Apply for a Job

Sangamon County Veterans Assistance Commission is seeking interested and qualified applicants for the position of Veterans Service Officer (VSO).

Individuals meeting the qualifications listed below should visit our website at https://sangamonil.gov/departments/d-1=human-resources/apply-for-a-job

Seeking accredited Veterans Service Officer (VSO) to join the Veterans Assistance Commission of Sangamon County (VACSC) team. In accordance with the Military Veterans Assistance Act, Superintendents, subject to rules formulated by the Commission, shall select, as far as possible, Veteran Service Officers and other employees from among military veterans, including those who have served or may still be serving as members of the Illinois National Guard or a reserve component of the Armed Forces of the United States, who did not receive a bad conduct or dishonorable discharge or other equivalent discharge thereof, or their spouses, surviving spouses, or children. Employees of the Commission shall be at-will employees. The VSO must be able to obtain the knowledge necessary to pass the US Department of Veterans Affairs OGC accreditation test within one year of hiring in order to maintain employment. Must be willing and able to travel local or out of state for at least a week, one to two times per year, for conferences/meetings/accreditation and continuing education units. Attire is expected to be business casual and formal attire is required for certain outreach events or meetings. 

Under the supervision of the Superintendent and Asst. Superintendent, this position requires a confident, secure, intelligent, public speaker, with a positive attitude that fully understands and embraces the VACSC mission and embraces the fact they are the first person that everyone sees or hears.

* Complete intitial application, or reopen existing claims, for compensation or pension.
* Research medical conditions obtain necessary medical records and statements from physicians, military buddies, family members or other sources to support the claim or appeal.
* File application for veterans for education under the GI Bill, or vocational rehabilitation.
* Assist survivors of a deceased veteran and funeral homes in obtaining death benefits.
* Advise and assist veterans with government life insurance or home loan benefits.
* Ensure that all timelines are met so the veteran does not lose any potential benefits.
* Keep in contact with veterans concerning the status of individual claims.
* Work with VA professionals in obtaining public health services, home health care, home adaptation grant, or placement in local nursing homes or the Illinois Veterans Homes.
* Ensure veterans, dependents, and widows in the county are aware of State and Federal benefits.
* Assist retirees to apply for various types of military benefits and ID cards.
* Advises retirees in medical insurance benefits or TRICARE and helps in filing of those claims.
* Apply for correction of military records or an upgrade of character of separation from the service.
* Investigate history of unit, through Department of Defense, to prove that Veteran was in combat zone, or a specific battle, to quality for specific benefits.
* Advise veterans and their dependents on services from Social Security, Small Business Administration and other agencies.
* Works with County Human Services Department to maximize ALL potential benefits.
* Assist veterans with help from local hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes. 
* Keeps current on legislative and legal actions of federal and state veteran benefits.
* Maintains annual certification required by the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA).
* Appear before the County Veteran Organizations and community organizations to brief members on current information concerning veterans' benefits.
* Maintain confidential records in accordance with data privacy laws and HIPPA.
* Assists in compiling reports of office activities.
* Perform other duties as requested by senior management.

* Veterans Assistance Commission is looking for a candidate with a minimum of an AA Degree, completion of two years of college level programs, supervision or related experience.
* Bachelor's degree preferred, but not required.

Annual salary starting at $53,470. 2 weeks paid vacation, 3 paid personal days, 12 paid sick leave days and 12 paid holidays per year. Individual and family health, dental and life insurance options and retirement. 

Work hours: Monday-Friday 830a-430p, FLSA non-exempt, 37.5 hours per week (evening/weekend meetings required on occasion)

Submit resume and application to:

Ashti Dawson, Superintendent, VAC of Sangamon County
200 S. 9th St
Springfield, IL 62701

or email to: ashti.dawson@sangamonil.gov

Resume deadline is June 13, 2025 by 430p

None