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.

2026 Hiring Range:  $63,791 – $75,941

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.

To learn more about the Kenosha County Division of Veterans Services, please visit:
https://www.kenoshacountywi.gov/368/Veterans-Services

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:  https://www.visitkenosha.com/ or https://lifebalancedkenosha.com/.
 
Thank you for your interest in employment with Kenosha County!

https://www.kenoshacountywi.gov/jobs

Deadline Note: