Assistant Veterans Officer (AVO)

Job Description:

Assistant Veterans Officer (AVO)

Description

This position provides information, assistance, and support to Veterans, dependents, or survivors regarding benefit availability and eligibility. Work involves counseling on various local, state, and federal veteran’s-specific benefits and other support services to Veterans.

Interprets benefit eligibility requirements for available veterans’ benefits.Counsels veterans; performs research and background checks to determine benefit eligibility. Interviews, counsels, and provides information for returning service members, recently separated veterans, and all other eras of veterans regarding their eligibility for benefits and other supportive services; retrieves service-related documents.Interviews, assesses, and counsels regarding loan programs; secures, prepares and coordinates documentation to fulfill federal and state requirements for loan programs.Initializes VA claims and benefits application process on behalf of veterans ensuring deadlines are met and supporting documentation and verifications are provided.Researches and gathers supporting evidence for various claims on behalf of claimants as requested.Provides representation for clients regarding benefit reductions, denials and appeals. Advocates for clients for a successful outcome for claim.Interviews veterans’ family members to determine eligibility for death/burial benefits/services; assists in applications for widow(er) pension, life insurance, and death and/or burial benefits.Identifies concerns, problems, and system level issues of veterans and disabled veterans; presents information to appropriate service entities.Provides public education and/or training on issues affecting the rights, benefits, or entitlements of veterans and veterans with disabilities.Complies with federal and state reporting requirements, maintains detailed records and generates reports.Participates in outreach efforts to promote veteran benefits including placement of informational materials for the media, organizations, and veterans. Assists in preparation community information. Assists in the preparation of state grant applications for development of the department’s annual budget. Educates staff on benefit programs available, necessary procedures and eligibility criteria. Trains and reviews related staff work.Arrange for transportation to the VA Medical Center for veterans.Coordinates the Barron County Veterans Service Office Grave Flag & Marker Program, veteran’s burials and cemetery records.Provides first line customer service to internal and external customers; greets, receives and screens visitors and customers; addresses and resolves customer questions as able and refers complex inquiries, requests, or complaints to appropriate staff. Sorts, copies, and distributes a variety of correspondence, deliveries, and mail; opens, logs, and routes office mail; retrieves, delivers, and sends faxes.Composes routine correspondence; proofreads and edits documents; enters, scans, updates, and maintains information in spreadsheets, databases, and reports.Maintains electronic and paper filing and record systems to provide easy access to records and information; provides retention of records as required.Schedules appointments for other department personnel as assigned.Performs duties of the Veterans Service Officer during an absence.Other duties as assigned.

• Associate Degree in Human Services or related discipline.
• Five (5) years’ experience working within a Veterans Service Office or in the administration of benefits to special population groups.
• Honorable Discharge from military service with not less than two (2) years continuous service or the completion of one (1) full-term of service.
• Claims Accreditation Certification from a Veterans Service Organization must be obtained within one (1) year of hire.
• Must successfully pass criminal and caregiver background checks.

• Ability to develop and disseminate information to the public concerning the Veteran’s Service office, its activities, and the services and programs available to veterans.
• Knowledge of the laws relating to the benefits available to veterans under a wide variety of federal, state and local veterans benefit programs.
• Ability to read, analyze, research and interpret complex provisions and laws for individual case use.
• Skill to counsel and assist veterans and their families regarding benefits and services.
• Knowledge of administrative policies and procedures of the County.
• Knowledge of current office practices and procedures and knowledge of the operation of standard office equipment and software.
• Ability to establish and maintain accurate records of assigned activities and operations.
• Ability to interpret and implement local policies and procedures; written instructions, general correspondence; Federal,State, and local regulations.
• Skill in organizational and time management to prioritize duties to accomplish a high volume of work product while adapting to constant changes in priority.
• Ability to perform detailed work accurately and independently in compliance with stringent time limits with minimal direction and supervision.
• Ability to think quickly, maintain self-control, and adapt to stressful situations.
• Knowledge of computer software including word processing, spreadsheet and database applications consistent for this position.
• Ability to perform mathematical calculations required of this position.
• Ability to understand and effectively carry out verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to apply sound judgment and discretion in performing duties, resolving problems and interpreting policies and regulations.
• Ability to communicate detailed and often sensitive information effectively and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to handle sensitive interpersonal situations calmly and tactfully.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with individuals within and outside the organization.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and discretion regarding business-related files, reports and conversations, within the provision of open records laws.
• Ability to work the allocated hours of the position and respond after hours as needed.

Barron County values the health and wellbeing of our employees and offers a very competitive benefit package prioritizing work-life balance and along with stable employment and supportive work environment!
* Wisconsin Retirement System (6.9% Employer match; 6.9% Employee pre-tax contribution - Higher rates for Protective/Law Enforcement)
* Paid leaves upon hire (104 hrs vacation; 11 paid holidays; 8 hrs of sick leave per mo)
* Health insurance with option to enroll in a Health Savings Account ($50/mo-single plan/ $100/mo-family plan). Effective 1st of the month following 30 days of employment.Non-Embedded in-network Deductible of $2,000/Single & $4,000/Family. Deductible must be met before insurance applies. Out-of-pocket max: $3,500S-$7,000F. Prescription drug savings program offering zero costs for eligible prescription drugs. Optionto sell up to 96 hrs Sick Leave and/or Vacation into HSA during open enrollment.
* Dental insurance
* Life insurance (County pays $5/mo towards Basic plan)
* If working night shift - receive an additional $0.75 per hour
* Flexible spending account
* Deferred Compensation Programs
* Employee Achievement Program
* Paid Parental leave
* Potential for telework opportunities (varies by department/position)
* Whole Life Insurance plan
* Eligibility for Student Loan Repayment program throughPublic Service Loan Forgiveness(PSLF)
* Recognition Program
* Annual Training Day & Lunch
* Annual Employee Milestone Recognition Lunch
* On-site Blood Drives (paid 1 hour to donate blood)
* 15% Verizon Wireless cell-phone discount
* On-site food truck vendors during summer months
* Ed-Vest College Savings plan
* Supportive work environment and culture
* Opportunities for growth and advancement
* Meaningful and impactful work for the betterment of our community

Closing Date/Time: 2/11/2026 4:00 PM Central

Salary:

$60,985.60 - $71,427.20 Annually