The Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) Senior National Service Officer-Appeals (SNSO-Appeals) provides advocacy, including written argument and oral representation, for WWP Alumni and their dependents/families with benefits appeals before the Department of Veterans Affairs. The SNSO-Appeals is responsible for drafting, editing, reviewing, and case management for appeals filed under the Veteran Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act of 2017 (AMA) and legacy appeals systems. Case management includes tracking active appeals, consulting with potential and current appellants regarding the merits of their appeals, advising the National Service Officers as to the best appeal options available for their clients, screening meritorious appeals, and ensuring evidence development options have been explored and exploited fully.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES- Draft decisions, including those of exceptional difficulty, complexity, or controversy, for review by a Veterans Law Judge (VLJ).
- Ensure proper drafting, editing, reviewing, and management of appealed issues before BVA.
- Review and evaluate the credibility and probative value of medical and lay evidence in claims files.
- Manage appeals dockets information and distribute electronically to field staff.
- Prepare appellate briefs and conduct hearings docketed at the Board of Veterans Appeals.
- Review administrative errors being prepared for submission to Central Office for consideration.
- Review Board of Veterans Appeals decisions and determine cases for consideration to the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.
- Assist the Benefits Training team to train WWP Benefits Services teammates on best practices in structuring arguments before the local VA Regional Offices, DROCs, and BVA.
- Conduct research on questions from Wounded Warrior Project's policy and governmental affairs team and provide support to them.
- Develop relationships to foster a cooperative environment with the BVA Chairman/Chairwoman and Veteran Law Judges.
- Represent the interests of Wounded Warrior Project and cultivate relationships with Veterans Service Organizations at the Board of Veterans Appeals.
- Ability to obtain and maintain Veterans Service Organization accreditation standards set forth by the VA Office of General Counsel (OGC) and complete assigned training courses pursuant to 38 CFR 14.629.
- Maintain licensure through completion of yearly Continuing Legal Education (CLE) requirements of the District of Columbia, to include the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims and the U.S. Federal Circuit Court.
- Support service officer training and advocacy on the appellate process as needed.
- Attend and actively participate in required training and/or meetings, including but not limited to New Teammate Orientation, WWP Cares, ASIST Suicide Prevention training, Leadership training, culture/team based training, or departmental huddles.
- Other duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES- Expert knowledge of the laws and regulations pertaining to Veterans benefits, as set forth in Title 38 of the United States Code and the Code of Federal Regulations.
- Extensive knowledge of the Appellate Process.
- Is of good character and reputation, is qualified to render valuable assistance to claimants, and is otherwise competent to advise and assist claimants in the preparation, presentation, and prosecution of their claim(s) before the VA.
- Demonstrated proficiency developing appellate and higher-level legal arguments.
- Demonstrated proficiency in all VA electronic systems, including appeals.
- Strong and effective research skills.
- Strong critical thinking skills with a demonstrated ability to problem-solve and identify viable solutions.
- Excellent written and oral communications skills. Demonstrated influencing skills.
- Excellent organizational and time management skills. Demonstrated ability to prioritize effectively and handle multiple priorities with tight deadlines.
- Demonstrated ability to interact, collaborate, and operate effectively and establish and maintain professional relationships with government agencies, e.g., DoD, DVA, BVA, and internally with WWP teammates, e.g., Benefits Services team.
- Exceptional interpersonal and relationship building skills. Demonstrated understanding of relationship management and partnering. Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain professional relationships and create a diverse network of resources.
- Effective presentation skills. Confident communicator, with demonstrated ability to present information effectively to large audiences, small groups, and individuals, facilitate discussion, and serve as a strong effective representative of WWP.
- Professional presence & demeanor. Demonstrated emotional intelligence. Ability to respond to sensitive matters with diplomacy and empathy.
- Ability to take initiative, multi-task, work independently, and work well under pressure. Demonstrated strong attention to detail in a fast-paced environment.
- Highly motivated, passionate, and creative team player with demonstrated commitment to the organization.
- Unequivocal commitment to the highest standards of personal and business ethics and conduct.
- Mission-driven, guided by core values, and a pleasure to work with.
EXPERIENCERequirements- Five years of experience as a veteran's benefits advocate. Juris Doctorate may be considered in lieu of advocate experience.
Preferences- Five years of experience working appeals under the jurisdiction of the Board of Veterans Appeals.
- Five years of experience developing appellate and higher-level legal arguments.
EDUCATIONRequirements- Bachelor's degree. Equivalent combination of education, experience, training, and certification may be considered in lieu of degree.
PreferencesCERTIFICATIONS & LICENSURERequirements- Good standing to practice before any court, bar, or state or federal agency, if applicable.
- Ability to obtain ASIST Certification within 1 year of hire.
PreferencesWORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL DEMANDS- General office environment; temperature controlled.
- Up to 20% travel.
We recognize the success of our mission depends on the efforts of our passionate, hard-working teammates. To help teammates remain focused on the warriors and families we serve, WWP offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes; Medical/Prescription drug, Dental, Vision, Life/AD&D, Short-term Disability, Long-term Disability, and an Employee Assistance Program. WWP also offers a 401(k)-retirement plan, a competitive PTO package, Sick Leave, Family Care Leave, Paid Holidays, Birthday Holiday, Education Assistance, Teammate Wellness Program, and Bereavement Leave.
For Colorado Applicants: The estimated hiring range for this position is between $90,316 - $112,896 annual base salary, subject to a candidate's combination of experience, qualifications, and credentials. This position may also be eligible for an annual performance incentive.
For Minnesota Applicants: The estimated hiring range for this position is between $94,617 - $118,272 annual base salary, subject to a candidate's combination of experience, qualifications, and credentials. This position may also be eligible for an annual performance incentive.
For Chicago, IL, Los Angeles, San Diego and/or Sacramento, CA, and Washington State Applicants: The estimated hiring range for this position is between $98,918 - $123,648 annual base salary, subject to a candidate's combination of experience, qualifications, and credentials. This position may also be eligible for an annual performance incentive.
For Washington, D.C. Applicants: The estimated hiring range for this position is between $103,219 - $129,024 annual base salary, subject to a candidate's combination of experience, qualifications, and credentials. This position may also be eligible for an annual performance incentive.
For New York Applicants: The estimated hiring range for this position is between $107,520 - $134,400 annual base salary, subject to a candidate's combination of experience, qualifications, and credentials. This position may also be eligible for an annual performance incentive.
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