Service Officer

Mahaskacountyia; Iowa, Northern (LA, KY); Hybrid; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

IPERS retirement plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Mahaskacountyia seeks a dedicated Veterans Affairs Service Officer to help veterans, spouses, and dependents identify and obtain federal, state, and county benefits. You will advocate for healthcare, financial assistance, and support services across the veteran community.

You will meet with clients, prepare, submit, and track disability, pension, education, healthcare, and burial claims; maintain confidential records; and collaborate with local posts and facilities to promote available services.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; further degree preferred.
• Experience in human services, benefits administration, or customer service is preferred.
• Ability to obtain NACVSO or VA accreditation within one year of hire.

Responsibilities

• Meet with veterans and eligible dependents to evaluate eligibility for benefits.
• Prepare, submit, and track claims and appeals with VA and state agencies.
• Maintain confidential case files and client records per privacy regulations.
• Provide emergency financial assistance counseling and process relief applications.
• Conduct outreach events and partner with local posts and medical facilities.

Skills

Communication skills

Empathy

Case management software

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate or Bachelor’s degree in social work or public administration preferred

Tools

Office software

Electronic case management systems

Job description

The Veterans Affairs Service Officer assists local military veterans, spouses, and dependents in identifying, applying for, and obtaining federal, state, and county benefits. This role serves as a dedicated advocate to ensure members of the veteran community receive the healthcare, financial assistance, and support services they have earned.

• Work Schedule: Monday – Friday, 40 hours per week (standard business hours).
• Retirement: Mandatory enrollment in the Iowa Public Employees' Retirement System (IPERS) defined benefit pension plan.
• Insurance: Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage options.
• Paid Time Off: Paid holidays, sick leave, and vacation accrued per organization policy.

Key Responsibilities

• Meet with veterans and eligible dependents to evaluate eligibility for VA disability compensation, pensions, education, healthcare, and burial benefits.
• Prepare, submit, and track claims and appeals through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and relevant state agencies.
• Maintain confidential case files, documentation, and client records in compliance with federal and state privacy regulations.
• Provide emergency financial assistance counseling and process county-level veteran relief applications.
• Conduct outreach events and partner with community organizations, local VFW/American Legion posts, and medical facilities to promote available services.

Qualifications

• Veteran Status: Honorably discharged veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces (as required by applicable state/local statutes).
• Education & Experience: High school diploma or GED required; Associate or Bachelor’s degree in social work, public administration, or related field preferred. Minimum 2 years of experience in human services, benefits administration, or customer service.
• Certification: Ability to obtain and maintain accreditation through the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers (NACVSO) or the Department of Veterans Affairs within one year of hire.
• Skills: Strong written/verbal communication, empathetic interpersonal skills, and proficiency with office software and electronic case management systems.

Job Hours

Monday – Friday, 40 hours per week (standard business hours).