NSO (Apprentice)
About The Position
The National Service Officer Apprentice position is an initial training role for achieving the designation of National Service Officer (NSO). Through DAV’s on-the-job training program, the Apprentice learns to represent veterans and their families pursuing disability claims and other benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and, on occasion, other government entities. The position operates 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 Apprentice develops knowledge of veterans’ benefits laws and regulations; practices interviewing claimants, reviewing records, evaluating and advancing claims, advising claimants, preparing submissions, monitoring claim progress, and representing claimants at hearings. The role also includes workload planning, professional communication, member recruitment, and administrative and outreach activities. The position is nationwide and may require minimal travel for training with advance authorization. NSOs must be willing to relocate nationwide based on DAV’s needs and provide written affirmation of that 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 containing DAV’s On-The-Job Training Program for National Service Officers, except when hiring a non-eligible candidate serves an important DAV business purpose.
- Must be a member in good standing of the DAV.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Functional user of a standard business computer, Microsoft Office software, and computerized record systems or databases for retrieving automated veterans’ records.
- Must be willing to relocate nationwide based on DAV’s needs and provide written affirmation.
Nice To Haves
- General knowledge of legal and/or medical terminology is preferred.
- General understanding of business and administrative procedures and systems, including clientele file and record management, cash ledgers, and quality customer service, is helpful.
- A valid motor vehicle driver’s license other than a motorcycle license is preferred.
Responsibilities
- Acquire and maintain knowledge of laws and regulations pertaining to veterans benefits through regular review of the Code of Federal Regulations, other publications, and, where appropriate, 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 a claim and advise the veteran accordingly.
- Learn to determine the risks and benefits of filing a claim.
- Learn to assess whether available evidentiary support meets the requirements of 38 CFR § 14.633 concerning frivolous claims.
- Practice preparing submissions to initiate and advance claims, including briefs and similar documents analyzing applicable regulations and case facts.
- Practice monitoring claims from submission to resolution, working 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 bases for appeal.
- Practice representing claimants before military and VA hearing panels and boards, presenting evidence and legal arguments, and examining and cross-examining witnesses as necessary.
- Learn to develop goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and complete clientele workload.
- Communicate professionally and diplomatically with people inside and outside the organization.
- Learn to recruit new DAV members to support and enhance DAV’s mission of service.
- Perform other administrative and outreach activities as directed by the office Supervisor.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
