Deputy Veterans Service Officer

The Deputy Veterans Service Officer is responsible for assisting with the administration, planning, coordination and management of the overall operations, programs, activities, and services to veterans. Provides direct assistance to veterans and their dependents by providing counseling with respect to benefits available, and ensures eligible parties receive benefits for which entitlement exists, at County, State and Federal levels. In the absence of the VSO, serves as the alternate.

This position will be located on-site at the Government Center in Elk River, MN. Our regular business hours are Monday-Friday 8:00am -4:30pm, though the department provides staff with flexibility in effort to strive for a desired work/life balance. Sherburne County is one of the fastest growing counties in Minnesota, where you can find a nice blend of suburban and rural life. If you are interested in bringing your skill and talent to a dynamic department in a growing community, we encourage you to apply for our team.

Learn more about our workplace culture and a brief overview of our employee benefits.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Interview veterans and dependents to determine and assess needs. Counsel veterans, dependents and survivors on benefit programs provided by the state and federal governments. Initiate, develop and submit benefit claims. Process paperwork, compile evidence in support of claims, present to the Veterans Administration, and defend the client at proceedings.

Follow up on claim submissions and intervene to resolve deficiencies in claims or expedite processing.

Investigate and resolve VA benefit overpayment issues.

Provide administrative work direction to support staff.

Provide counseling to veterans on chemical dependency, mental health, PTSD, and other issues; provide counseling in all matters related to available benefits, services and programs and make referrals; arrange for transportation, medical benefits, etc.

Develop methods of outreach for the Veterans Service office including home, hospital and nursing home visits; provide services at regional sites as needed. Perform field work to assist housebound and hospitalized veterans. Prepare information on services and programs and present at community and county veterans’ organizations.

Research and prepare Veterans case records, social histories and documentation.

Ensure compliance with Data Practices Act, HIPAA, and other legal requirements.

Maintain current knowledge of county, state, and federal statutes, as well as rules, regulations, and policies regarding veterans’ programs. Interpret and apply these to the office’s operations.

Attend appropriate meetings, training, and education to maintain professional competence.

Act as a representative for veterans in meetings and seminars with the federal and state Veterans agencies.

Communicate courteously and professionally (internally & externally) and maintain working relationships to carry out job functions.

Maintain contact with and provide information to local media and prepares news releases.

Maintain involvement with intergovernmental and inter-divisional committees, boards, focus groups and task forces.

Obtain and maintain certification requirements to access & utilize US Department of Veterans Affairs “Intranet” programs & services.

Minimum Qualifications

Two years of post-secondary education; AND

At least three years of related work experience.

An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Valid driver’s license or equivalent mobility required.

Requires U.S. Citizenship, State of Minnesota residency, and veteran status as defined in Minnesota Statute 197.447.

Must maintain State of Minnesota County Veterans Service Officer (CVSO) certification annually as required by Minnesota Statute 197.605.

Obtain and sustain a "required federal security clearance" with the Veterans Administration to gain access to the Veterans Benefits Management System and other systems.

Sherburne County offers an exceptional benefit plan including Paid Time Off starting at 21 days per year and increasing to a maximum of 33 days per year; 11 paid holidays; benefit plan including health, life, dental, vision, short-term, and long-term disability, and long-term care insurance; medical and dependent care reimbursement accounts (Section 125 Plan); deferred compensation plan and Public Employees Retirement (PERA). Some benefits are pro-rated for employees working more than 30 but less than 40 hours per week. Part-time employees working less than 20 hours per week do not receive benefits.