Assistant Veterans Services Officer - Full-time

Selection Process:

Applications will be accepted until 10/27/25

First round interviews will be held via technology on: 11/3/25

For those selected, second round interviews will be held in person on: 11/10/25

 

 

JOB SUMMARY

The Assistant Veterans Service Officer (AVSO) is responsible for assisting veterans, their dependents, and survivors with accessing federal, state, and county benefits. This position provides direct client service, clerical and operational support, coordinates programs such as transportation services, and assists with outreach and public relations to ensure effective delivery of veterans’ services. Functions are completed independently under the limited supervision of the Veterans Service Officer (VSO).

This position is 30 hours per week.

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Advise and assist veterans, their dependents, and survivors in exploring, initiating, or reopening claims for federal benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
• Advise and assist veterans, their dependents, and survivors in exploring, initiating, or reopening claims for state benefits through the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA).
• Assist members and dependents of the National Guard and Reserve Components in obtaining appropriate benefits and assistance.
• Advise and assist veterans and their dependents through the appeals process for denied claims at the VA Regional Office (VARO), the Decision Review Officers, or the Board of Veterans Appeals.
• Conduct detailed interviews, gather supporting documentation, and prepare written statements on behalf of claimants.
• Assist veterans in accessing care through VA Medical Centers (VAMCs) and Community-Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCS), including completing necessary paperwork, securing records, scheduling appointments, and coordinating transportation to the VAMCs or CBOCs.
• Connect veterans, their dependents, and survivors in accessing non-veteran-specific programs and services, including making referrals to agencies such as the Social Security, the Small Business Administration, and other relevant organizations.

• Maintain office records by preparing, scanning, archiving, and maintaining confidential documents, files, and correspondence.
• Ensure compliance with privacy regulations (including HIPAA and other data privacy laws), retention standards, and information management requirements in the handling of all office records.
• Provide administrative support to the County VSO and assist in analyzing program effectiveness, identifying improvements, and supporting departmental goals.
• Assist County VSO with preparing grant applications to acquire equipment, vehicles, or additional program funding. Support project planning, reporting, and compliance for grant-funded activities.
• Coordinate veteran transportation services to VA medical centers and clinics (primarily in Minneapolis, St. Cloud, or Montevideo), including scheduling, arranging drivers, and assisting with travel-related needs. Act as back-up driver when needed.
• Collect travel pay and donations from transportation passengers and forward the money to the Auditor/Treasurers office. Keeps accurate records of donation amounts, destinations, trip purposes.
• Conduct outreach to raise awareness of veterans’ services through public speaking, presentations to community groups, and press releases, and represent the department at local events.
• Attend workshops, seminars, and conferences and confer with professionals and government officials to keep current with the latest changes in federal and state laws and regulations.

• Perform other related work assignments as directed or as it becomes apparent.

 

 

JOB RELATIONSHIPS

Internal interactions with: Renville County Staff, Renville County Board of Commissioners

External interactions with: Clients, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, federal and state agencies working with veterans, County Veterans Service Officers and their staff, Recorder’s Offices, judges, lawyers, healthcare providers, hospitals, nursing homes, human services departments, financial institutions, local chapters and posts of the veterans organizations, referral agencies, Department of Defense and Military Service Departments, State Employment Offices, Public Health, funeral homes, law enforcement, medical and legal professionals, and the public.

 

QUALIFICATION AND REQUIREMENTS   

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

 

Statutory Requirements:

• Must have citizenship in the United States.
• Must be a resident of the State of Minnesota.
• Per MN Statute 197.60, must be a veteran as defined by MN Statutes, Section 197.447, which includes active-duty requirements.

 

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED), and at least one year of related experience and/or training. Two-year post-secondary degree or one year of Veterans Administration experience is preferred.
• Must complete education and training on U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs laws, regulations, and rulings in accordance with MN Statute 197.601 within six (6) months of employment.
• Must obtain and maintain certification as an Assistant County Veterans Service Officer through the MDVA per MN Statute Chapter 197.605 within twelve (12) months of hire.
• Maintain accreditation by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs as a representative of recognized Veterans Service Organizations and maintain annual certification by the MDVA.
• Valid Minnesota driver’s license required.

 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of federal and state laws, rules, statutes, and regulations related to veterans’ benefits including those from the VA and MDVA. Understanding of court decisions and case law of the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims. Knowledge of medical terminology, human anatomy and physiology, and how medical conditions relate to benefits. Familiarity with programs such as Social Security, Medicare, and other federal and state assistance programs.

Strong skills in reading and understanding legal, medical, and financial documents. Skill to write clearly and professionally for reports, presentations, and public communications. Comfortable speaking to groups and explaining complex information, and capable of responding effectively to inquiries or complaints from clients or others. Strong computer skills, particularly with Microsoft Office and database software. Able to apply basic math concepts in practical situations and solve problems using facts and data.

Ability to understand, interpret, and apply federal and state laws and regulations, and procedures related to veterans’ benefits. Ability to interpret complex medical records and supporting documentation, prepare written and oral presentations on behalf of claimants, and communicate technical information clearly. Compassionate counseling skills are critical, particularly when working with clients who may be in crisis, mentally ill, chemically dependent, or dealing with trauma. Ability to work collaboratively with diverse populations and establish positive working relationships with clients, coworkers, and agency partners.

Excellent organizational skills to manage multiple complex claims simultaneously while maintaining accuracy and compliance. Strong problem solving and critical thinking skills to navigate the unique circumstances of each claim. Must exercise sound judgment in determining appropriate courses of action, troubleshooting issues, and advocating effectively for clients. Each decision must be reviewed for accuracy and compliance, with the understanding that the scope of authority is defined by legal constraints and the direction of the County Board or its appointed representative.

 

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; and use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee must occasionally lift or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and color vision. While performing the duties of this job, the employee occasionally works in outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. There are frequent interruptions during the workday. Some evening and weekend hours may be required. Some travel required for annual conference, trainings and community events. Drives intermittently on short errands, to meetings, or for van transportation.

 

Renville County Benefits Information: