JOB SUMMARY

Under limited supervision, assists military personnel, veterans, and their families with preparing and pursuing VA benefit claims and applying for VAC services; advises clients on eligibility and program changes, researches personal and service histories to support claims, contributes to development of veteran services, and may work occasional weekends.

JOB FUNCTIONS

Interview, advise, and counsel service members, veterans, dependents, and survivors on VA, military, retirement, TRICARE, survivor, and state/federal benefits; assess financial, medical, and social needs and provide solutions in compliance with VAC guidelines. Oversee daily service delivery; ensure VAC procedures are followed and report operational issues to the Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent. Prepare and assist with military-service-related claims (pensions, insurance, healthcare, education, and employment), ensuring complete documentation to expedite eligibility and adjudication. Independently resolve complex claims and appeals; analyze denied claims, prepare written appeals and supporting evidence, clarify VA decisions, and develop cases for Board of Appeals and discharge upgrades. Build and maintain partnerships with local, state, federal, and community agencies; coordinate benefits and services and represent the department in community outreach and education. Train and support newly hired officers and staff; participate in departmental meetings to stay current on policy and procedural changes. Serve as an itinerant service officer as needed, responding to inquiries and preparing claims across assigned counties or offices while organizing supporting documentation.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Requires knowledge, skill and mental development equivalent to the completion of two years college with emphasis in business administration or public administration. Requires one year of experience in sales, public relations, welfare work or other work involving extensive public contact. Employees must obtain U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Accreditation within their probationary period (first year). Failure to achieve accreditation will result in termination of employment.

Accreditation is achieved by:

A passing score from the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers basic accreditation course. Successful completion of the Department of Veterans™ Affairs, training and certification testing. Passing an FBI background check. Requires annual continuing education while fulfilling the duties of a Veterans Service Officer.

STARTING SALARY

$61,524 per year

HOURS:

37.5 hours per week.

BENEFITS

4 Medical plans, 2 dental plans, 2 vision plans, and various supplemental plans.

Pension:

Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) Nationwide Retirement Solutions (457 and Roth457) plans Standard Life insurance policy with the option to buy up additional coverage for employee and dependents. Tuition Reimbursement and Student Loan Repayment Programs Paid vacation, sick, personal days, and 14 paid holidays. McHenry County is an equal opportunity employer. No applicant for employment shall be discriminated against because of age, race, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, Veteran status, or disability.

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

$61,524.00 per year

Benefits:

Dental insurance Health insurance Life insurance Loan forgiveness Paid time off Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person