Veterans Benefits Specialist

Job Summary

The Veterans Services Office provides support to veterans and their dependents in obtaining benefits through federal and state programs, acting as an advocate on their behalf and directing them to other authorized agencies as their needs dictate. The Veterans Benefits Specialist reports to the Assistant Veterans Services Officer and performs complex claim processing, clerical, and record‑keeping procedures that require individual judgment and initiative.

• Process applications for disability compensation and pension, including health care, skilled nursing care, and caregiver services.
• Assist veterans and their dependents with medical, subsistence, retraining, relief grant, and financial assistance programs.
• Guide veterans and their dependents through education benefits and tuition assistance under GI Bills, including vocational rehabilitation.
• Assist in coordination and planning of major events such as the annual homeless veterans stand‑down, veterans celebration, and veterans town‑hall meetings.
• Serve as the communication central point to promulgate information and news to veterans via email, social media, and other platforms.
• Process Dependent Indemnity Compensation (DIC) claims and veteran burial reimbursement for survivors and eligible dependents.
• Determine and process benefit eligibility from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs, and Kenosha County benefits.
• Act as Co‑Mentor Coordinator for the Second Judicial District of Wisconsin Veterans Treatment Court.
• Coordinate issuance of gas cards to assist veterans with scheduled medical appointments within the VA hospital system.
• Maintain the Kenosha County website database for veterans programs; update veteran information in the WDVA database, including discharges, and manage the Vetra Spec proprietary database for reports.
• Communicate with federal, state, and local agencies such as SSA, Vet Center, Register of Deeds, Department of Health & Human Services, other County Veterans Services Offices, and medical facilities to assist veterans and dependents.
• Attend national and state training conferences to maintain accreditation and gather knowledge of veterans benefits.
• Provide notice of veteran deaths to Milwaukee VA Regional Office (VARO) and information on veteran burials to WDVA as required by statutes.
• Maintain grant submission database and prepare press releases from VA or WDVA information for local newspapers.
• Update and maintain confidential records, files, forms, and data systems.
• Compile and analyze data and prepare reports independently.
• Coordinate outreach initiatives, which may require work outside normal hours and travel across western Kenosha County.
• Act as a screening processor to assist veterans with financial assistance and refer them to CVSO for eligibility for Veterans Service Commission emergency financial aid funds.
• Perform other duties as required or assigned.

• Experience working in human services or social work (required).
• Two years of experience in veterans’ benefits or a related field (preferred).
• Two years of experience processing VA claims.
• Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations concerning veteran benefits and eligibility.
• Proficiency with benefit application and processing forms and procedures.
• General office procedures, computer hardware/software, and office equipment skills.
• Familiarity with office and government terminology related to veterans’ policies and procedures.
• Vetra Spec software system knowledge (preferred).
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and basic internet usage.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills; attention to detail and organization.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals; write routine reports and correspondence; speak effectively before veterans or employees with tact and diplomacy.
• Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, percentages, and volume.
• Basic math, algebra, and geometry skills.
• Accurate handling of money and receipt of funds; work independently with limited supervision.
• Apply common‑sense understanding to instructions in written, oral, or diagram form.
• Ability to handle problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations and draw valid conclusions.
• Work regularly with confidential data and maintain security, including PHI and private personal information.
• Work respectfully in a diverse and inclusive environment.

The position involves light physical demands, such as exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally and up to 10 pounds of force frequently. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.