Assistant Veterans Services Officer at Scott County (MN) – Shakopee, Minnesota

Assistant Veterans Services Officer
Location Shakopee, MN
Time Type Full time
Remote Type To be discussed at interview
Job Requisition ID 26-0013

Hiring Range:

$30.90-$36.35

Full Pay Range:

$29.09 - $43.62

Job Summary:

Performs a variety of responsible, technical, and administrative duties providing case management, case support, outreach, program support, and office administration in the Office of Veterans Services. The incumbent provides assistance and direction to veterans and their families in regard to programs available and helps them secure eligible benefits. The employee is responsible for a variety of outreach activities and special projects that benefit the veteran community

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Works with and assists veterans and their families with programs and benefits available to veterans; performs case management and case support activities determining benefit eligibility, scope of benefits, and how to obtain them; assists individuals and families with completing forms and assembling necessary information for the procurement of benefits and assistance.
• Interviews veterans and their families to obtain information needed to apply for benefits.
• Organizes and coordinates department outreach programs to include community expos, the County Fair, Memorial and Veterans Day ceremonies, and various other planned displays and events throughout the year.
• Handles the department transportation program, preparing the daily transportation schedule, overseeing daily operation, and monitoring the maintenance of the vehicles; may provide transportation to veterans as the needs of service dictate.
• Directs the efficient operation of the department in the absence of the Veterans Services Director.
• Administers training and provides daily work direction to clerical and transportation staff members.
• Assists the Director in preparing and maintaining the annual department budget; prepares monthly and annual reports, assembles information as needed and requested, monitors statement of operations on a monthly basis to ensure budget compliance with program plans.
• Interprets laws and regulations regarding state and federal benefits, recommends changes to program practices to meet new law, and helps create policies and procedures to comply.
• Researches information, secures supporting documents, and presents evidence and findings as needed in the development of claims.
• Maintains a variety of electronic and paper records concerning cases; performs data entry and database management in the VMS system to create, update, and manage new and ongoing cases.
• Examines incoming and outgoing documents, forms, and other materials for correctness and applicant eligibility and to ensure compliance with laws and statutes. Provides technical information in response to oral and written inquiries from the public, counties, the state, cities, or federal agencies; provides information in community settings to groups or individuals regarding veteran programs and benefits; serves as a resource to all who inquire.
• Acts as a liaison for clients experiencing difficulty, connecting and referring them to appropriate community resources; advocates for clients' and their families.
• Assists the Director in researching, writing, applying for, and procuring grants.
• Attends a variety of meetings and training events on behalf of the Veterans Services Office.
• Collaborates with federal, state, and local veterans agencies to create a cohesive and solid network of support for customers served; represents and serves local veterans by attending state and federal meetings and forums.
• Serves as a Deputy of the Scott County Recorder and legally records DD214 documents.
• Works the hours and/or shifts assigned and begins and ends work on time.
• Performs other related duties as required or assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Requires equivalency of an Associate's Degree and three years of related veterans program support experience. County VSO, Veteran's Organization National Officer, VA Claims Rep, or those working with veterans program eligibility are highly desired. One must be a Veteran as defined by MN Statute 197.447. The incumbent shall provide a valid driver's license and a reliable means of transportation for the performance of work responsibilities. One must be organized with the ability to multi-task in an environment of changing priorities.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The employee is under general guidance and direction from the Veterans Services Director. With considerable latitude for independent judgment, work is performed according to established procedures. Supervisor consultation is available for difficult or unusual problems as they occur. Work is reviewed for accuracy and quality through observation, examination of records and reports generated, meetings, and objectives achieved.

CORE COMPETENCIES AND ABILITIES

• Customer Service - Delivers government services in a respectful, responsive, and solution-oriented manner.
• Communication - Is always clear about what we're doing and why we're doing it.
• Collaboration - Works with partners – communities, schools, faith groups, private business, and non-profit agencies – to see that services are not duplicated but rather are complimentary, aligned, and provided by the partners who can deliver the service most effectively.
• Stewardship - Works proactively to make investments, guided by resident input, which will transform lives, communities, and government.
• Empowerment - Works with individuals and families to affirm strengths, develop skills, restore hope, and promote self-reliance.
• Resiliency - Fosters public preparedness and responds when families and communities face health and safety emergencies.
• Innovation - Takes informed risks to deliver services more effectively and learns from successes and failures.
• Knowledge – Considerable knowledge of public administration as it relates to the functions, needs, policies, laws, ordinances, and regulations governing the Veterans Services Department.
• Knowledge of modern public or business procedures and practices, records management, and forms control.
• Knowledge of Veterans' characteristics, needs, and expectations, and what benefits are available.
• Abilities – Ability to interpret and explain laws, rules, and regulations relating to Veterans' programs to clients and the public.
• Ability to review and maintain complex information and records and to prepare reports from such information.
• Ability to analyze and make recommendations.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to make independent decisions concerning choice of procedures to follow; ability to work without close supervision.
• Ability to provide work direction to others.
• Ability to analyze departmental programs and develop new work processes when necessary.
• Ability to speak, present, and interact in public arenas with composure, professionalism, and discretion.
• Ability to use MS Office software for the performance of essential duties.
• Ability to use appropriate discretion in dealing with matters of a confidential nature.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Typical characteristics of the regular, ongoing work environment of this position requires inside work, typically in an office setting, but also in community settings when performing outreach.

Physical activities include sedentary to light work: Reaching, sitting, standing, walking, pushing, lifting, pulling, fingering, grasping, feeling, stooping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions. Lifts and/or navigates up to 35 pounds on a routine basis in handling files and equipment necessary for performing the essential duties of the job.

SELECTION PROCESS

Selection for this position will be based on a minimum qualifications screening and rating of training and experience. Top candidates will be forwarded to hiring manager or supervisor for consideration for interview and/or additional assessments. Final selection will include a background check and approval by the County Board.

Work Location:

Shakopee, MN

A comprehensive benefits package is provided for all employees who work 20 hours per week or more. For detailed benefit information visit the Scott County Benefit Hub using this LINK