What are the responsibilities and job description for the Veterans Services Officer position at Brown County?
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.
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.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:
Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or Public Administration or related field from an accredited college or university and have four to five years progressive managerial and supervisory experience in public service (County, State or Federal) that demonstrates service to veterans, or any equivalent combination of education, experience, and training. Must have served a minimum of 90 days active duty during a war time period or two years peacetime.
LICENSE AND CERTIFICATIONS:
Must complete accreditation training and successfully passed exam with WDVA or NACVSO within 1 year of start date and maintain accreditation by attending WISCVSO association training conferences or national CVSO training conferences.
Must complete Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs new CVSO training within 1 year of start date.
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.
Intermittent standing, walking and sitting.
Occasional bending, twisting, squatting, climbing, reaching and grappling.
Communicating orally in a clear manner.
Distinguishing sounds at various frequencies and volumes.
Lifting 20 pounds maximum with occasional lifting/carrying objects weighing up to 10 pounds.
Distinguishing people or objects at varied distances under a variety of light conditions.
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.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:
Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or Public Administration or related field from an accredited college or university and have four to five years progressive managerial and supervisory experience in public service (County, State or Federal) that demonstrates service to veterans, or any equivalent combination of education, experience, and training. Must have served a minimum of 90 days active duty during a war time period or two years peacetime.
LICENSE AND CERTIFICATIONS:
Must complete accreditation training and successfully passed exam with WDVA or NACVSO within 1 year of start date and maintain accreditation by attending WISCVSO association training conferences or national CVSO training conferences.
Must complete Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs new CVSO training within 1 year of start date.
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.
Intermittent standing, walking and sitting.
Occasional bending, twisting, squatting, climbing, reaching and grappling.
Communicating orally in a clear manner.
Distinguishing sounds at various frequencies and volumes.
Lifting 20 pounds maximum with occasional lifting/carrying objects weighing up to 10 pounds.
Distinguishing people or objects at varied distances under a variety of light conditions.