Assistant Veterans Services Officer

Overview

Under the supervision of the Veterans Service Officer, the Assistant Veterans Service Officer acts as lead to assist veterans in obtaining State and Federal VA benefits. The Assistant also assumes the duties of the Veterans Service Officer during periods of absence and provides daily operational supervision to staff.

Serves as senior case manager. Interviews and advises veterans and/or dependents on eligibility for WDVA State benefits and Federal VA benefits. Prepares and submits applications for appropriate benefits; such as compensation, pension, education, etc.

Assists Veterans Service Officer with preparation of annual operating budget and annual WDVA CVSO grant.

Maintains records for veterans store, including overseeing inventory of products available for purchase by veterans.

Works with Veterans Service Officer on donations for veterans. Makes deposits with the Treasurer's office and prepares thank you letters to donors.

Independently gathers and analyzes data, when required, and compiles necessary reports.

Orders, maintains and organizes office inventory and supplies. Orders business cards for staff.

Handles accounts payable functions.

Prepares payment vouchers for conference fees, travel expenses, and lodging.

Responds to correspondence as requested by the Veterans Service Officer.

Interviews clients requesting hardship aid and makes determination for approval/denial.

Conducts outreach to area colleges and universities and maintains good communication with school Veterans coordinators. Provides other outreach as assigned by Veterans Service Officer.

Maintains accreditation with at least 3 regional office service organizations. Attends annual WISCVSO spring or fall conferences or National conference to meet this standard.

Updates information from Federal VA on technical issues and changes. Also serves as liaison with Brown County Technology Services on issues and changes.

Trains new staff.

Assists Veterans Service Officer in decision making regarding selection, discipline and discharge of staff.

Coordinates with staff and Veterans Service Officer to recommend office policies and procedures for improvement of office operation.

Serves as notary public for veteran documentation.

Updates and maintains departmental website.

Bachelors degree in office management or public administration, supervision or similar program such as finance or health care preferred, with 3 - 5 years of benefits specialist experience at a productive level, or any equivalent combination of work experience, education, and training.

Valid Wisconsin Driver’s License.

WDVA Accreditation or NACVSO, or ability to obtain within 1 year of hire. Must continue accreditation on a yearly basis.

VA Current Annual Training for permission to use Centrex, Share, VBMS or Virtual VA.

Knowledge of general office procedures. Must maintain annual accreditation standards.

Must demonstrate leadership skills in helping to resolve staff or office issues.

Experience with VETRASPEC database program.

Experience and knowledge in Word and Excel.

Knowledge of pertinent laws, statutes, codes, regulations and terminology regarding state and federal VA benefits and programs.

Ability to maintain privacy and confidentiality of veterans/dependents records.

Ability to work independently, make sound decisions and use good judgment.

Specialized knowledge in WDVA and VA benefits/programs.

Knowledge of and ability to utilize computer/scanner and required software.

Knowledge of bookkeeping and general clerical duties.

Knowledge of VA Websites: VA SEP, Share, Centrex, VBMS and Virtual VA.

Ability to follow complex oral and written instructions.

Ability to learn and administer all WDVA/VA benefits and programs.

Ability to maintain confidential information and files.

Ability to operate a variety of standard office equipment.

Ability to train and supervise employees.

Ability to accept responsibility and exercise independent judgment.

Ability to interpret laws, procedures and implement departmental policies.

Ability to keep complete financial and statistical records.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff and the public.

Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Ability to work required hours of the position.