Veterans Benefits Policy Analyst

The American Legion; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 75,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The American Legion in Washington, D.C. seeks a Veterans Benefits Policy Analyst to collect information and analyze issues related to veterans’ benefits and compensation.

This role supports congressional testimony, position papers, and its overall effort to advise and influence Congress. The analyst coordinates site visits to VA regional offices, evaluates disability claims processing practices for ROAR, and writes reports based on data collected.

Qualifications

• College education provides basic familiarity with a variety of subjects.
• Strong writing, proofreading and editing skills are required.
• Ability to interpret legal documents and government regulations.
• Experience with military and veterans protocol and culture.
• MS Office proficiency expected.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research and analysis on veterans’ benefits for congressional testimony and position papers.
• Coordinate and conduct site visits to VA regional offices and write reports.
• Assist with DSO education and VA accreditation processes.
• Participate in working groups and build relationships with VBA, VSOs, and partners.
• Provide support to VA&R committees and councils.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Knowledge of VA disability benefits

Understanding VA health benefits

Effective verbal communication

Excellent writing/editing

Interpreting legal documents/regul.

Organizational/time management

Multi-tasking abilities

Military/veterans protocol & culture

The American Legion policies

MS Office Suite proficiency

Education

College degree

Tools

MS Office Suite

Job description

The Veterans Benefits Policy Analyst position is located in Washington, D.C. The incumbent is responsible for collecting information and analyzing issues related to veterans’ benefits and compensation.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Conduct research and analysis on issues relating to veterans’ benefits in support of The American Legion’s congressional testimony, statements for the record, position papers, and its overall effort to advise and influence Congress.
• Coordinate and execute site visits at Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) regional offices to evaluate quality of disability claims processing and best practices as part of the Regional Office Action Review (ROAR) section of The American Legion’s System Worth Saving (SWS) program. Write reports based on data and information collected.
• Assist with The American Legion Department Service Officer (DSO) education and training programs, and management of the VA accreditation process of The American Legion’s service officers.
• Participate in working groups and develop relationships with Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), other Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs) and community partners.
• Provide support to VA&R Commission, VA&R Commission Executive Committee, VA&R Commission Liaison Committee, Veterans Benefits Committee, and VA&R Council.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP (reports directly to): Deputy Director of Benefits and Claims

MINIMUM SKILLS REQUIRED FOR ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Education/Technical Knowledge:

College education – four year degree to provide basic familiarity with a variety of subjects.

Additional Skills Needed:

• Have knowledge of VA disability compensation claims process, and a basic understanding of VA health benefits and services.
• Communicate effectively verbally in a diverse range of settings and audiences.
• Excellent writing, proofreading and editing skills.
• Capable of interpreting legal documents and government regulations.
• Strong organizational, project, time management, and problem solving skills.
• Able to manage multiple tasks and meet tight deadlines.
• Experience with military and veterans protocol, culture and language.
• Knowledge of The American Legion organizational structure, programs, services and policies.
• Must have good computer skills to include MS Office Suite.