Description

Under direction of the Veterans’ Services Officer assists in the daily operation and administration of the Division of Veterans' Services in the Department of Health and Human Services providing services to veterans and their families; to serve as Assistant Veterans’ Services Officer as defined by Wisconsin Statute 45.80; and to perform other duties as required.

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.
• Any special requirements as set forth in the Wisconsin State Statutes.

Waukesha County's pay plans, group insurance programs, and other benefit policies comprise a package that is highly competitive and satisfies the needs of its employees. This is intended to give only a brief summary of the employee benefit package. Additional information will be provided at the time of hire. Benefits for part-time positions are pro-rated.

Vacation
2-weeks 1 – 2 years of service
3-weeks 3 – 9 years of service
4-weeks 10 – 16 years of service
5-weeks 17 or more years of service
Holidays (9 paid holidays)
New Year's Day
Memorial Day
Independence Day
Labor Day
Thanksgiving day
The Day after Thanksgiving
Christmas Eve
Christmas Day
New Year's Eve Day

Floating Holidays
2 paid floating holidays earned on February 1 and June 1.

Sick Leave
12-days of sick leave granted immediately upon hire. Thereafter, 1-day earned per month, up to a maximum of 120-days.

Funeral Leave
Up to 24-hours of leave with pay to attend the funeral of an immediate family member.

Health Insurance – High Deductible Health Plan
County pays 85% of premium and employee contributes 15% of the premium.

Health Savings Account
Pre-tax savings account that can be used for qualifying medical expenses (e.g. office visit fees, co-pays, prescriptions, vision and dental). County contributes to health savings account based on Health Risk Assessment completion- $2,250 for family plan and $1,125 for single plan.

Onsite Health and Wellness Clinic
Available to individuals who are enrolled in the County's health insurance plan including employees, spouses, and children ages 2+. Preventive care services are free. All dispensed prescriptions are $2. Dispensed available ACA preventative medications are $0 cost. Non-preventative care visits are $28. Physical therapy is $28 per visit. No cost for office visits after deductible is met. Clinic staffed with MD and Physician Assistant, Physical Therapists, and Health Coaches.

Dental Insurance
Choice of two dental plans. Coverage begins on the first day of the month following 6-months of employment.

Vision Insurance
Coverage begins on the first day of the month following 60-days of employment.

Employee Wellness Activities & Program/Fitness Center
24/7 access to a wealth of health tools and information on the wellness portal. On-going education programs, fitness challenges and classes. On-site fitness center in Administration Center and Health & Human Services buildings.

Retirement Pension
As a full-time employee, you will automatically be enrolled in the Wisconsin Retirement System. This pension is administered by the State of Wisconsin Department of Employee Trust Funds. You are required to pay the employee's share of contributions to the fund, while Waukesha County contributes the employer's share. Employees are vested in their portion of contributions immediately and after five years of creditable service for the employer contribution. To view employee/employer contribution rates, visit Wisconsin Department of Employee Trust Funds' website and type in WRS Contribution Rates in the search box.

Part time employees are enrolled and required to pay the employee's share of contributions after working 1,200 hours of work in any 12-month period.

457 Deferred Compensation
Optional program used to supplement retirement income. Pre-tax and Roth options available. Eligible to contribute upon hire.

Payroll Roth IRA
Optional post-tax program used to supplement retirement income. Eligible to contribute upon hire.

Group Term Life Insurance
Automatic coverage in life insurance at no cost to employee. Coverage effective first of the month following six months of employment. Coverage upon hire is two times annual salary and then transitions to two times prior year gross salary after at least one full calendar year of employment is completed.

Voluntary Supplemental Term Life Insurance
Additional voluntary coverage for an employee at the employee's expense. May purchase amount in increments of $25,000 up to $200,000. No medical underwriting upon initial eligibility. Coverage effective first of the month following six months of employment.

Dependent Life Insurance
Voluntary life insurance coverage for a spouse or dependent child at the employee's expense. Coverage effective first of the month following six months of employment.
Coverage options:
Option 1:$20,000 (spouse)/$10,000 (child) - $4.00/month
Option 2: $10,000 (spouse)/$5,000 (child) - $2.00/month

Dependent Care FSA
Optional pre-tax benefit account where employees to deduct up to $5,000 ($2,500 if married and filing separate federal income tax returns) that can used to reimburse self for eligible dependent care services such as child or adult daycare. Coverage effective first of month following 60 days of employment.

Healthcare FSA
Optional pre-tax benefit account where employee can contribute pre-tax dollars to pay for health care expenses not covered under a group health, dental, or vision plan such as deductible, co-insurance, co-pay etc. Must not be enrolled in an HSA Qualifying High Deductible Health Plan to elect. Coverage effective first of month following 60 days of employment.

Retirement Health Savings Plan
Automatic enrollment in a retirement health savings plan. County makes contributions each month on the second paycheck of the month on behalf of employee. Effective the first of the month following employment.

Long-term Disability Insurance
Automatic coverage in long-term disability. County pays 100% of monthly premiums. Coverage effective the first of the month following employment.

Employee Assistance Program
Voluntary program that offers free and confidential assessments, short-term counseling, referrals, and follow-up services to employees and their family members who have personal and/or work-related problems. Unlimited access to a highly informative website with articles and tools to support you in a wide variety of your work/life needs. Eligible immediately upon hire.

Tuition Reimbursement
Financial assistance for attending Job-related classes.

Employee Discount Programs

• Dell products
• Discount on cell service through U.S. Cellular, AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon
• Discounted rate to get Microsoft 365 through Microsoft Home Use Program

Pay for Performance
Employees are eligible for performance based merit awards with exceptional and commendable performance ratings

Student Loan Forgiveness
Employees may qualify to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Special Programs - MyFedLoan).