NSO (Apprentice)

Disabled American Veterans•Roanoke, VA

About The Position

The National Service Officer Apprentice completes DAV’s initial on-the-job training period to achieve the designation of National Service Officer. The apprentice studies and trains to represent individual veterans and their families pursuing disability claims and other benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and, occasionally, other government entities. The role 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 apprentice learns to evaluate veterans’ claims, counsel claimants about potential benefits and claim options, prepare and advance claims, monitor proceedings, and represent claimants in hearings. The position also includes client workload management, professional communication, DAV membership recruitment, and other administrative and outreach activities. The role is nationwide, may involve minimal travel for training with advance authorization, and requires willingness to relocate nationwide based on DAV’s needs, with written affirmation.

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 where 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 standard business computers, Microsoft Office software, and computerized record systems/databases used to retrieve veterans’ records.
Must be willing to relocate nationwide based on DAV’s needs and provide written affirmation.
Ability to meet the stated physical demands, including prolonged sitting and keyboarding, occasional standing, and occasional lifting or carrying up to 25 pounds.

Nice To Haves

General knowledge of legal and/or medical terminology.
General understanding of business and administrative procedures and systems, such as managing clientele 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 pertaining to veterans benefits through regular review of relevant regulations, publications, and appropriate court decisions.
Learn to conduct detailed interviews with veterans to identify potential benefits.
Review service records, medical records, and other pertinent information to assess claims and potential claims.
Learn to determine whether additional evidence is needed and advise veterans accordingly.
Learn to assess the risks and benefits of filing claims and whether evidentiary support meets applicable requirements concerning frivolous claims.
Practice preparing submissions to initiate and advance claims, including briefs and documents applying regulations to case facts.
Practice monitoring claims from submission to 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 potential grounds for appeal when requested.
Practice representing claimants before military and VA hearing panels and boards, presenting evidence and legal arguments, and examining or cross-examining witnesses as necessary.
Develop goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish clientele workload.
Communicate professionally and diplomatically with people inside and outside the organization.
Learn to recruit new DAV members in support of DAV’s mission.
Perform other administrative and outreach activities as directed by the office Supervisor.