The County Veterans Service Officer assists veterans, dependents, and survivors by providing information, assistance, counseling, and referrals on a wide range of subject, benefits, and veteran programs. CVSO's are trained to provide information on the following topics - Offers complete claims service and explanation of VA procedures, Provides follow-up service once a decision has been made, VA loans, Compensation and pension, Survivors benefits, Education benefits, On-the-job and apprenticeship training, State benefits, Social Security benefits, Employment and unemployment, Small business development information, Corrections of military records, Review of discharges, Medical and dental treatment, Hospitalization or outpatient treatment, Nursing home care, Residency at the State Veterans' Home, Rehabilitation, Information and payment assistance for alcoholism and drug dependency treatment, Burial benefits, Obtaining flags, and Information on community programs Veterans are encouraged to register their discharge information (DD Form 214, Report of Separation) with the County Registrar of Deeds Office.

The purpose of the Transition Assistance Advisor (TAA) program is to provide a professional to serve as the statewide point of contact to assist Service Members and Veterans in accessing Department of Veterans Affairs' health care services and benefits. Each TAA also provides assistance in obtaining entitlements through the Military Health System and access to community resources. The Transition Assistance Advisor (TAA): Provides information and assistance to Service members and their families to help them understand and access state and federal benefits as well as services through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Veterans Health Administration (VHA), Veterans Business Administration (VBA), Military Health System, and the Department of Labor. Coordinates with VA, TRICARE, Veteran Service Organizations, and other federal, state, and community resources to provide important information and help with obtaining services to meet your needs during the post-deployment period. Participates in the mobilization and demobilization process to brief and advise members and their families about available VA entitlements and available resources in their communities. Coordinates activities for the Post-Deployment Health Reassessment event (a screening evaluation for any lingering physical and mental health conditions Service members may experience at 3-6 months post-deployment). Researches and resolve issues associated with entitlements when problems arise. Advises the Joint Forces Headquarters and coordinate with Family Support Specialists, Employer Support Group to assist with access to entitlements available through Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Labor, and other veterans' entitlement and benefit programs.

Horizon Health - Faith is full-service medical clinic offering the following services - preventative screenings, acute care, chronic care management, well child visits, men's and women's health, immunizations, family planning, lab/x-ray, patient education, care management, DOT exams, after-hours access to care, and Certified Application Counselors for the Health Insurance Marketplace. Also offers behavioral health services: medication management, counseling, case management, integrated care, addiction services, and Medication Assisted Therapy (MAT). Horizon Health - Faith is also a partner with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Community Care Program.

Homeless Veterans or Veterans at-risk for homelessness have free, 24/7 access to trained responders. Callers will be connected with a homelessness specialist at the nearest VA facility. The hotline is intended to assist homeless Veterans and their families, VA Medical Centers, federal, state and local partners, community agencies, service providers and others in the community.

Acts as an advocate and provides assistance to military veterans and their dependents in determining eligibility and applying for various federal and state benefits, such as service-connected compensation, non-service connected pension, outpatient and hospital medical treatment, guaranteed home loan certificates, education and on-the-job training benefits, burial benefits, survivor benefits, referral information, as well as many others.

Provides up to $3,000 for qualified Legionnaires or Sons of The American Legion, and up to $10,000 for qualified American Legion posts that have been affected by natural disasters. Applicant must have been displaced from their home due to damage sustained during a natural disaster. If emergency/disaster shelters are available, and applicant chooses not to stay at shelter, then they need to provide a reason why they did not stay in shelter. The online application only covers most immediate needs (e.g. temporary housing, food, water, clothing, diapers, etc.) during the period after the disaster happens.

The Job Service Office is ready to help job seekers identify opportunities and prepare for productive employment through the following services: Employment Services - Staff can help identify career interests, write a resume, prepare for a job interview and access appropriate training. Job listings are posted from local employers, state-wide employers, and federal and state government agencies. Job search assistance classes are available in addition to computers to conduct a job search or apply on-line. All individuals seeking employment or information about the local labor market receive assistance at no charge. Veterans Employment Representatives - Job search information, help with resume writing and cover letters, and preparations for interviews. Eligibility determinations for special programs and services that employ and train veterans. Information on how to apply for federal, state, county and city employment. Employment information for newly separated or transitioning service members. Assistance with cross-matching military skills to civilian employment. Direct referrals to job openings. Intensive services and employment assistance for disabled veterans; those with a military disability, may also qualify for vocational rehabilitation services. Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act - An employment and training program designed to provide services increasing skills for adults and youth that will result in employment and an increase in earnings. Individualized program to overcome employment barriers including: Work readiness skills; Interview tips; Resume Writing; Employment Counseling and GED or High School Diploma completion.

