JOBS & VOLUNTEERING

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 that our clients are connected to culturally appropriate social services. With a dedicated team, VAP enables veterans to regain their health and rebuild their lives.

The attorney will work with other members of VAP to address the legal needs of low-income veterans in a holistic manner. VAP focuses on advocacy that enables veterans to access VA health care and benefits. The director will: supervise a very small but growing team; collaborate with partner organizations with a particular focus on our medical-legal partnerships in NYC; carry a modified case load, providing representation in VA character of discharge (COD) determinations, VA overpayments, and disability benefits appeals with a focus on mental health related claims. The work will include outreach at partner sites (if based in NY area), communication with social workers and case managers, reviewing staff work, and taking on both applications and appeals by gathering evidence, preparing briefs, and representing veterans in hearings.

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

Responsibilities:

• Represent clients before the VA, and potentially in federal court; write COD and service-connected compensation appeals, along with various other VA claims;
• Supervise a small team;
• Screen veterans for relief, with exhaustive investigation of military history and medical records;
  
• Oversee individual assignments for law student’s working on investigations, claims, and briefs;
  
• Collaborate with forensic mental health professionals;
  
• Research legal issues, with a focus on military discharges and VA character eligibility;
  
• Provide telephone and/or written advice to clients;
  
• Provide thorough referrals to connect clients with other services; work with other staff on case strategies and integration of services to meet clients’ needs;
  
• Work with the ED and staff to shape policy positions and the organization’s advocacy goals;
  
• Track client information in a database, contribute to reports required by funders, attend meetings, perform administrative tasks related to the work.

Qualifications:

• Current member in good standing of a state bar (New York preferred);
• Accreditation with the Department of Veterans Affairs;
  
• Minimum five years’ experience in veterans law: Knowledge and practice in VA claims, including character of discharge applications and disability compensation appeals for PTSD and other mental health conditions; experience with VA hearings at both the Regional Office level and the BVA;
• Excellent analytical and critical thinking skills;
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills;
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to work well with people living with mental illness, substance use disorders, and traumatic brain injury;
• Ability to work independently with strong self-motivation, to meet deadlines, to be flexible, and to collaborate with junior staff;
• Demonstrated commitment to social justice and veterans’ rights.

Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience, ranging from $95,000 – $125,000, along with a benefits package, including employer-paid healthcare premiums, life insurance, 401K, etc.

Location: VAP is a hybrid environment with some of the team working entirely remotely. Location is flexible but proximity to the New York Metropolitan area is preferred in order to oversee and facilitate our many partnerships.

To apply, please send a cover letter, resume, and legal writing sample, preferably a VA character of discharge brief, to [email protected] with “VA Director” in the subject line. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

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.

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VAP provides free legal services to low-income veterans and their families, with a focus on those living with post-traumatic stress disorder, brain injury, and substance dependency. The VA’s records indicate that an average of 17 veterans die by suicide each day—too many struggle with mental health conditions and the effects of trauma. Our services provide access to health care and benefits, open the door to education and employment, keep families in their homes, and empower veterans by removing barriers to recovery. We partner with VA Vet centers, community health clinics, and veterans’ organizations to reach individuals where they are. While our attorneys tackle legal challenges, our advocates connect clients with appropriate resources.

The ideal candidate is someone who has both experience in the practice and enjoys supervising new attorneys and law students. Our organization has a full docket of discharge upgrade applications, including a long waitlist for services. While this position will be a management/supervisory role, we are a small organization so there will be a good amount of case work. In line with our mission, our DU cases focus on the unjust treatment of individuals living with mental illness 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.

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

The position requires that the individual supervise a small team, research and write applications and briefs, collaborate with providers to obtain forensic evaluations and maintain relationships with psychiatric/psychological forensic programs, assist with the management of a large pro bono docket, and appear before Department of Defense Review Boards. The attorney will also work with all members of the veterans law teams on systemic advocacy efforts. 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:

• Represent clients before DOD boards and potentially in federal court;
• Write discharge upgrade applications and briefs;
• Screen (supervise the screening of) veterans for relief, including exhaustive investigation of military history, post-service conduct, and medical records;
• Share responsibility in overseeing law students working on investigations and briefs;
• Organize programs for and provide guidance to pro bono attorneys;
• Collaborate with expert witnesses, including forensic mental health professionals;
• Research legal issues, with a focus on military discharges;
• Provide telephone and/or written advice to clients;
• Supervise and work with staff on case strategies and integration of services to meet clients’ needs as holistically as possible;
• Work with the team to shape policy positions and advocacy agenda;
• Track client information in our database, run reports required by funders, attend meetings, perform administrative tasks related to the work.

