The County Veterans Service Officer (CVSO) reports to the County Executive and is responsible for a variety of administrative, coordination, supervisory, planning and public relations functions relative to the on-going operations of the Veterans Services Department. The CVSO is the primary representative in matters pertaining to veterans’ affairs, including acting as liaison with the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs and United States Department of Veterans Affairs, as well as other national, state, and local social services agencies. This position provides service to the veteran and his or her family and serves as a liaison to various government agencies and acts as an advocate for the veteran. Duties include local responsibilities per Wis. Stats. 45.80.

The position is an appointed position per Wisconsin State Statutes 45.80 (1)(c) and 59.17 (2)(br).
What are some of the primary job duties? 

• Interviews uniform service members and veterans living in Portage County. May also interview dependents and advise them on veterans’ benefits programs to which they might be entitled, including but not limited to pension, compensation, insurance, home loans, hospitalization or out-patient care, rehabilitation-education, dental and burial grants.
• Advises Portage County Veterans regarding any complaint or problem arising out of their service and render to them and their dependents all possible assistance.
• Receives communications from veterans and their dependents and provides accurate information about veterans’ benefits available.
• Cooperates with federal and state agencies that serve or grant aids or benefits to former military personnel and their dependents.
• Investigates eligibility and prepares government forms to assist the veteran and/or his/her dependents to access veteran’s benefits.
• Assist veterans in the procurement of legal documents such as records of birth, military service, marriage, divorce and/or death.
• Research and gather supporting evidence, usually medical reports or police reports, to prepare veterans’ legal claims and various veterans or dependent claims.
• Prepare appeals and performs follow-up work for claims on behalf of claimants.
• Custodian of all veterans’ records in Portage County.

• Bachelor’s degree in public administration, social service, business or related field.
• At least three years administering veterans’ benefits preferred.
• Prior supervisory experience preferred.
• Within one year of employment, must obtain accreditation by the State of Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs or another recognized Veterans Service Organization to present and prosecute veterans’ claims before the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in accordance with Title 38, U.S. Code of Federal Regulations 14.629.
• Any combination of education and experience necessary to perform the essential functions of the position.

• Must have and maintain a valid Wisconsin driver’s license and have access to an insured vehicle.
• Must successfully pass a credit and background check.
• Shall be a Wisconsin resident who served on active duty under honorable conditions in the U.S. armed forces or in forces incorporated as part of the U.S. armed forces and who meets at least one of the conditions listed in Wis Stats. 45.01(12) (a) to (d) and at least one of the conditions listed in Wis Stats. 45.02 (2).

Portage County offers an AWESOME benefit package, which includes the following; 

• Vacation - available on day one!
• Health insurance- your choice of two health plans- (Health Savings Account associated with a High Deductible Health Plan with a County contribution or a PPO Co-pay plan)
  • Health insurance starting at $19.15 a paycheck!
• Wellness incentive plan offered with health insurance enrollment! Earn up to $600 per year!
• Flexible spending account
• Dental insurance
• State of Wisconsin Retirement Plan - County contribution of 6.9%!
• Paid holidays
• Paid sick leave
• Life insurance- premium paid by the County (must work a minimum of 30 hrs/wk)
• Long term disability insurance- premium paid by the County (must work a minimum of 30 hrs/wk)
• EAP (Employee Assistance Plan) - paid by the County
• 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan