Veterans Service Officer

The Veteran Service Officer provides strategic leadership and direct services to ensure eligible veterans, service members, dependents, and survivors receive the federal, state, county, and community benefits and supports to which they are entitled. The position leads the County Veterans Service Office; develops effective partnerships with government agencies, veteran-service organizations, healthcare providers, and community partners; and promotes accessible, respectful, and confidential veteran-centered service delivery.

Monday through Friday during regular business hours. This position requires flexibility to attend meetings, conferences, public gatherings, and veteran-related events outside of regularly scheduled hours, including some evenings and weekends, as operational needs require.

Position is located at the Outagamie County Veterans Service Office at 320 S. Walnut St. in Appleton, WI

Final date to receive applications is October 30, 2026 at 4:00 PM

We offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes being a part of the Wisconsin Retirement System Pension: https://www.outagamie.gov/Our-County/Human-Resources/Employee-Benefits-Information

Learn more here about the retirement portion we are eligible for: https://etf.wi.gov/video/overview-wisconsin-retirement-system

The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Provide vision, direction, and day-to-day leadership for the County Veterans Service Office, ensuring services are responsive, equitable, compliant, and aligned with County priorities.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate office goals, policies, procedures, service standards, and outreach strategies.
• Supervise, coach, train, and evaluate assigned staff; establish clear expectations; foster accountability; and support professional development.
• Build and maintain a collaborative, high-performing team culture centered on customer service, confidentiality, cultural competence, and respect for military service.
• Prepare and manage the department budget; monitor expenditures; identify grant and funding opportunities; and ensure prudent stewardship of public resources.
• Prepare reports, performance measures, and presentations for County leadership, committees, boards, and other stakeholders as assigned.
• Ensure office records, case files, financial documentation, and reporting practices comply with applicable confidentiality, records-retention, and program requirements.
• Represent the County in professional associations, regional collaborations, veteran-service networks, public meetings, and community events.
• Advise and assist veterans, service members, dependents, and survivors in identifying and applying for available federal, state, county, and local benefits. Prepare, develop, submit, and follow up on claims, applications, appeals, and supporting documentation related to veterans’ benefits.
• Maintain current knowledge of U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs, and other applicable benefit programs, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Advocate for veterans and their families when navigating complex benefit systems and resolving barriers to care or services.
• Establish and sustain productive working relationships with federal, state, county, municipal, tribal, nonprofit, healthcare, and veteran-service partners.
• Coordinate with community organizations to identify unmet veteran needs and develop practical service solutions.
• Serve as a visible leader and trusted advocate for veterans’ issues within the County and broader community.
• Promote inclusive outreach to veterans who may face barriers to services, including rural residents, older adults, individuals with disabilities, women veterans, minority veterans, and veterans experiencing housing or behavioral-health challenges.

• Graduation from high school or possession of a GED equivalent.
• Three (3) or more years of progressively responsible experience in veterans’ services, veterans’ benefits, case management, public service, benefit programs, or a related field.
• Wisconsin resident.
• Meets the statutory eligibility requirements for a County Veterans Service Officer under Wis. Stat. § 45.80, including qualifying veteran status; active-duty service in the U.S. Armed Forces under honorable conditions; and applicable service-period requirements.
• Ability to obtain and maintain U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs…