The job duties of the Veterans Service Officer include but are not limited to plan, direct, and supervise Veterans Services for Rusk County; to assist military veterans and dependents in obtaining educational, disability compensation, veteran and widows pensions, medical, counseling, and other benefits and services; to determine eligibility and appropriate action to take to pursue these benefits; to develop new procedures and assign and monitor work that enhances the services provided by the department; and to provide responsive, courteous and efficient service to County residents and the general public. Employment and duties are governed by Wisconsin Statute Chapter 45 and US Code of Federal Regulation title 38. The duties described below are indicative of what the Veterans Service Officer might be asked to perform. This job description is to incorporate any county ordinances created for the position of Veterans Service Director. This is not an exhaustive list of job responsibilities and therefore other duties may be assigned:

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily and in a timely manner. The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all inclusive. Other duties may be required or assigned. Assist military service veterans and widows/dependents in obtaining education, disability, financial, medical, counseling and other available benefits and services. Counsel, advise and aid claimants regarding benefits. Refer to other agencies and services as necessary. Contact clients, interview, evaluate, counsel and select appropriate benefit programs. Assist clients in application, development and submission of claims and advocate for the client in obtaining successful claims. Provide supportive counseling to veterans experiencing a variety of psychosocial difficulties. Assess mental condition and make referrals to mental health providers as necessary. Transport veterans and/or dependents when necessary. Maintain knowledge of current veterans and survivor benefit and service programs. Review legislation, regulations and precedents impacting benefit claims and rights. Create outreach programs to inform veterans, their dependents and survivors of benefits that they are entitled to. Answer questions and provide information to the public over the phone and in person to various benefit programs and eligibility requirements. Educate others concerning veterans' benefits. Provide information and briefings to job service, halfway house, nursing homes and the elderly. Serve as an advocate for veterans in legislative actions and initiatives impaction veteran's benefits. Attend and participate in veteran's organization meetings. Write and distribute press releases. Prepare and give speeches and presentations. Supervise, direct and monitor the activities of department staff and personnel. Must complete Training, Responsibility, Involvement and Preparation of Claims (TRIP) Program within first year of hire. Must obtain Accredited Representation through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and maintain Continuing Educational Credits (CEU) annually Ability to pass a Federal background check. Maintain a valid driver's license.

Community Relations Functions:

Develop and conduct outreach programs. Provide information regarding benefits and Veterans' Service Department services and benefit program changes through press releases, electronic media and veterans' organizations. Write and distribute press releases. Make public speaking presentations as required and requested. Attend and participate in veteran organizations and senior citizen group meetings. Perform home visits to veterans who are housebound or hospitalized. Coordinate veteran activities with other county activities and outside groups. Serve on State and regional veteran-related groups, associations and organization. Attend appropriate workshops, seminars and conferences. Maintain Department Social Media Platform to keep veterans and the public informed of veteran related events and policies.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of the rules, regulations, guidelines and eligibility requirements and process for veteran entitlement programs and services. Knowledge of veteran service and community resources and organizations. Knowledge of legislative programs and initiatives that can impact veteran benefits, eligibility requirements, or application processes. Ability to organize work and develop work procedures with minimum supervision; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with County officials, County administrators County employees, and general public; ability to prepare and maintain records. Must be dependable, tactful, and maintain confidentiality. Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions and decimals. Ability to compute rates, ratios, and percentages. Must be able to read, write, and understand English.

Minimum Qualifications:

Must 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. Associate degree in Human Services with prior counseling experience and 2 years' experience in dealing with government entitlement or assistance experience in veterans' benefits; OR any combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills and abilities. Knowledge of all Federal, State, and Local benefits available to veterans and survivors' benefits.

Preferred Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in business or related field is preferred but not required. Prior supervisory experience. Wisconsin Counselor certification is preferred.

Equipment Knowledge Requirement:

Ability to operate various types of equipment - standard office equipment, computer and intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Office software. Other equipment could be required.

Physical Environment:

The duties of this job include physical activities such as stooping, kneeling, sitting, standing, reaching, walking, lifting and/or move (up to 10 pounds), grasping, talking, hearing/listening, seeing/observing, and repetitive motions. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close, distance and peripheral vision; depth perception; and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment:

Works primarily in an office setting. Equal Opportunity Employer Rusk County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.