Veterans Service Officer - Outagamie County

Veterans Service Officer - Outagamie County

Salary

$86,507.20 - $97,364.80 Annually

Location

Outagamie County Government Center 320 South Walnut Street, Appleton, WI

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

2603656

Department

Veterans Service Office

Opening Date

10/16/2026

Closing Date

10/30/2026 4:00 PM Central

Full Salary Range (Step 1)

$86,507.20

Full Salary Range (Step 10)

$112,860.80

Typical Work Hours/Shift:

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

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Outagamie County Core Values

Invested in Serving

Better Together

Create Progress

Support Through Compassion

Position Purpose

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.

Hours: 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

Application Deadline 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

Key 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.

• 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.

Education/Certifications/Experience Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• 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 accreditation.
• Must Possess and Maintain a Valid Driver's License

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Military and Veteran Studies, Public Administration, Social Work, or a closely related field.
• Current U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs accreditation.
• Experience assisting veterans, eligible dependents, or survivors with federal, state, and local veterans' benefits, claims, and related services.

Any combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.

Required or Preferred Skills

• Demonstrated ability to provide leadership, supervise and coach staff, and foster effective, collaborative teams.
• Ability to represent the department professionally in public settings and build awareness of available veterans services throughout the community.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed, client-centered service practices and the unique needs of veterans, military families, dependents, and survivors.
• Demonstrated ability to advocate effectively for veterans, dependents, and survivors in navigating federal, state, and local benefit programs.
• Ability to develop and maintain collaborative relationships with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs, community agencies, service organizations, health care providers, and other governmental partners.
• Ability to administer department operations, including policy development, program evaluation, workload management, and continuous service improvement.
• Ability to develop strategic priorities and translate them into effective operational plans.
• Thorough understanding of confidentiality requirements and ethical standards applicable to client services and public records.
• Strong knowledge of veteran benefits systems and the ability to interpret complex regulations and policies.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, verbal, presentation, and public-speaking skills.
• Ability to establish trust and communicate effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and with varying needs.
• Sound judgment, diplomacy, discretion, and the ability to manage sensitive or emotionally challenging circumstances.
• Ability to analyze data, prepare reports, manage budgets, and use information to improve services.
• Proficiency with standard office software, case-management systems, and electronic records systems.

Leadership Competencies

• Service-focused leadership: Places veterans and their families at the center of decisions, programs, and service improvements.
• Strategic stewardship: Uses County resources responsibly while advancing sustainable, measurable improvements in veteran services.
• Collaboration: Builds strong internal and external partnerships to expand access to benefits and support.
• People leadership: Develops staff capability, promotes accountability, and creates a respectful and inclusive work environment.
• Communication: Clearly explains complex benefit information and represents the County professionally in public forums.
• Integrity and confidentiality: Handles sensitive personal information with discretion, consistency, and sound ethical judgment.
• Continuous improvement: Identifies service gaps, uses feedback and data, and implements practical improvements to strengthen outcomes for veterans.

The essential functions listed in this job description identify the fundamental duties of the position. Outagamie County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities, consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), to enable them to perform the essential functions of the position, unless doing so would create an undue hardship.

Outagamie County offers Benefit options and paid time off for team members that work 20+ or more hours per week. Learn more today by visiting: https://www.outagamie.org/government/departments-f-m/human-resources/employee-benefits-information

Outagamie County Diversity Statement:

Outagamie County is committed to developing, nurturing, and sustaining an equitable community and workforce where all individuals can thrive. We pledge to amplify the voices of under-represented communities or those who were historically excluded, by removing barriers that result from racial, social injustice and inequities. We strive to ensure that equity, diversity, inclusion are embedded at all levels of Outagamie County programs and departments through acknowledging, analyzing, and addressing the root causes of inequities. We will create and advance equitable polices, practices and procedures, including, but not limited to County services, recruitment and retention, policies and practices, budgeting and procurement. We commit to being transparent and will continually evaluate and update our values when identified goals and objectives are not being achieved or sustained. Outagamie County will strive to create an inclusive environment where every community member feels like he/she/they belong.

OUTAGAMIE COUNTY IS AN EQUAL-OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT, THE COUNTY WILL PROVIDE REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS TO QUALIFIED INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES AND ENCOURAGES BOTH PROSPECTIVE EMPLOYEES AND INCUMBENTS TO DISCUSS POTENTIAL ACCOMMODATIONS WITH THE EMPLOYER.

OUTAGAMIE COUNTY OFFERS A COMPREHENSIVE AND HIGHLY COMPETITIVE BENEFITS PACKAGE TO ITS EMPLOYEES.

LEVELS OF BENEFITS CAN VARY BASED ON EMPLOYMENT STATUS AND EMPLOYEE GROUP.