General medical and surgical, primary, nursing home, and rehabilitative care. Behavioral health services including addictive disorder services (ADS), compensated work therapy, Residential Post Traumatic Stress (PTSD) program, Mental health intensive case management, inpatient psychiatric services, and outpatient psychiatric services. Gun locks are available through the Suicide Prevention Coordinator.

Vets4Warriors provides 24/7, free, confidential personalized services (peer support) to all Active Duty, National Guard and Reserve service members Veterans and their families/caregivers. Vets4Warriors is available to help navigate the military, VA systems, community support agencies or is here just to talk with callers facing a myriad of challenges. We connect those individuals to resources that can help them get what they need, such as financial assistance, mental health help, etc. Support before the crisis is key - Vets4Warriors is here to provide this important support.

The County Veterans Service Officer assists veterans, dependents, and survivors by providing information, assistance, counseling, and referrals on a wide range of subject, benefits, and veteran programs. CVSO's are trained to provide information on the following topics Transportation assistance to VA Appointments, Offers complete claims service and explanation of VA procedures. Provides follow-up service once a decision has been made. Also provides information on GI loans, Compensation and pension, Survivors benefits, Education benefits, On-the-job and apprenticeship training, State benefits, Social Security benefits, Employment and unemployment, Small business development information, Corrections of military records, Review of discharges, Medical and dental treatment, Hospitalization or outpatient treatment, Nursing home care, Residency at the State Veterans' Home, Rehabilitation, Information and payment assistance for alcoholism and drug dependency treatment, Burial benefits, Obtaining flags, and Information on community programs. Veterans are encouraged to register their discharge information (DD Form 214, Report of Separation) with the County Registrar of Deeds Office.

The Job Service Office is ready to help job seekers identify opportunities and prepare for productive employment through the following services: Employment Services - Staff can help identify career interests, write a resume, prepare for a job interview and access appropriate training. Job listings are posted from local employers, state-wide employers, and federal and state government agencies. Job search assistance classes are available in addition to computers to conduct a job search or apply on-line. All individuals seeking employment or information about the local labor market receive assistance at no charge. Veterans Employment Representatives - Job search information, help with resume writing and cover letters, and preparations for interviews. Eligibility determinations for special programs and services that employ and train veterans. Information on how to apply for federal, state, county and city employment. Employment information for newly separated or transitioning service members. Assistance with cross-matching military skills to civilian employment. Direct referrals to job openings. Intensive services and employment assistance for disabled veterans; those with a military disability, may also qualify for vocational rehabilitation services. Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act - An employment and training program designed to provide services increasing skills for adults and youth that will result in employment and an increase in earnings. Individualized program to overcome employment barriers including: Work readiness skills; Interview tips; Resume Writing; Employment Counseling and GED or High School Diploma completion.

The American Red Cross works in partnership with Military Aid Societies to provide financial assistance to eligible applicants. Assistance can include funds for emergency travel, burial of a loved one, emergency food and shelter, etc. The Aid Societies determine the financial assistance package that will be offered through a grant or a loan.

Provides various programs for catastrophically disabled veterans and other people with disabilities. Services include, but are not limited to the following areas: - Service to veterans - Veterans service officer - who is able to assist in obtaining benefits - Advocacy programs for veterans and people with disabilities - Legislation - Peer counseling - for persons with physical disabilities and especially new spinal cord injuries and multiple sclerosis. - Sports and recreational activities - Assists veterans that have physical disabilities with getting involved in sports activities such as bowling, lacrosse, boccia ball, fishing, skiing, trap shooting, and hunting. Also open to individuals with disabilities. - Equipment lending - Technical assistance on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

The SSVF program provides homelessness prevention and rapid re-housing services to help Veteran families keep, or rapidly transition to permanent housing. For veterans and their families that meet all eligibility criteria and are enrolled with the program, the program can provide: Outreach to Veterans Case management - Financial assistance (for securing/preserving housing) Utility assistance for water, lights, and heating for current, past due, disconnection notices, previous address, and deposits Rental assistance Security deposits - Other financial assistance Child care costs Moving costs Transportation expense Help applying for Department of Veterans Affairs assistance and other benefits Help connecting Veterans with other community resources and services

The Veterans Crisis Line is a free, confidential resource that's available to anyone, even to those who are not registered with VA or enrolled in VA health care. The responders at the Veterans Crisis Line are specially trained and experienced in helping Veterans of all ages and circumstances. Also offers a crisis chat program available on their website.

The Objective Zero App connects service members, veterans, their families, and caregivers to peer and civilian support through voice, video and text and to mental health and wellness tools and resources. The app is free to download and free to use.

Community-based counseling center that provide a wide range of social and psychological services, including professional readjustment counseling to eligible Veterans, active duty service members, including National Guard and Reserve components, and their families. Bereavement services for family members is also available. Readjustment counseling is offered to make a successful transition from military to civilian life or after a traumatic event experienced in the military. Individual, group, couples, and family counseling is offered in addition to referral and connection to other VA or community benefits and services.

