Assistant Veterans Service Officer

The Assistant Veterans Service Officer (AVSO) is responsible for assisting the County Veterans Service Officer (CVSO) in day-to-day functions of the office. The purpose of the office is to advise personnel who served in the US armed forces of any benefits in which they may be eligible, to respond to complaints arising from their service and to render to them and their dependents all possible assistance.

• Provide claims representation to military veterans and their dependents regarding their legal rights and responsibilities in accordance with federal Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) regulations found in Title 38 United States Code and Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs found in Chapter 45 Wisconsin Statutes to include: advocacy, interviewing, advising and claims processing.
• Conduct direct interviews, provide counsel and make independent decisions with veterans and their dependents regarding claimed services to determine immediate needs and services available in a number of arenas to include; mental health (to include TBI and suicide prevention), AODA, housing needs, medical issues, legal issues, military discharge upgrades, military awards and final arrangements of deceased veterans.
• Acknowledge that optimal customer service in this highly sensitive arena emerges from the swift assessment of need, providing equally a concise explanation of available services and compassionate delivery of guidance and counsel.
• Provide veterans and dependents with a comprehensive explanation of Federal and State pension, health and death benefits and veterans grant and loan programs. Secure, prepare and coordinate and verify all necessary documentation required to fulfill federal and state programs.
• Maintain office files in an orderly fashion ensuring the complete factual integrity and highest security of sensitive documents containing personally identifiable information and health information submitted by veterans or obtained through official channels.
• Responsible for submitting verified and unaltered original military discharge documents, for proper recording with the Douglas County Register of Deeds.
• Understand, develop and explain various Federal and State codes, statutes that describe various educational and vocational retraining grant and loan opportunities available to veterans meeting specific requirements.
• Plan, support and occasionally conduct public outreach presentations and events under the supervision of the CVSO.
• Assume responsibility of office operations, leadership of office staff and decision-making in the absence of the CVSO.
• Assume CVSO responsibilities at annual WI CVSOA Conferences in the absence of the CVSO.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Possess ability to establish rapport and communicate effectively across the spectrum from veterans, dependents, co-workers, committee members, veteran service organizations and cooperating agency staff.
• Possess the ability to comprehend and translate numerous County, State and Federal regulations and program descriptions to veterans and dependents.
• Possess strong computer skills in MS Word, MS Excel, Powerpoint and acquire skill using federal Veterans Affairs and state Department of Veteran Affairs software packages.
• Ability to manage various social media applications for the purpose of veteran outreach.
  *Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

• Must be an honorably discharged veteran meeting the requirements of Section 45.01 (12) and 45.80 (7) of Wis. Stats and a Wisconsin resident.
• High School Diploma or equivalent required. 
• Two years post-secondary education preferred and two years leadership, management or human relations experience preferred. 
• Must have the ability to achieve National Service Organization Accreditation within 12 months of hire. 
• Must maintain accreditation with WI State and national veteran service organizations by means of annual recertification training. 
• Possess a valid driver’s license.
• All applicants must submit a DD form 214, Certificate of Release of Discharge from active Duty, prior to the application deadline to be considered. 
• Must become a Wisconsin resident upon acceptance of position.

Working conditions

The majority of work is performed in a secure office environment. Normal work schedules are Monday through Friday during normal business hours under the supervision of the CVSO. Occasional participation at public events conducted outside of normal working hours in various environments is required.

Physical requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. 

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to adjust focus. Tasks involve the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling of objects weighing five to ten pounds. Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation.

Testing Requirements 

Testing may be administered to assess skills and abilities necessary to perform the essential duties of this position. Written exam, structured interview, references and/or background investigation.