Qualifications:

• Current member in good standing of a state bar (New York preferred);
• Minimum four years’ experience doing discharge upgrade work:
• Excellent analytical and critical thinking skills;
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills;
• Excellent communication skills, including a commitment to trauma-informed services and the ability to assist people living with mental health conditions, substance use disorders, and traumatic brain injury;
• Ability to work independently with strong motivation and initiative, to meet deadlines, and to be flexible;
• Experience managing projects and teams;
• Demonstrated commitment to social justice and veterans’ issues;
• Knowledge of UCMJ, DODI, and branch regulations (preferred);
• Experience working with expert witnesses, specifically forensic mental health professionals (preferred).

Compensation: Salary is commensurate with experience and in the range of $86,000 – $124,000. Full benefits package including employer-paid healthcare premiums, life insurance, dental and vision plans, 401K, etc.

Location: The job is remote but proximity to the New York Metropolitan area is preferred given our partnerships and that the position is supported by a contract with the City of New York, along with various grants.

To apply: Please send a cover letter, resume, and writing sample of a discharge upgrade/correction application to [email protected] and include “DOD” in the subject line. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis but those without cover letter will not be considered. We read every application with care but regret that we are unable to respond to 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.

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VAP represents veterans and their families in three main practice areas. Our general civil legal services practice is centered around homelessness prevention. In addition to providing advice and referrals on a variety of legal issues, VAP represents veterans and their families in court and administrative hearings. Our Department of Veterans Affairs (“VA”) practice represents veterans on character of discharge determinations, overpayments, mental health disability compensation appeals, apportionment, and GI Bill issues. VAP’s Department of Defense (“DOD”) practice fights to correct unjust less-than-honorable discharges that brand a veteran for life and increase the likelihood of justice-involvement, suicide, and homelessness. VAP partners with VA Vet centers, community health clinics, and veterans’ organizations to reach individuals where they are. While our attorneys tackle the legal challenges, our advocates connect clients to culturally competent, trauma-informed resources.

VAP seeks an attorney with experience representing clients in one or more of the following areas: housing court matters, Social Security and/or other public benefits appeals, family court matters, or consumer debt cases. The staff attorney will provide advice, representation, and referrals in housing, family law, public benefits, consumer debt, and other civil legal matters. The staff attorney will work with partners in our MLPs and with the SSVF teams at collaborating social services agencies. The staff attorney will be expected to appear, in person, when required by courts/administrative entities, to staff weekly in-person intake clinics, as well as attend occasional resource fairs in any of the five boroughs. At all other times, the staff attorney will have the ability to work remotely.

VAP believes a diverse team is essential to our work. Candidates with military service, prior experience working with veterans, people with disabilities, women, people of color, and individuals from marginalized communities are strongly encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities:

• Represent clients in New York City courts and in administrative hearings;
• Conduct intake, training, and special events at partner organizations’ sites;
• Provide telephonic and/or written advice to clients as needed;
• Research legal issues;
• Work with the VAP team on case strategies and integration of services to meet clients’ needs;
• Track client information in our database, attend team meetings, supervise interns, perform administrative tasks related to the work.

Qualifications:

• J.D. and current membership in good standing of the New York State Bar;
• Minimum 4 years’ experience in legal services;
• Strong work ethic and ability to take initiative; efficacy in organizing and prioritizing;
• Demonstrated proficiency in legal research; excellent analytical and critical thinking skills;
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including a commitment to providing trauma-informed services and the ability to work with people living with mental illness, substance use disorders, and traumatic brain injury;
• Dedication to serving all clients, without regard to discharge status or justice involvement.

Compensation: The salary for this position will be based on an annual rate in the range of $86,000 – $124,000 and will be commensurate with experience. Full benefits package including employer paid healthcare premiums, life insurance, dental and vision plans, 401K, etc. All employees are provided with a laptop, mobile phone, printer-scanner, and home office supplies.