Provides assistance after a personal or small-scale catastrophic events such as fire, flooding, and storm damage. Rapid assistance is deployed when evacuation is required ahead of an arriving storm or ordered due to a critical incident event. Post disaster services are also available for recovery of food, uniforms and family needs, temporary lodging, and insurance deductibles.

Clinic provides primary care, mental health, and telehealth services. No emergency services are provided at the clinic. Specialty services include: Radiology, Women's Health Care, and Whole Care Mental Health services: Individual, couples, and group psychotherapy Integrative Health Clinic offers services such as acupuncture and massage therapy, aromatherapy, health coaching, meditation and mindfulness training, Mind-Body Medicine, Yoga and Tai Chi classes, Whole health skills building course, and biofeedback.

Specialty care include: Audiology, Home Based Primary Care, Lab, Mental Health, Pharmacy clinical services, Physical Therapy, Primary Care, Social Work, and Nutrition. The following programs and specialty care are available by telehealth: Cardiology, Occupational Therapy, Chronic Health Management, Oncology, Dermatology, Orthopedics, Diabetes Management, Pain Management, Endocrinology, Pharmacy Services, Gastroenterology, Prosthetics/Orthotics, Genomic Medicine, Psychiatry, Infectious Disease, Pulmonary, Mental Health, Surgery (pre-op), Nephrology, Low Vision, Neurology, Urology, and Wound Care.​

The Job Service Office is ready to help job seekers identify opportunities and prepare for productive employment through the following services: Employment Services - Staff can help identify career interests, write a resume, prepare for a job interview and access appropriate training. Job listings are posted from local employers, state-wide employers, and federal and state government agencies. Job search assistance classes are available in addition to computers to conduct a job search or apply on-line. All individuals seeking employment or information about the local labor market receive assistance at no charge. Veterans Employment Representatives - Job search information, help with resume writing and cover letters, and preparations for interviews. Eligibility determinations for special programs and services that employ and train veterans. Information on how to apply for federal, state, county and city employment. Employment information for newly separated or transitioning service members. Assistance with cross-matching military skills to civilian employment. Direct referrals to job openings. Intensive services and employment assistance for disabled veterans; those with a military disability, may also qualify for vocational rehabilitation services. Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act - An employment and training program designed to provide services increasing skills for adults and youth that will result in employment and an increase in earnings. Individualized program to overcome employment barriers including: Work readiness skills; Interview tips; Resume Writing; Employment Counseling and GED or High School Diploma completion.

Clinic provides primary care, mental health, home based primary care, and telehealth services. No emergency services are provided at the clinic. Specialty Services include: Audiology, Dermatology, Anticoagulation, and Home Based Primary Care Mental Health Services: individual, couples, and group psychotherapy Audiology Services: including hearing aid fittings, adjustments, and replacement, are provided on Tuesdays, Thursday afternoons and Friday afternoons at the CBOC. The following programs and specialty care are available by telehealth: Cardiology, Diabetes Management, Endocrinology, Gastroenterology, Genomic Medicine, Infectious Disease, Nephrology, Neurology, Nutrition, Oncology, Orthopedics, Pain Management, Physical Therapy, Prosthetics, Pulmonary, and VIST (low Vision).

Outpatient mental health counseling center providing 100% free services to eligible Veterans, active duty service members, and their families. Part of the US Department of Veterans Affairs but separate from the VA Medical Centers, with separate and confidential medical records. Offering individual, group, and couples counseling both in Rapid City and at a number of Community Access Points in the Black Hills. Also, a referral service and can point Veterans in the right direction for any information they may need in terms of accessing benefits, enrolling in VA health care, etc. Specialty is helping Veterans readjust successfully into civilian life, and provides counseling for a wide range of problems, from mental health issues like PTSD, depression, and anxiety to life stressor issues such as work-related or relationship difficulties. Provides free bereavement counseling for loved ones of service members who died while on active duty or Veterans who died by suicide.

The Union County Veterans Service Office (VSO) educates and assists veterans and their dependents and/or survivors in applying for veterans' benefits including benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs and the State of South Dakota. Referrals are also made to other agencies that may have potential benefits for veterans. Areas of primary activity are obtaining military records and discharges, death/burial benefits, education benefits, home loan certificates, non-service connected pension, service connected compensation, state bonus program, survivors benefits, and veteran affairs health care. Veterans are encouraged to register their discharge information (DD Form 214, Report of Separation) with the Union County Registrar of Deeds Office.

TBI evaluation and education for Veterans including speech-language, neurological, occupational, physical evaluations and therapies. Psychological services and caregiver supports are available.