Under general supervision of the Johnson County Veteran Affairs Director, adhere to office Policy and Procedures. Provides assistance with veteran programs in accordance with Chapter 35B of the Code of Iowa. Assists veterans and/or their eligible dependents in securing local, state, and federal benefits resulting from eligible service in the United States Armed Forces. Provide outreach services to veterans and serves as a veteran advocate in the community. Provides back-up for Veteran Affairs Director.

• Basic office practices and procedures
• Basic philosophy and principles underlying Federal, State, and County Veteran benefits
• Various resources available in the local community, state, and federally to assist veterans
• Techniques of interviewing, including accurately collecting, evaluating, verifying and recording information in claims management software
• English language to include grammar, spelling, sentence structure, vocabulary and proofreading skills

• Maintain confidentiality and security of information as appropriate
• Represent Johnson County and perform duties in a professional, responsible and trustworthy manner
• Follow Code of Ethics of National Association of County Veterans Service Officers
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, clients, other social service agencies, federal, state, and local elected officials, and members of the general public
• Make logical decisions based on interpretations of VA Law, program rules, regulations, policies and procedures
• Provide customer service that is courteous and responsive
• Communicate effectively with persons representing widely divergent backgrounds, interests, and points of view
• Demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion through continuous development, modeling inclusive behaviors, and proactively managing bias
• Organize and prioritize multiple responsibilities
• Collect data, keep accurate records, and prepare reports
• Organize and present factual information and ideas or opinions clearly and concisely, in oral or written form
• Be detail-oriented when working with documents and information
• Communicate effectively, orally and in writing, to individuals and groups, in formal and non-formal situations
• Use a computer and related software programs for the purposes of data entry, word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, e-mail and Internet
• Operate common office equipment such as tablets, calculators, fax and postage machines, photocopiers, multi-line and cellular telephones, and scanners
• Handle moderate levels of stress, meet deadlines and solve problems appropriate to the position
• Have clarity of speech and hearing which permits effective communication
• Have sufficient vision which permits moderate production and review of a wide variety of materials in both electronic and hardcopy forms
• Have sufficient manual dexterity to make handwritten notations and which permits moderate use of a keyboard and mouse
• Have sufficient personal mobility to complete work and attend meetings at various county facilities and other locations
• Stand, sit, squat, kneel, bend, twist, and reach as needed
• Lift and/or move up to 25 pounds as needed
• Work flexible schedule including occasional travel and additional time as needed

Associate degree in social work, human services, or related field AND two (2) years of experience in social work field or working with veterans in an official capacity; OR any equivalent combination of education, experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Special requirements: Must pass background check. Valid driver’s license and insurable under county liability coverage. May also require use of private vehicle for official business. Must be a Veteran per Chapter 35B.1 of the Code of Iowa.

Attain national accreditation and continuing education certification as required by the Code of Iowa 35B.6 within one (1) year of employment. Attain Personal Identity Verification Card (PIV) as well as Veterans Benefit Management System within six months of becoming accredited.

to be performed satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodation

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.

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  Provides eligible veterans and their dependents access to veteran services as described in the General Policy and Procedures of Johnson County Commission of Veteran Affairs.
• Provides advice and assistance regarding filing claims for pension/compensation, hospitalization, rehabilitation, etc. Assists in completing Iowa Veterans Home applications.
• Records grave registration data and forwards to Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs.
• Makes referrals to agencies related or pertinent to assisting veterans to seek employment such as Workforce Center, Crisis Center, Shelter House, Salvation Army, HACAP, and FEMA as well as any other potential source/resource Agency.
• Assists with project management of the Johnson County Armory & Veterans Memorial.
• Performs clerical support functions such as answering the telephone, filing, photocopying, and drafting correspondence.
• Attends work-related meetings such as monthly Commission meetings, District meetings, and at least one formal training to remain accredited either at a bi-annual Schools of Instruction provided by the Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs or the annual National Association of County Veteran Service officers conference.
• Provides back-up for Veteran Affairs Director as needed.
• Performs all work duties and activities in accordance with County policies, procedures, safety practices and as directed by the Commission.
• Attends work regularly at the designated place and time.