Van Buren County

Veteran Services Officer

Veteran Services - Paw Paw, MI - Full Time

Department: Veteran Services
Job Status: Full-Time
2026 Rate of Pay: $26.29 - 32.05 based on experience

JOB SUMMARY:  Counsels, advises, and assists veterans and their dependents in obtaining benefits provided for them by County, State, and Federal Law.  Acts as an advocate and case manager for veterans in need of such services.  Assists the director of the office as needed to advocate, educate and grow the programs for Veterans in Van Buren County.  This position reports to the Veterans’ Services Director.

ABILITIES, KNOWLEDGE, AND SKILLS:

  • Must possess impeccable Customer Service Experience
  • Must possess a thorough knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations governing the provision of veterans’ services.
  • Exceptional planning, prioritization and organizational skills accompanied by strong attention to detail.
  • Skilled in preparing and writing reports and presentations.    
  • Strong planning, prioritization and organizational skills accompanied by strong attention to detail.
  • Skilled in preparing reports and presentations. 
  • Ability to deliver excellent oral and written communication skills in a manner appropriate to the audience.
  • Exceptional interpersonal and problem-solving skills.
  • Proficient with Adobe, MS Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook.
  • Ability to complete work online, in the field or in a remote environment.
  • Skill in managing a budget.
  • Work independently and with and team.
  • Excellent customer service skills. 

PRINCIPLE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
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.
  1. Conducts interviews of Veterans and/or their dependents and widows and advises them of their rights under County, State and Federal law.
  2. Provides referrals to other agencies to help meet the needs of the clients that cannot be met by the available benefits. Monitors progress of such referrals to ensure services are coordinated and received.
  3. Provides assistance and/or files claims for Veterans' benefits. Specifically, VA Health Care, Compensation Claims, Appeals, Aid and Attendance Claims, Care Giver Claims, Dependency and Indemnity Compensation Claims, Burial Services and Pensions.  Monitors all claims filed to assure compliance with all State and Federal law.
  4. Provides assistance to Veterans and dependents in the preparation and follow-up of applications for State and Federal benefits.
  5. Research medical conditions and obtain necessary medical records from physicians to support claims. 
  6. Obtain necessary financial information and corroborating information as needed.
  7. Contact and assist survivors of a deceased veteran in obtaining death information.
  8. Apply for benefits such as burial in a national cemetery, burial allowances, government grave marker, government life insurance proceeds and survivor benefits.
  9. Advise and assist veterans on all phases of government life insurance.
  10. Assist a veteran, or the eligible survivor of a veteran, in obtaining Veterans’ Administration home loan benefits.
  11. Ensure timelines are met to expedite benefit claims.
  12. Assist veterans/dependents in appealing denied claims.
  13. Establishes and maintains confidential client files. 
  14. Develops and maintains professional relationships with local agencies serving Veterans including: Veterans Administration, Senior and Disabled Services, Adult and Family Services, Michigan Department of Veterans Affairs and others service organizations.
  15. Maintains current Veterans publications such as Federal, State and County information and instructions and resource material on V.A. Medical Centers, outpatient clinics and their programs.
  16. Coordinates with Van Buren County Transit Veterans’ transportation program to provide services as needed. 
  17. Composes correspondence and reports regarding inquiries on other Veterans related matters.  
  18. Assists with grant submissions and reporting requirements.
  19. Orders supplies and services for the Veterans’ Services Office.
  20. Executes an outreach program to provide services to Veterans and their dependents particularly in senior living/adult care facilities in Van Buren County.
  21. Assist in Management of Emotional Support Animal Program.
  22. Assist in the management and execution of the Van Buren County Horticulture Program.
  23. Assist in the Execution of the Veterans Standdown in the Fall.


QUALIFICATIONS / EXPERIENCE:
Associates Degree and one to three years of experience in a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience in veterans’ services, human relations, social service fields or business. Must have a valid driver’s license. Service in the Armed Forces of the United States, with a discharge under honorable conditions is preferred.  Veterans’ Services Officers must complete the National Association of County Veterans’ Service Officer training and Department of Veterans' Services certification process within one (1) year of their initial hire date and continuing Education Units (CEU's) every year thereafter.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
Must be willing to travel as needed.  Employment is dependent on background check, criminal history, and drug screen.  Applicant must complete County application form.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Direct Reports:              None

Delegation of Work:       Not applicable

Supervision Given:        Not applicable

Reports To:                   This position reports to the Veterans’ Services Director

WORK LOCATION AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The primary work location is in an office environment.  Work may also be done in the community or remotely.  Position is physically comfortable; individual has discretion about sitting (80%), walking (10%), and standing, etc.  Occasional lifting, pushing, climbing, and pulling may be required of around twenty-five pounds.  Occasional evening and/or weekend work may be required. 



Send Applications To:       Van Buren County Administration Building
                                            219 E. Paw Paw Street, Suite 302
                                            Paw Paw, MI 49079

                                            Applications are available from Human Resources Division
                                            Phone:     (269) 657-8230
                                            Website:  https://www.vanburencountymi.gov/Jobs.aspx

Or apply online through our Career Portal!

Van Buren County Government is An Equal Opportunity Employer

Apply: Veteran Services Officer
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The County of Van Buren is committed to ensuring honorably discharged members of the armed forces of the United States are provided preference in public employment consistent with Michigan Public Act 205 of 1897, as amended. If you meet the definition of a “veteran” provided by MCL 35.61.

I am an individual who served in the United States Armed Forces, including the reserve components and was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable.*
Are you a guard or reserve member?*
I certify that my answers are accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge.
I authorize the investigation of all statements, including references, in this application for employment as necessary for arriving at an employment decision. I also specifically waive any written notice requirements of Section 67 of 1978 PA 397 pertaining to disciplinary reports, letters of reprimand, or other disciplinary actions. I also waive any claim against VAN BUREN COUNTY GOVERNMENT and all current or former employers arising from such investigation or disclosure, including, but not limited to, slander and libel that may result from furnishing any information to VAN BUREN COUNTY GOVERNMENT.
This employment application shall be considered active for a period not to exceed 90 days. Any applicant wishing to be considered for employment beyond this period should inquire whether applications are being accepted at that time. I hereby understand and acknowledge that in the absence of an express written contract or agreement to the contrary; any employment relationship with VAN BUREN COUNTY GOVERNMENT of an “at-will” nature, which means that the employee may resign at any time and the Employer may discharge the employee at any time with or without cause.
In the event of employment, I understand that false or misleading information given in my application or interview(s) would be grounds for discharge. I understand, also, that I am required to abide by all rules and regulations of VAN BUREN COUNTY GOVERNMENT.
I further understand that if I am offered employment, a physical, which may include drug testing (at VAN BUREN COUNTY GOVERNMENT’s expense) may be required, proof of educational and licensing attainment must be submitted. If any driving is done for VAN BUREN COUNTY GOVERNMENT purposes, I must be both eligible to drive and be qualified for insurance coverage. Employment by VAN BUREN COUNTY GOVERNMENT is conditioned upon such results being satisfactory to VAN BUREN COUNTY GOVERNMENT.*
I agree that any action or suit against VAN BUREN COUNTY GOVERNMENT or its board elected or appointed officials, officers, and/or employees arising out of my application for employment, employment, or termination of employment, including but not limited to claims arising under State or Federal civil rights statutes, must be brought within 180 days of the event giving rise to the claims or be forever barred. I waive any limitation periods to the contrary.*
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