Veterans' Services Specialist

Full Time
Waukesha, WI 53189
Posted
Job description
Description

Under supervision, to assist individuals applying for federal, state, and all other entitlements for veterans, their dependents, or survivors; to advise on related matters; to provide referral to services and appropriate resources; and to perform other duties as required.

Example of Duties

  • Conducts confidential interviews with veterans, their dependents, and survivors to secure appropriate federal and state veteran entitlements and other benefits.
  • Assists with the completion of claims and applications and the submission of these forms for veteran entitlements and benefits.
  • Advises, problem solves, and counsels clients regarding the most appropriate course of action in order to resolve emergent medical and financial needs.
  • Prepares correspondence and communicates with the Federal and State Department of Veterans’ Affairs to clarify and expedite processing of claims and entitlements.
  • Gathers and analyzes evidence, and researches various federal and state regulations, and prepares justification for the development or appeal of claims.
  • Maintains current list of non-profit organizations and other community resources to assist in meeting the needs of veterans that cannot be met through veteran programs and entitlements.
  • Responds to inquiries or requests related to the status of, or eligibility for veteran entitlements.
  • Acts as an advocate for veterans, their dependents, and survivors.
  • Accompanies Veterans’ Services Officer on outreach events, on-site visits to the clients' homes, nursing facility, or hospital to assist those who are unable to access the office due to a disability, illness, or lack of transportation.
  • Maintains currency and proficiency in federal and state regulations affecting veteran benefits with primary emphasis on Title 38 of the U.S. Code and Chapter 45 of the Wisconsin State Statutes.
  • Participates in the collection of burial records and ensures documentation and recording in accordance with county policies and procedures.
  • Establishes and maintains effective public and working relationships with federal, state, and local agencies and the public.
  • Performs other duties as required.


QUALIFICATIONS
Essential Knowledge and Abilities

  • Comprehensive knowledge of the services, entitlements, and benefits available to veterans, their dependents, and survivors from federal, state, county, and private agencies.
  • Considerable knowledge of Title 38 of the U.S. Code and Chapter 45 of the Wisconsin Statutes.
  • Considerable knowledge of federal and state statutes, programs, eligibility requirements, and application procedures related to securing veteran entitlements.
  • Working knowledge of area non veteran programs and agencies that provide useful needed services.
  • Working knowledge of computerized department program software, internet access, and database, spreadsheet, and word processing programs.
  • Working knowledge of financial investment types.
  • Ability to interview veterans, their dependents, and survivors to obtain information required to process claims and applications.
  • Ability to advise clients of various options and provide counsel regarding the most appropriate course of action.
  • Ability to advise clients on procedures required for appeals and strategize on approach for successful resolution of claims.
  • Ability to analyze financial data, including income and assets.
  • Ability to deal effectively with grieving and emotional clients.
  • Ability to handle complicated assignments and work pressures simultaneously.
  • Ability to evaluate complex scenarios and communicate direct and accurate guidance and solutions for the maximum benefit of clients.
  • Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing with federal, state, and local agencies and the public.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with federal, state, and local agencies, and the public.
  • 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 attend and conduct interviews and other meetings off site.

Minimum Qualifications

You must meet these minimum Training and Experience requirements:

  • High School Diploma or GED.
  • Four (4) years of work experience, two (2) years of which included duties in case coordination, office management, or administration of entitlement or benefit programs.
  • A bachelor’s degree from a recognized college or university with major courses in business administration or social sciences, may be substituted for the work experience requirement.
  • Obtain applicable state and federal certifications and accreditations within twelve (12) months of hire.


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; it should not be considered a complete or definitive source of information. Additional information will be provided prior to the time of hire. Benefits for part-time position are pro-rated.

Vacation
5 days of vacation immediately upon hire.


Vacation Earning Schedule:
Years of Service Earning Rate Per Month Max Accumulation
1st through 6th 8-hours 80-hours (2-weeks)
7th through 13th 12-hours 120-hours (3-weeks)
14th through 22nd 16-hours 160-hours (4-weeks)
23rd and over 20-hours 200-hours (5-weeks)

Holidays (9 paid holidays)
New Year's Day
Memorial Day
Independence Day
Labor Day
Thanksgiving Day
Day after Thanksgiving
Christmas Eve Day
Christmas Day
New Year's Eve Day

Regular part-time employees earn one-half (½) holiday benefits.

Some employees are required to work on holidays. In these cases, extra compensation or an alternative day off may be authorized.

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

Sick Leave
8 hours earned per month, up to a maximum of 960 hours.

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 one times annual salary and then transitions to one 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.
Student Loan Forgiveness
Employees may qualify to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Special Programs - MyFedLoan).

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