Assistant Veterans' Services Officer

Description

Waukesha County is seeking applicants for Assistant Veterans' Services Officer to under direction of the Veterans’ Services Officer assist in the daily operation and administration of the Division of Veterans' Services in the Department of Health and Human Services which provides services to veterans and their families. This position serves as Assistant Veterans’ Services Officer as defined by Wisconsin Statute 45.80 and may perform other duties as required.
Waukesha County offers a comprehensive compensation and benefits package including excellent health/dental/vision, life insurance, generous paid time off (vacation, 9 holidays, 3 floating holidays, ample accrued sick time that rolls over each year), an exceptional pension plan with employer match and lifetime retirement payment plus an optional tax advantaged 457 retirement savings plan. Amongst many other benefits, employees are recognized and valued through a pay for performance system. Successful candidates will be eligible for performance-based merit increases and non-base performance awards. Employee well-being is promoted through a balanced work-life culture and through an exceptional employee wellness program that offers a variety of programs and tools to help promote an employee's wellness and health, including an on-site health & wellness clinic.
Prior to hiring, the successful candidate will be subject to work/education/certification reference(s) verification, a criminal background and driver's license check.

Example of Duties

• Assists the Veterans’ Services Officer in the administration of services provided to Waukesha County veterans and their families.
• Assigns daily tasks and ensures completion in accordance with policies and procedures established by the Veterans’ Services Officer.
• Assists the Veterans’ Services Officer in preparation and administration of the annual division operating budget and strategic plan including priorities and objectives for programs and services.
• Represents the division within the Department of Health and Human Services and at various boards and committees and presents recommendations and information related to the activities of the division when directed by the Veterans’ Services Officer.
• Counsels, advises, and assists veterans, their dependents, and survivors on various federal and state entitlements, acts as an advocate for them, and refers them to other county and community agencies when necessary to secure all due entitlements.
• Researches and analyzes Title 38 of the U.S. Code, Chapter 45 of the State Statutes, and other federal and state laws and regulations to direct the adjudication of claims and the appeals process of denied benefits.
• Develops appeals of denials on behalf of veterans and their families presented before the Board of Veterans' Appeals and/or the Court of Veterans’ appeals.
• Communicates with the U.S. Department of Veterans' Affairs and State Department of Veterans' Affairs, to ensure a strong advocacy position on behalf of veterans and their dependents.
• Establishes and maintains effective public and working relations with the public, staff, and other County departments and agencies.
• Assists the Veterans’ Services Officer in the maintenance of records regarding all Waukesha County veterans' burials.
• Promotes public awareness of veterans' entitlements and experiences by addressing veterans' and community groups, adult living centers, schools, and other government agencies on an ongoing basis.
• Utilizes social media, the internet, and news releases to provide information and promote earned benefits to veterans' and their dependents.
• Performs other duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS
Essentials Knowledge and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of the federal and state statutes, regulations, administrative rulings, and policies affecting veteran's benefits.
• Thorough knowledge of Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 45 and of Title 38 of the U.S. Code.
• Comprehensive knowledge of administrative, managerial, and supervisory principles and practices covering budgeting, planning, program evaluation, and employee supervision.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the services provided by other agencies for veterans and their dependents.
• Considerable knowledge of interviewing and counseling skills and techniques.
• Considerable knowledge of emergency government and incident command structures and protocols, including first responder roles and responsibilities.
• Working Knowledge of computerized department program software, internet access, and database, spreadsheet and word processing programs including Veterans Affairs and Wisconsin Department Veterans Affairs Systems.
• Ability to coordinate, direct, supervise, and evaluate the activities of a division staff.
• Ability to effectively present recommendations to various boards, committees, and community organizations.
• Ability to prepare and present detailed and complex written and oral reports.
• Ability to establish and maintain an ongoing working relationship with the U.S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs, State Department of Veterans’ Affairs, Wisconsin Congressional delegation, state legislators, and County Board members to ensure a strong advocacy position on behalf of veterans and their dependents.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective public and working relations with the public, staff, and other County departments and agencies.
• Ability to effectively interact with sensitivity with persons from diverse cultural, socioeconomic, educational, racial, ethnic, and professional backgrounds, and persons of all ages and lifestyles.
• Ability to interpret and apply federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations.
• Ability to develop and administer division policy and procedures.
• Ability to communicate effectively on a variety of issues and concerns affecting veterans and their family members.

Minimum Qualifications

You must meet these minimum Training and Experience requirements:

• Served on Active Duty under honorable conditions in the U.S. Armed Forces.
• Graduation from a recognized college or university with a bachelor's degree preferably with a major in business administration or the social sciences.
• Two (2) years of work experience providing social or financial guidance and counseling to clients, or a closely related field.
• Obtain Veterans’ Affairs General Counsel Accreditation within twelve (12) months of hire.5.
• Any special requirements as set forth in the Wisconsin State Statutes.

Supplemental Information

About Us:
Waukesha County prides itself on operating in a business-like manner and is recognized as a leader delivering high quality services with competence and skill. With our vision of "Leading the Way", we value teamwork and collaboration, ethics and diversity, communication, efficiency and cost savings, innovation, and the wellbeing of our staff and the citizens we serve. Employees are provided professional development opportunities and encouragement to learn and practice continuous improvement and LEAN principles as we regularly ask ourselves "Is there a better way?"
Health & Human Services Mission/Vision/Values:
We enhance quality of life while assuring critical needs are met. The vision of Waukesha County Department of Health and Human Services is a connected, resilient community where everyone thrives. We achieve this though values that include: Collaboration, Accountability, Respect, Engaged Workforce, Innovation, and Self-Determination.
Location:
Located in the City of Waukesha, our campus offers an on-site café and fitness center, free parking, and easy access to interstate highway systems. Waukesha County offers a perfect blend of urban and rural living where one can enjoy the benefits of quiet rural lake communities or opt for nearby attractions that the greater Milwaukee area offers including vast beach and park systems, public markets, performing arts, music festivals, and sports including the Milwaukee Admirals, Brewers, Bucks, Wave, Marquette University Golden Eagles and the UW-Milwaukee Panthers Basketball programs.
EEO/AA:
Waukesha County is committed to equal opportunity and nondiscrimination in employment and adheres to all Federal, State and County Equal Employment Opportunity laws, policies, plans, rules, regulations and ordinances. The County recognizes and accepts its important leadership role in providing for equal employment/service opportunities for minorities, women, and persons with disabilities. It is the express policy of Waukesha County to promote equal employment opportunity among all who are employed by Waukesha County and who seek employment with Waukesha County.