Assistant Veterans Services Officer

Assistant Veterans Services Officer

Kenosha County is seeking an Assistant Veterans Services Officer who is passionate about veteran advocacy and ready to step into a meaningful leadership role that supports staff, guides daily operations, and ensures veterans and their families receive the benefits they've earned. This position offers the opportunity to make a direct impact in the community. The Veterans Services Office provides support to veterans and their dependents in obtaining benefits through federal and state programs, acting as an advocate on their behalf and directing them to other authorized agencies or providers as their needs dictate. Position Summary and Job Duties The Assistant Veterans Services Officer assumes the duties of the Director of Veterans Services/County Veterans Service Officer during periods of their absence and provides daily operational supervision to staff. The Assistant Veterans Services Officer provides administrative and instructional guidance to the subordinate staff. This supervisory position works to inform, advocate, advise, and assist veterans, their spouses and dependents in securing all possible entitlements and other benefits for which they are eligible. This position further serves as an advocate and advisor in providing referral and follow-up services to clients and others in the veterans' community. The position reports to the Director of Veterans Services. Job duties include:

• Assumes Division Director responsibilities in Director's absence
• Assists in decision making regarding the selection, discipline, and discharge of personnel
• Provides administrative and instructional guidance to the subordinate staff
• Assigns work to subordinate staff
• Assists veterans and their dependents in applying for various state and federal benefits such as: disability compensation, VA pension, education, healthcare, in home care, long term care, alcohol and drug rehabilitation, vocational rehabilitation, VA housing grants, burial benefits, survivor benefits, and tax benefits
• Performs complex claim processing which may include extensive interviews, preparing written statements on behalf of veterans and their dependents, review of military and private medical records, conducting legal and medical research, corresponding with medical professionals while keeping track of critical dates to avoid loss of potential benefits/entitlements
• Participates in public relations, including outreach efforts, press releases, and speaking engagements to inform County residents for the availability of Federal and State veteran's benefits
• Establishes relationships with the various business, government organizations, and non-profits that serve the elderly, disabled, homeless, and disadvantaged in our community to publicize veterans' benefits and services and make appropriate client referrals for services
• Assists in the coordination and organization of the Homeless Stand Down, Veterans Day celebration, Veteran Town Halls, Veteran supported local business opportunities
• Responsible for the Veterans Service Commission agenda and minutes and maintains commissioner's attendance records and ensures payments for meetings
• Serves as the department liaison for Kenosha County Caregiver Coalition, Emergency Services network, WHEAP, and the VA Case Conference Committee
• Monitors and reports the Aid to Needy Veterans Funds and screens, refers, and makes recommendations to the Veterans Service Commissioners regarding applications for assistance
• Works with federal, state, and local community agencies to assist homeless veterans in obtaining housing stability
• Assists in preparation of annual budget and monitors expenditures to assure the department stays within budget
• Assists in the preparation of employee performance evaluations
• Maintains cemetery/grave list for Kenosha County cemeteries, purchases and distributes flags/flag holders to Veterans Service organizations for Memorial Day
• Assists in compiling State CVSO grant report
• Serves as Notary Public
• Certifies entitlement for Wisconsin Veterans Property Tax Credit
• Performs other duties as required or assigned

Success Factors Knowledge of: U.S. Code Title 38 and Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 45 Various agencies and departments to assist veterans with benefits Local organizations with capability to assist veterans with issues Veterans programs and regulations U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs laws, regulations, and/or departmental policies and procedures Federal, state, and local government agencies, programs, non-profits to assist both veterans/non-veterans Skill in: Interviewing, counseling, communication, research, and listening Time management Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook, VetraSpec, Veterans Benefit Management System, Stakeholders Enterprise System Ability to: Use computers, various software programs, and social networking Read and interpret the federal and state regulations Counsel veterans, spouses, and children Relate and communicate with diverse population and groups Maintain accurate records and report of client's status Protect sensitive information and maintain client confidentiality Write reports and documents for senior leadership Work and coordinate with outside agencies Maximize use and distribution of financial resources Be compassionate and sympathetic when providing assistance Ability to deal tactfully with difficult clients in sometimes stressful situations Research findings for both veterans and the legal representative Work respectfully in a diverse and inclusive environment Job Requirements, Education, Training and Experience Possession of a Bachelor's Degree in a social sciences or humanities field Must be a veteran who served under honorable conditions in the U.S. armed forces as specified under Chapter 45 of the Wisconsin Statutes Licenses or Certifications VA TRIP Training VA Accreditation Notary Public Other Job Requirements Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record Must be able to pass comprehensive Federal and State background check for Veterans Administration Personal Identity Verification access to Veteran Health and Benefit databases Ability to travel out of area for training to maintain accreditation Benefits Health, dental and vision insurance effective first of month following 30 days of employment with the ability to reduce premium contribution through participation in a wellness program Flexible Spending Accounts Employee Assistance Program Paid Time Off Twelve Paid Holidays Retirement Plan: Participation in the Wisconsin Retirement System which includes county-paid life insurance Tuition Reimbursement Physical Demands 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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The position involves light physical demands, such as exerting up to 25 lbs. of force occasionally. Selection Process Application Review - Qualifying Oral Interview - Qualifying Background Check - Qualifying Drug Screen - Qualifying If you require accommodations at any point in the selection process because of a disability, please notify Human Resources in advance for arrangements. Applications must be submitted no later than Friday, July 10, 2026, at noon. Kenosha County is a Wisconsin Retirement System participating employer. Your participation is required, which includes an employee contribution. The full pay grade for this position is E7 (Min. $63,791 Max. $88,092). We are located in Kenosha County, an expanding community along the shores of Lake Michigan and less than an hour away from Milwaukee and Chicago. To see why Kenosha County is a great place to live, work, and play, please visit: or Thank you for your interest in employment with Kenosha County!