Field State Veterans Service Officer

South Dakota State Government; Pierre (SD); On-site; USD 32,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Veterans Affairs in Sioux Falls, SD, seeks a Field Veteran Service Officer (FVSO) to liaise with county and tribal VSOs, train and support them, and assist veterans with filing claims for state and federal benefits. The role requires interviewing clients in person, by phone, and via email, review of claims, and travel within the region.

Ideal candidates will know VA and SD veteran programs, apply laws and regs, build relationships, and manage records efficiently.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of VA and State of South Dakota veteran benefit programs.
• Ability to read, interpret, and apply VA, state, and federal laws and regulations.
• Ability to build strong working relationships with veterans, families, VSOs, and community partners.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Proficiency with electronic record systems and standard office technology.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary liaison to county and tribal VSOs within the assigned region.
• Provide guidance, training, and continuing education to enhance VSO effectiveness.
• Interview veterans and families to assess needs and assist in preparing state and federal benefit claims.
• Review, verify, and submit claims filed by county and tribal VSOs.
• Manage a diverse caseload, ensuring timely follow-up and high-quality service.
• Participate in outreach events, training sessions, and community engagement efforts.
• Maintain and update records within electronic databases accurately and efficiently.

Skills

VA knowledge

VSO liaison

Laws & regulations

Relationship building

Organizational skills

Records systems

Job description

Job ID: 38228
Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs
Location: Sioux Falls
Salary: $23.56 to 25.02 depending on experience
Pay Grade: GH
Closing Date: 11/05/26

This is a full-time position with the Department of Veterans Affairs. For more information, please visit https://vetaffairs.sd.gov/.

The Field Veteran Service Officer (FVSO) is a vital member of the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs, serving as a liaison to county and tribal Veteran Service Officers (VSOs) within an assigned region. This position provides training, continuing education, and ongoing support to county and tribal VSOs while also assisting veterans and their families in filing claims for state and federal benefits.

The individual in this position conducts client interviews in person, by phone, and via email; reviews and files claims for county and tribal VSOs; manages a caseload of veterans; participates in outreach and training activities; and maintains accurate and up to date electronic records.

Travel is required within assigned region.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have:

• knowledge of VA and State of South Dakota veteran benefit programs.
• ability to read, interpret, and apply VA, state, and federal laws and regulations.
• ability to build strong working relationships with veterans, families, VSOs, and community partners.
• strong organizational and time management skills.
• proficiency with electronic record systems and standard office technology.

Skill to:

• serve as the primary liaison to county and tribal VSOs within the assigned region.
• provide guidance, training, and continuing education to enhance VSO effectiveness.
• interview veterans and families to assess needs and assist in preparing state and federal benefit claims.
• review, verify, and submit claims filed by county and tribal VSOs.
• manage a diverse caseload, ensuring timely follow-up and high‑quality service.
• participate in outreach events, training sessions, and community engagement efforts.
• maintain and update records within electronic databases accurately and efficiently.
• travel within the region as required.

Ability to:

• excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• strong attention to detail and a commitment to exceptional customer service.
• work with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• a valid South Dakota driver's license and the ability to maintain it.

APPLICANTS MUST MEET THE FOLLOWING REQUIREMENT TO BE CONSIDERED.

Requirement: 33A-2-1. Veteran defined.

For the purposes of all statutes relating to rights, privileges, ceremonial recognition, exemptions, and benefits (except a state bonus) of veterans and their dependents, the term, veteran, means any person who:

1. Has served the full obligation for active duty, reserve, or National Guard service in the military, or received an early discharge for a medical condition, hardship, reduction in force, or at the convenience of the military; and
2. Has been separated or discharged from such service honorably or under honorable conditions.

Therefore, applicants for this position must submit a copy of their DD214 discharge papers with their application.

This position is eligible for Veterans' Preference per ARSD 55:10:02:08.

Successful applicant(s) will be required to undergo a background investigation. An arrest/conviction record will not necessarily bar employment.

The State of South Dakota does not sponsor work visas for new or existing employees. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete an Employment Eligibility Verification, Form I-9. The State of South Dakota as an employer will be using E-Verify to complete employment eligibility verification upon hire.

The State of South Dakota offers $0 premium employee health insurance option plus eleven paid holidays, generous vacation and sick leave accrual, dental, vision, and other insurance options, and retirement benefits. You can view our benefits information here . This position is a member of Class A retirement under SDRS.

An Equal Opportunity Employer