VETERANS SPECIALIST

La-Crosse-County-; La Crosse (WI); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Wisconsin Retirement System

County insurance plans

Vacation and sick time start day one

Vacation accrual up to 2x

150 sick days

Job summary

La Crosse County is seeking a Veterans Benefits Specialist to administer, coordinate, and advise on federal, state, and local veterans’ benefits programs. You will provide comprehensive case management on benefits counseling and claims support to veterans and dependents, ensuring accurate application of regulations.

This role requires advocating for clients, maintaining compliance with laws, and collaborating with community partners to connect veterans with earned benefits while supporting

Qualifications

• Experience applying federal, state, and local regulations.
• Ability to manage caseload and provide benefits counseling.
• Strong written and verbal communication with veterans and families.

Responsibilities

• Provide benefits counseling and claims support to veterans and dependents.
• Advocate for clients and ensure accurate adjudication of claims.
• Maintain HIPAA-compliant case records and data integrity.
• Coordinate with partners and participate in training and accreditation requirements.

Skills

Mutual respect

Active listening

Communication skills

Project management

Team collaboration

Job description

Posted Thursday, July 23, 2026 at 6:00 AM

Welcome to La Crosse County — Where Your Work Truly Matters

Every day, our unique teams contribute to our vision of a community that is vibrant, safe, and resilient. Whether you're supporting families, safeguarding natural resources, maintaining infrastructure, or delivering essential services, your work here creates real impact for the people who live, work, and visit our county.

What You’ll Gain by Joining Us

• A Future You Can Count On: Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS), one of the most respected pension programs in the nation.
• Reliable, Affordable Coverage: Countywide insurance plans plus growing access to local, no-cost care options for everyday health needs.
• Time Off That Works For You: You'll have two dedicated banks of vacation and sick time, giving you the freedom to plan real downtime when you need it—and the peace of mind to take care of yourself when you're under the weather.
  • Start earning vacation and sick time your very first day
  • Bank up to 2× your annual vacation accrual
  • Build up to 150 sick days as a full time employee

A Place Where Everyone Belongs

We believe our workforce should reflect the community we serve. We're committed to fostering a culture of respect, inclusion, and belonging—because diverse perspectives lead to better outcomes for everyone.

Overview

FLSA: Non-Exempt The Veterans Benefits Specialist serves as a subject matter expert responsible for administering, coordinating, and advising on federal, state, and local veterans’ benefits programs. As a Veterans Benefits Specialist, this role provides comprehensive case management on benefits counseling and claims support to veterans and their dependents. The position ensures accurate application of federal and state regulations, advocates on behalf of clients, and promotes access to earned benefits while maintaining compliance with applicable federal and state laws, policies, and procedures.

Essential Leadership Functions

Act with Integrity and Build Trust

• Demonstrate mutual respect, humility, and honesty in all interactions
• Speak up appropriately, even when expressing unpopular viewpoints
• Actively listen and remain open-minded to diverse perspectives

Drive for Results

Independently manages projects and caseload while proactively identifying and leading improvement initiatives and future strategic direction

• Set clear goals and objectives to motivate self and others to achieve outcomes
• Seek new opportunities to improve processes and drive sustainable results
• Hold self and others accountable through consistent evaluation and monitoring

Develop Talent and Effective Teams

• Foster a collaborative environment that encourages knowledge sharing and growth
• Provide mentorship and support to help self and others reach full potential
• Recognize and leverage diverse strengths within self and team

Lead with Vision and Strategy

• Understand and communicate a compelling vision that aligns with organizational goals
• Develop and execute comprehensive strategies to achieve long-term objectives
• Connect daily work to the bigger picture, inspiring self and others to contribute meaningfully

Lead with Paradoxical, Critical, and Agile Thinking

• Navigate complex situations by considering multiple perspectives
• Adapt quickly to changes and uncertainties in the work environment
• Make critical decisions using analytical skills, experience, and input from others

Build and Maintain Effective Relationships

• Communicate and collaborate effectively with stakeholders across the organization, community, and government organizations
• Influence others through coaching, consulting, and team-minded thinking

Must be willing to work with a diverse group of clients (economically, socially, mentally, and physically) and have the temperament to communicate with a variety of personalities in a tactful, pleasant and professional manner

• Develop and sustain partnerships that create positive outcomes for all stakeholders

Cultivate Community Engagement and Provide Excellent Service

• Understand and address the needs and concerns of the community
• Drive initiatives that create positive impacts beyond the organization
• Show self-awareness and manage emotions effectively in challenging situations
• Seek and respond constructively to feedback, even in the face of setbacks
• Balance empathy with accountability when leading self and working with others

Essential Job Functions

Interprets and applies federal regulations (e.g., 38-CFR), VA policies (M21-1), and Wisconsin Statutes and guidelines (Chapter 45) regarding veterans' benefits.

Functions as an advocate and advisor to ensure timely and accurate adjudication of claims regarding veterans' benefits, as to how it affects a variety of issues and problems including, but not limited to: financial assistance, medical needs, alcohol and other drug abuse, homelessness, unemployment, relocation, vocational adjustment, mental illness, physical disabilities, and marital status.

Applies knowledge of internal and external resources, organizations, and programs while actively learning and collaborating with community partners.

Investigates eligibility and develops individualized benefits strategies based on each veteran’s service history, medical conditions, and financial situation for veterans and dependents with various benefits to include, but not limited to, compensation, pensions, insurance, education, healthcare, grants, loans, survivor benefits and burial benefits.

Conducts intake interviews and assess eligibility for various federal, state, and local benefit programs. Administers and manages veterans’ benefits claims, including compensation, pension, education, healthcare, and ancillary benefits. Develops, reviews and submits VA claims (e.g., VA Form 21-526EZ, 20-0996, 21-4138, etc.). Guides veterans in the appeals processes, including developing Supplemental Claims, advocating for Veterans in Higher-Level Reviews, and preparing for Board of Veterans Appeals.

Must qualify for and maintain eligibility for accreditation through The Office of General Counsel of the Department of Veterans Affairs with multiple veteran's organizations such as, but not limited to, Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans of Foreign Wars, The American Legion, and the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers. Accreditation includes annual training, which will require overnight travel, and may also include passing of background checks conducted by the various organizations.

Analyzes and determines appropriate filing of claims, through detailed review of medical records, service records, supporting documentation along with historical facts using multiple avenues such as verbal history, books, computer, etc.

Provides direction and guidance to other workers in the office concerning regulations, policies, and procedures under which the department functions.

Exhibits strong multitasking abilities, with the capacity to manage several responsibilities and shifting priorities simultaneously.

Demonstrates exceptional accuracy in handling and organizing information, ensuring data integrity across all systems and workflows.

Consistently documents all interactions with clear, thorough detail to support effective communication, follow up, and compliance. Maintains the Veterans Service Office database to ensure all information remains current and ensures accurate data submission to State and Federal systems.

Maintains accurate, confidential case records in full compliance with regulatory standards, including HIPAA requirements for safeguarding medical information.

Answers telephone and interviews callers to determine need; maintains department calendar and provides callers and public with general and specific information regarding the work of the department.

Provides administrative support to County committees, typing and mailing notices, agendas, minutes, and preparing vouchers for approval and keeping files. May attend meetings and keep minutes in the absence of the Department Head.

Assists in preparation of budget and annual reports.

Generates vouchers for approval and reports regarding the purchase and issuance of supplies and equipment necessary for the operation of the department and the maintenance of a perpetual inventory record.

Participates in the preparation for hiring