aging and

Disability Resource Center to ensure those clients receive the best

services available. Serves as an advisor to the Brown County \"Veterans

Recognition Committee\" and provides on-going administrative support to

their programs and efforts to assure that Brown County veterans receive

the recognition they deserve, such as military appreciation day at the

Brown County fair and the Certificates of Recognition program. Serves as

a member of the 5 person steering committees for the \"Veterans

Treatment Court Program\" and provides active support and participation

to ensure success. Develops and maintains an outreach program to

assisted-living facilities, CBRF\'s and nursing homes within Brown

County to provide information and assistance to veterans and surviving

spouses on VA pension with aid and attendance, which results in

improving their financial well-being. Schedules home visits to veterans

and surviving spouses unable to travel to the Veterans Office to inform

and assist them in applying for State and Federal VA programs and

benefits. Represents and promotes the Veterans Service Office and County

at various functions, such as making speeches and meeting with

veterans\' organizations, community agencies and civic and business

organizations. Other duties as assigned by the County Executive.

\*\*\*\*\* OTHER EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS: Knowledge of current

State and Federal statutes and regulations relating to benefits for

veterans, dependents and widows/widowers, i.e. Chapter 45 (Wis.

statutes) and 38 CFR (Federal). Knowledge of community resources and

programs that provide supportive services to veterans. Knowledge of

principles and practices of public administration. Knowledge of the

State VA and Federal VA application and claims process for successful

client results. Knowledge of County budgetary process. Knowledge of

County administrative policies. Knowledge of sound interview techniques

and assessment counseling. Strong and effective communication skills,

both oral and written. Ability to manage staff to achieve teamwork and

effectiveness. Ability to establish and maintain a positive relationship

with area veterans\' organizations, agencies and community groups.

\*\*\*\*\* APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: Apply Online:

https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/browncounty