Medical Coverage

Outagamie County currently offers eligible employees a Low-Deductible Health Plan and a High Deductible Health Plan with a Health Savings Account (HSA). Each of these plans are available for single or family coverage at affordable rates.

Dental Coverage

Eligible employees may choose either single, limited family, or family coverage.

Vision Coverage

Outagamie County offers single, employee plus one, employee plus children, and family voluntary vision insurance for those that are benefit eligible. Vision insurance coverage provides an opportunity for employees to save money on routine vision exams, contacts, eyeglass frames, and lenses.

Life Insurance

Outagamie County provides group life insurance for full-time employees. The cost of this coverage is paid for in full by the County.

Voluntary Short-Term Disability Insurance

Short-Term Disability pays the employee a portion of his or her income for a specified period of time, as determined by the plan. The Short-Term Disability plan provides coverage for injuries and illnesses that occur outside of work. The premium for this coverage is paid entirely by the employee and is available to active employees that meet the hours threshold requirements.

Long-Term Disability Insurance

All regular, non-union full-time employees are eligible for long-term disability coverage. Premiums are fully paid by the County.

Wisconsin Retirement System

Wisconsin Retirement Program helps provide for financial security during retirement. Monthly annuity payments at retirement are calculated using years of creditable service, average earnings (based on three highest years of earnings), formula factors, age at retirement and selected annuity option.

The retirement plan consists of two parts: an employee-required portion and an employer-required portion. Outagamie County pays the employer portion, and employees are responsible for paying the employee-required portion, which is determined by the state each year. Enrollment is required for eligible employees. Eligibility is determined based on Wisconsin Retirement System plan rules.

Deferred Compensation

Deferred Compensation allows employees to set aside pre-tax earnings toward retirement. Employees can save up to 100% of their compensation, to a maximum of $23,500 annually, or as little as $10.00 per paycheck. The amount deferred reduces year-end state and federal income tax base. All the earnings will accrue tax-deferred until such time as the assets are withdrawn, generally at retirement, termination, or other special circumstances. There is also an after-tax 457 Roth contribution option.

Flexible Spending Account Plan

The Flexible Spending Account Plan saves money by allowing the employee to pay for certain medical related expenses and dependent care expenses on a pre-tax basis, reducing annual taxable income resulting in Federal, State, Social Security, and Medicare tax savings.

Employee Assistance Program

Outagamie County has an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). The services offered as part of the Countys plan are a benefit provided at no cost to its employees and their immediate family members to help deal with lifes stresses. EAP consists of caring individuals who are certified counselors. They offer professional support and direction towards resolving problems or concerns. They can also help by referring the employee to another resource if assistance is needed beyond the EAP.

Paid Time Off

Outagamie County offers several paid time off benefits that include: vacation, personal holidays, national holidays, sick leave, bereavement leave and military leave.

Employee and Family Clinic

Primary Health Services, Acute Health Care and Physical Therapy are available to employees and dependents ages 12 months and up (age 13 and up for physical therapy), who are covered on a county health plan. A Health Coach is available to all employees, and to dependents covered under a county health plan age 14 and older. There is an onsite location and a shared clinic site location.

Fitness Center

Located at the downtown campus, a brand new fitness center with treadmills and other gym equipment is available to all employees from 5am to 10pm daily.

Pet Insurance

Please note that the pet insurance offers are discounts offered to Outagamie County employees and are not programs sponsored by Outagamie County. Please contact the companies directly for any questions, concerns or service issues.

If you would like to learn more, please click below about the benefits.

Values of Excellence (Recognition Program)

A program designed to celebrate the big wins, the daily efforts and everything in between of our county employees, which such a great place to grow, work, and thrive together. Where anyone as a county employee can recognize someone for a job well done!

Continuing Education

Outagamie County encourages continuing education by offering Education Reimbursement. This reimbursement is intended to provide assistance to the employee for out-of-pocket expenses for continuing education for the mutual benefit of the employee and Outagamie County, not covered in the departmental budget.

Any Outagamie County employee in good standing, averaging twenty (20) hours or more per week during the six (6) months prior to the start of the course, is eligible to apply. This statement is not all-inclusive in regard to tuition reimbursement.

https://www.outagamie.gov/Our-County/Human-Resources/Employee-Benefits-Information

01

Do you currently possess the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs accreditation?

• Yes
• No

02

Do you meet 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.

• Yes
• No

03

Please briefly describe your experience working collaboratively to provide trauma-informed, client-centered services, including your understanding of the unique needs of veterans, military families, dependents, and survivors.

Required Question

Employer Outagamie County

Address 320 S. Walnut Street

Appleton, Wisconsin, 54911

Phone (920) 832-1669

Website https://www.outagamie.gov/Home