NSO (Apprentice)

Disabled American Veterans•Newington, CT

3d•$0 - $50,003

About The Position

The National Service Officer Apprentice position is an initial training period for achieving the designation of National Service Officer. The apprentice studies and trains through DAV’s on-the-job training program to represent individual veterans and their families pursuing disability claims and other benefits from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs and, on occasion, other government entities. The role operates under the direct and ongoing supervision of a Supervisory National Service Officer and/or other personnel assigned to conduct training; the apprentice has no supervisory responsibilities. The position is full-time, 40 hours per week, nonexempt, and based in NSO offices nationwide. Minimal travel may be required 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 that willingness.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Must be found 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 standard business computers, the Microsoft Office software suite, and computerized record systems or databases used to retrieve automated veterans’ records.

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 the Code of Federal Regulations, other publications, and, where appropriate, decisions of the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.
Learn to conduct detailed interviews with veterans to identify all potential benefits.
Review service records and other pertinent data, including medical records, to identify or assess the validity of claims and potential claims.
Learn to determine whether additional evidence may be needed to support a claim and advise the veteran accordingly.
Learn to determine the risks and benefits of filing a particular claim.
Learn to assess whether available evidentiary support for a claim meets the requirements of 38 CFR § 14.633, which incorporates the rule on frivolous claims adopted by the American Bar Association in Model Rule 3.1.
Practice preparing submissions required to initiate and advance claims, including briefs and similar documents analyzing how applicable regulations relate to the facts of a case.
Practice monitoring claims from submission through resolution, working with VA adjudicators as needed to advance claims and keeping claimants advised of significant developments.
Learn to advise claimants, where appropriate, of administrative and judicial appeal options for claims denied in whole or in part, and provide specific advice about likely grounds for appeal when requested.
Practice representing claimants before military and VA hearing panels and boards, presenting evidence and legal argument, and examining or 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.