The Veterans Service Officer is appointed by the County Board of Commissioners and reports to the County Administrator. The VSO is responsible for the administration, planning, coordination and management of the overall operations, programs, activities, and services to veterans. Provides direct assistance to veterans and their dependents by providing counseling with respect to benefits available, and ensures eligible parties receive benefits for which entitlement exists, at County, State and Federal levels. Supervises division staff.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Prepares, presents and monitors the annual budget including annual grants and approves expenditures.

Monitors and documents federal and state funding received by county veterans or families.

Provides oversight and direction for Veterans Transportation Program and volunteer drivers.

Interviews veterans and dependents to determine and assess needs. Advise veterans, dependents and survivors on benefit programs provided by the state and federal governments. Initiates, develop, compile evidence and submits benefit claims to the Veterans Administration, and defends the client at proceedings.

Monitors claim submissions and intervene to resolve deficiencies in claims or expedite processing.

Verify accurate payment of benefit awards, to include but not limited to, investigation and resolution of VA benefit issues.

Supervise and provide work direction to Deputy VSO and support staff including: recommending recruitment and selection, training and mentoring, assignment of work, evaluating performance, development of coaching or performance improvement plans, and addressing any productivity, corrective, or disciplinary issues.

Provides guidance to veterans on chemical dependency, mental health, PTSD, and other issues related to available benefits, services and programs and makes referrals, arranges for transportation, medical benefits, etc.

Develops methods of outreach for the Veterans Service office including field work to provide services at regional sites. Prepares information on services and programs and presents at community and county veterans’ organizations.

Researches and prepares Veterans case records, social histories and documentation.

Ensures compliance with Data Practices Act, HIPAA, and other legal requirements.

Maintains records of grant, special aid programs, and reports for the State of Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs.

Maintains and enhances current knowledge of county, state, and federal statutes, rules, regulations, and policies regarding veterans’ programs. Interpret and applies these to the office’s operations.

Act as a representative for veterans in meetings and seminars with the federal and state Veterans agencies.

Maintains contact with and provides information to local media and prepares news releases.

Proactively monitors and participates in intergovernmental and inter-divisional committees, boards, focus groups and task forces.

Obtains and maintains certification requirements to access and utilize US Department of Veterans Affairs “Intranet” programs & services.

Minimum Qualifications

Two years of post-secondary education; AND

Four years of related work experience, such as serving Veterans and their families in benefit administration.

An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Valid Minnesota driver’s license or evidence of equivalent mobility required.

Must maintain State of Minnesota County Veterans Service Officer (CVSO) certification annually as required by Minnesota Statute 197.605.

Supplemental Information

Work is normally performed in an office environment and may require travel to off-site locations with the possibility of evening and weekend events and trainings.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

Considerable knowledge of Federal and State laws, programs, regulations and rulings pertaining to Veterans services and benefits.

Considerable knowledge of federal, state and local veteran specific programs, benefits and resources.

Knowledge of military, medical and VA terminology, processes, rules, regulations, and procedures.

Knowledge of local government organization and departmental operating requirements and procedures.

Ability to use software including Microsoft Office, Outlook and other specialized software packages.

Verbal and written communication skills sufficient to effectively present information and respond to questions from a wide variety of audiences.

Ability to read understand and interpret medical, legal and technical documents, statutes and regulations;

Interpersonal communication skills sufficient to exchange information, persuade others, resolve conflicts, give and receive work direction, and maintain effective working relationships.

Ability to effectively organize, direct, and supervise the work of others.

Ability to use considerable analytical ability to evaluate data and interpret guidelines, policies and procedures.

Ability to handle a variety of assignments and problems independently and simultaneously.

Ability to establish and carry out goals, policies, and procedures for the Department.

Sherburne County offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Medical (employee, employee spouse, employee child(ren), or family coverage). Monthly premiums for Employee only coverage are covered 100% by the county.
  • County Contributions to VEBA and HSA plans
• Employer paid $25,000 Term Life Policy
• Optional Benefits:
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Additional Supplemental Life Insurance for self, spouse and child(ren)
  • Short-Term Disability
  • Long-Term Disability
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (Health Care Reimbursement and/or Dependent Care Reimbursement Account)
  • Accident Insurance
  • Critical Illness Insurance
  • Hospital Care Insurance
  • Deferred Compensation Plan
• Annual Paid Time Off accrual of 21 days to start, increasing up to a maximum of 33 days per year.
• 12 paid holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• On-Site Well@Work Clinic available to Sherburne County Employees and Dependents covered under our plan.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Public Employees Retirement (PERA):