To apply: To apply, please send a cover letter and resume in an email with “[YourLastName], Civil Attorney” in the subject line to [email protected]. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

The Veteran Advocacy Project is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be afforded equal employment opportunities without discrimination because of race, religion/creed, color, national origin, gender/gender identity, age, disability, sexual orientation, military/veteran status, predisposing genetic characteristics, reproductive health decisions, caregiver status, status as a victim/survivor of domestic violence, or marital/partner status.

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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 that our clients are connected to culturally appropriate social services. With a dedicated team, VAP enables veterans to regain their health and rebuild their lives.

The attorney will work with other members of the team to address the legal needs of low-income veterans in a holistic manner. VAP’s VA practice focuses on enabling veterans to gain access to VA health care and benefits. The attorney will collaborate with partner organizations with a particular focus on our medical legal partnerships with VA facilities in NYC and carry a full caseload, providing representation in VA character of discharge (COD) determinations, VA overpayments, and disability benefits appeals primarily for mental health-related claims. The work will include outreach at partner sites, communication with social workers and case managers, and work on legal appeals including gathering evidence, preparing briefs, and representing veterans in hearings.

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:

• Represent clients before the VA, and potentially in federal court; write COD and service-connected compensation appeals, along with various other VA claims;
• Screen veterans for relief, with exhaustive investigation of military history and medical records;
• Oversee individual assignments for law student’s working on investigations, claims, and briefs;
• Collaborate with forensic mental health professionals;
• Research legal issues, with a focus on military discharges and VA character eligibility;
• Provide telephone and/or written advice to clients;
• Provide thorough referrals to connect clients with other services; work with other staff on case strategies and integration of services to meet clients’ needs;
• Work with the VAP team to shape policy positions and the organization’s advocacy goals;
• Track client information in our database, contribute to reports required by funders, attend meetings, perform administrative tasks related to the work.

Qualifications:

• Current member in good standing of a state bar (New York preferred);
• Accreditation with the Department of Veterans Affairs;
• Minimum five years’ experience in veterans law matters: Knowledge and practice in VA claims, including character of discharge applications and disability compensation appeals for PTSD and other mental health conditions, experience with VA hearings at the Regional Office level and at the BVA;
• Excellent analytical and critical thinking skills;
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills;
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to work well with people living with mental illness, substance use disorders, and traumatic brain injury;
• Ability to work independently with strong self-motivation, to meet deadlines, to be flexible, and to collaborate with junior staff;
• Demonstrated commitment to social justice and veterans’ rights.

Compensation:Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience, ranging from $84,000 – $120,000, along with a benefits package, including employer-paid healthcare premiums, life insurance, 401K, etc. VAP is a hybrid environment with some of the team working entirely remotely. This position involves outreach in New York City, including intake, service fairs, and other events across the five boroughs; so, while the individual may work from home, proximity to the New York Metropolitan area is required in order to oversee and facilitate our many partnerships.

To apply:Please send a cover letter, resume, and legal writing sample, preferably a VA character of discharge brief, to [email protected] with “VA Staff Attorney” in the subject line. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

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.

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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 [email protected] 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.

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Discharge Upgrade Clinic: When servicemembers leave the military their discharge status determines what benefits, if any, they are eligible to receive. A bad discharge can be a barrier to employment, benefits, and health care. Worse, veterans with less than honorable discharges take their lives at two to three times the rate of other veterans. Many of our servicemembers are given less-than-honorable discharges due to misconduct connected to mis- or undiagnosed post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injury. From 2011-2015, of the servicemembers who were discharged for misconduct, 62 percent had already been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder or a related mental health condition. With an Other Than Honorable discharge most vets will be turned away from the VA. We are not only punishing injury, we are cutting veterans off from the very care they need to heal.

VAP is fighting to get these veterans the resources they deserve. For firms who would like to take on cases, our hands-on approach includes a launch training, ongoing guidance, brief-editing, and we will coordinate moot hearings in preparation for any DRB appearances; we also have an online resource center with videos, sample applications, and more.

Firms and corporations from around the country have volunteered their time with DUC. See some of the firms that are giving and have given their time to VAP discharge cases.

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