NSO (Apprentice)

Disabled American Veterans•Cheyenne, WY

13d

About The Position

The National Service Officer Apprentice role is an initial training position designed to prepare the employee for designation as a National Service Officer through DAV’s on-the-job training program. The apprentice studies and trains to represent individual veterans and their families who are pursuing disability claims and other benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and, occasionally, other government entities. The apprentice works under the direct and ongoing supervision of a Supervisory National Service Officer and/or other personnel assigned to conduct training and has no supervisory responsibilities. The position is nationwide and may require minimal travel for training with advance authorization from the National Service Director. NSOs must be willing to relocate nationwide based on DAV’s needs and provide written affirmation of this willingness.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Must be eligible and entitled to receive services through VA’s Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Service under the established National Memorandum of Agreement for DAV’s National Service Officer On-The-Job Training Program, except when hiring a non-eligible candidate serves an important DAV business purpose.
Must be a member in good standing of DAV.
Excellent communication skills.
Functional user of standard business computers, Microsoft Office software, and computerized record systems or databases used to retrieve veterans’ records.
Willingness to relocate nationwide based on DAV’s needs, with written affirmation.

Nice To Haves

General knowledge of legal and/or medical terminology.
General understanding of business and administrative procedures and systems, including managing client files and records, cash ledgers, and quality customer service.
Valid motor vehicle driver’s license other than a motorcycle license.

Responsibilities

Acquire and maintain knowledge of laws and regulations concerning veterans’ benefits through regular review of the Code of Federal Regulations, other publications, and relevant decisions of the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.
Learn to conduct detailed interviews with veterans to identify all potential benefits.
Review service records, medical records, and other pertinent data to identify or assess the validity of claims and potential claims.
Learn to determine whether additional evidence is needed to support claims and advise veterans accordingly.
Learn to assess the risks and benefits of filing claims.
Learn to evaluate whether available evidence supports a claim under 38 CFR § 14.633 and the applicable rule on frivolous claims.
Practice preparing submissions needed to initiate and advance claims, including briefs and documents analyzing how regulations apply to case facts.
Practice monitoring claims from submission through resolution, communicating with VA adjudicators as needed, and keeping claimants informed of significant developments.
Learn to advise claimants about administrative and judicial appeal options and, when requested, provide specific advice about likely grounds for appeal.
Practice representing claimants before military and VA hearing panels and boards, presenting evidence and legal arguments, and examining or cross-examining witnesses as necessary.
Learn to set goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and complete client workloads.
Communicate professionally and diplomatically with people inside and outside the organization.
Learn to recruit DAV members in support of DAV’s mission of service.
Perform other administrative and outreach activities as directed by the office Supervisor.