NSO (Apprentice)

Disabled American Veterans•Newington, CT

About The Position

The National Service Officer Apprentice role encompasses the initial training period required to achieve the designation of National Service Officer. Through DAV’s on-the-job training program, 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, on occasion, other government entities. The Apprentice works under direct and ongoing supervision and has no supervisory responsibilities. The position is based in Service/NSO offices nationwide, may require minimal authorized travel for training, and requires willingness to relocate nationwide based on DAV’s needs.

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 veterans’ records.
Willingness to relocate nationwide based on DAV’s needs, with written affirmation.
Ability to meet the described physical demands, including sitting up to eight hours and standing up to two to four hours daily; performing hand and arm movements, handwriting and keyboarding over prolonged periods; and occasionally lifting or carrying up to 25 pounds and bending, squatting, pushing, and pulling.

Nice To Haves

General knowledge of legal and/or medical terminology.
General understanding of business or 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 of veterans to identify 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 veterans accordingly.
Learn to assess the risks and benefits of filing particular claims.
Learn to assess whether available evidentiary support meets the requirements of 38 CFR § 14.633, including the rule on frivolous claims.
Practice preparing submissions required to initiate and advance claims, including briefs and other documents analyzing the application of regulations to case facts.
Practice monitoring claims from submission to resolution, communicating with VA adjudicators as required, and keeping claimants informed of significant developments.
Learn to advise claimants about administrative and judicial appeal options and, when requested, provide specific advice concerning 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 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 to further support and enhance DAV’s mission of service.
Perform other administrative and outreach activities as directed by the office Supervisor.