Veterans Benefits Specialist

Milwaukee County oversees operations from our Airport, Behavioral Health, Child Support Enforcement, Combined Court Operations, Sheriffs Department, Community Reintegration Center, Human Services, Parks, Public Safety, Public Works, Fleet Operations, Transportation, and at the Zoo. Our departments are also dedicated to our Seniors in the Department on Aging, those with Disabilities, and Veterans Affairs. Our employees also remain committed to serve the cultural, human, recreational and social needs of the entire community.

Milwaukee County offers a wide variety of interesting jobs for people who want to make a difference in our community. Milwaukee County provides a competitive benefit package and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. If disability related accommodations are needed, please contact 414-278-3936.

We are searching for Changemakers to come and join our team and discover our diverse and versatile community of independent spirits and unique talents, we are redefining the way you think about Milwaukee County!

Closing Date: January 20th, 2025, or upon receipt of the first 50 applications

Veteran Benefits Specialist

Veteran Services

Hourly Pay Range: $23.03 - $31.61

Summary: The Veteran Benefits Specialist position will assist veterans, dependents, and survivors to identity, understand, and apply for eligible and available benefits. This position performs research to determine benefit eligibility and interprets various federal and state benefit eligibility. The Veteran Benefits Specialist will initialize VA claims and benefit applications processes ensuring deadlines are met and that supporting documentation as well as required evidence is provided to complete VA claims and state grant applications. Additionally, this position makes referrals to community services.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Screen customers, locate, and gather all supporting evidence and documentation needed to file a complete claim. Research Federal regulations and guidelines to ensure accuracy in successfully developing and submitting VA claims.
• Interview, counsel, and provide accurate and timely information about federal, state, local and private non-profit benefits a customer may be eligible for and how to apply.
• Maintain and track claims. Enter all claims utilizing Veterans Benefits database. Track claims utilizing Veterans Benefits software, VBMS and Share.
• Provide information and technical assistance to veterans and survivors regarding rights, complaints, and appeal processes.
• Attend regularly scheduled meetings, as well as VA and Department of Health and Human Services trainings throughout the year.
• Provide representation at administrative hearings and the Board of Veteran Appeals hearings.
• Provide information, coordinate, and connect veterans, dependents, and survivors with available community services and resources.
• Travel to and from outreach and veteran hosted events.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements:

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
• Current resident of Wisconsin.
• Valid WI Driver's License and access to a reliable insured vehicle; both maintained throughout employment.
• Intermediate Knowledge of all related computer and software applications, such as word processing and spreadsheets.
• At least two (2) or more years of experience in veteran benefits and services or veterans service-related work.
• Must obtain Veterans Administration accreditation from the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers and/or Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs.
• Complete and Pass Training, Responsibility, Involvement and Preparation (TRIP) and VA Talent Management Training (TMS) requirements.
• Must obtain a Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card from the Veteran's Administration.

Preferred Experience:

• Honorable discharge from military service.
• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in Human Services or a related field.

NOTE: This ORIGINAL APPLICATION is open to qualified residents of the State of Wisconsin at the time of application. Candidates need to submit a full account of their training and experience (i.e., by submitting an up-to-date resume or by fully completing the application) during the application process and may also be asked to take additional written or performance tests as part of the selection process.

APPLICANTS MUST POSSESS MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AT TIME OF FILING APPLICATION

Milwaukee County is committed to fostering an equitable working environment, free from discrimination and harassment, on the basis of any characteristic protected by law. We prohibit any form of discrimination, harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, pregnancy related condition, national origin, age, disability, FMLA status, sexual orientation, military status, marital status, or any other category or status that is now or in the future protected by federal, state, and local law. We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing, background checks and pre-employment physicals subject to job requirements. If special accommodations are needed, please contact 414-278-3936.

• Milwaukee, WI, USA