Advocate, Investigation

Advocate, Investigations

The Veteran Advocacy Project (VAP) seeks a part-time advocate to obtain records related discharge status and to conduct outreach.

VAP provides free legal services to low-income veterans and their families, with a focus on those living with post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, and mental health conditions. We are partnered with VA hospitals, community health clinics, and local veterans’ groups to reach veterans where they are. While our attorneys tackle the legal challenges, our advocates ensure connections to culturally appropriate social services. With a dedicated team, VAP enables clients to regain their health and rebuild their lives.

Our organization has a full docket of discharge upgrade applications and VA character of discharge appeals. In line with our mission, our DU and VA cases focus on individuals living with mental health conditions and those experiencing symptoms from the impact of trauma, both mental and physical. Our work covers discrimination based on race, sexual orientation, and other characteristics subject to prejudice.

The advocate will be in charge of investigating cases and overseeing all records requests. The position is for 20 hours a week on a schedule that can be set by the advocate (within regular business hours, M-F, 9-6). Responsibilities include intake (over the phone and at Vet Centers/partner sites), record requests, client follow-up, obtaining medical evidence, identifying other sources, and keeping track of files throughout the life of each case. The advocate will work closely with VAP’s Intake Advocate as well as with attorneys in the VA and DOD practices. We anticipate that the position will include conducting in-person intake no more than one afternoon a week.

The ideal candidate is a self-starter, enjoys independence, and is able to manage their time efficiently. This role requires meticulous attention to detail, excellent organizational skills, and the ability to communicate clearly and with compassion. Sensitivity is crucial in working with clients living with mental health conditions and the effects of trauma. Training will be provided but prior experience with trauma-informed practices is a plus.

Individuals with military service, prior experience working with veterans, people with disabilities, people of all gender identities, people from underrepresented communities, and people of color are strongly encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct intake for veterans seeking relief, including exhaustive investigation of military history, post-service conduct, and medical records;
• Request, track, and review OMPFs, all medical records, and other documents;
• Submit FOIA requests; conduct further investigation as necessary to make merit determinations;
• Conduct intake at partner organizations’ sites;
• Provide information to clients via the phone or in writing;
• Provide thorough referrals with follow-up;
• Enter notes and client information in the organization’s database, attend meetings, perform administrative tasks related to the work.

Qualifications:

• Excellent organizational and time-management skills;
• Excellent communication skills, including a commitment to trauma-informed services and the ability to work well with people living with mental health conditions, substance use disorders, and traumatic brain injury;
• Ability to work independently with strong motivation, to collaborate with teams in case review, to manage a high client load, to meet deadlines, and to be flexible;
• Demonstrated commitment to social justice and veterans’ issues.

Compensation: The compensation will be commensurate with experience and based on an annual salary of $58,000 – $64,000, prorated to $29,000 – $32,000 for 20 hours per week. There is potential for this role to expand to full time. While health insurance is not offered, other benefits include life insurance, EAP with discounts, health and savings account, commuter benefits, 401K, and more.

Location: VAP is a hybrid environment with some of the team working locally and others entirely remotely. While this position will primarily be remote, it does involve outreach in New York City, including intake, service fairs, and other events; proximity to the New York Metropolitan area is necessary in order to facilitate partnerships. We estimate that the position will involve in-person intake one afternoon per week, at most.

To apply: Please send a cover letter and resume to hiring@veteranadvocacy.org and include "Advocate” in the subject line. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis; THOSE WITHOUT COVER LETTERS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED. We read every application with care but regret that we are unable to respond to all inquiries and will contact only those candidates selected for further consideration.

Veteran Advocacy Project, Inc., is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be afforded equal employment opportunities without discrimination because of race, religion/creed, color, national origin, immigration status, gender or gender identity, age, disability, sexual orientation, military status, caregiver status, arrest or conviction record, unemployment status, predisposing genetic characteristics, survivor of domestic/intimate partner violence status, or marital or partnership status.

No language requirements.