Advocate

The Veteran Advocacy Project (VAP) seeks a part-time advocate to work on cases related to discharge status.

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 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 oversee VAP's investigations related to discharge status, three days a week on a schedule with flexibility. Responsibilities include intake interviews (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.

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.

We are looking for someone who believes in a client-centric approach, which includes connecting veterans to partner services outside the legal sphere. The advocate should be someone who wants to fight for clients no matter the era, length of service, justice-involvement history, discharge, or type of injury.

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 telephone and/or written information to clients;

• 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 - $62,000, prorated to $34,800-37,200. This is a part-time position, three days a week, with the potential to expand. While health insurance is not provided, benefits include life insurance, 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.

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.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $34,800.00 - $37,200.00 per year

Expected hours: 24 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Life insurance
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Day shift

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Ability to Commute:

• New York, NY 10006 (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in New York, NY 10006

Salary : $34,800 - $37,200