Director of Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation

GENERAL SUMMARY:

The Director of Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation (VA&R) position is located in Washington, D.C. The incumbent is responsible for overseeing the operations of the American Legion’s VA&R Division. Develop policy and activities relative to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), Veterans Health Administration (VHA), National Cemetery Administration (NCA), and the Board of Veterans Appeals (BVA). Serve as an advocate for veterans and members of their families to Congress, the VA and other organizations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Serve as the resident expert on VA programs benefiting veterans, their families, and caregivers including but not limited to healthcare and non-healthcare benefits.
2. Advise the Executive Director of Government Affairs on technical information related to the VA’s healthcare system and disability claims processes.
3. Supervise and oversee The American Legion programs within the Health Policy, Benefits and Claims, and Veterans Programs sections.
4. Review, Revise, and develop a full campaign for the Be the One (BTO) Campaign initiative; continue to provide oversight and modifications for BTO related efforts going forward and report to national leadership as required.
5. Review, revise and develop procedures and programs, as a proponent of quality of care at VA medical facilities and the quality of development of veteran’s claims for compensation, including The American Legion’s System Worth Saving (SWS) program and Regional Office Action Review (ROAR).
6. Provide guidance, planning and oversight for execution of the annual Department Service Officer (DSO) Symposium.
7. Develop, analyze and coordinate short-, mid- and long-term plans for VA&R programs.
8. Research and develop new policies, and initiate revisions to existing documents, ensuring The American Legion’s positions remain contemporary.
9. Prepare information for legislative mandates and monitor VA healthcare and benefits-related mandates presented to Congress.
10. Ensure VA&R Division has resident knowledge of and participation in the federal rule making process.
11. Prepare and deliver Congressional testimony on behalf of the national organization.
12. Conduct and oversee research, studies and surveys that assist in the development of legislation or policy on veteran’s healthcare and benefits.
13. Be prepared to assume a board seat with The Veterans Consortium after one year of being the VA&R Director.
14. Serve as a liaison with VA central office, VHA, VBA, NCA, BVA and other VA staff offices.
15. Provide support to VA&R Commission, VA&R Commission Executive Committee, VA&R Commission Liaison Committee, Health Administration Committee, BTO Mental Wellness Committee, Veterans Benefits Committee, and VA&R Council.
16. Perform other duties as assigned.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP (reports directly to): Executive Director of Government Affairs

MINIMUM SKILLS REQUIRED FOR ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (Select only one under each category):

Education/Technical Knowledge:

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

Additional Skills Needed:

• Have knowledge of VA health benefit/services and disability compensation claims/appeals processes.
• Be familiar with the Department of Defense (DoD)’s Integrated Disability Evaluation Systems (IDES); VA’s Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD); Veterans Benefits Management System (VBMS); VA statutes and regulations; VA Office of General Counsel opinions; and decisions of the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit and the Supreme Court pertaining to veterans’ benefits.
• Must pass the VA requirement for a background investigation. A background investigation is conducted by VA to determine if the individual is suitable for access to VA facilities and information. The background investigation is completed for the protection of the veterans the VA serves, employees, family members, and visitors, as well as the veterans and national information and resources.
• Communicate effectively verbally in a diverse range of settings and audiences.
• Excellent writing, proofreading and editing skills.
• Demonstrate management skills to include coaching, mentoring, counseling and evaluating employees.
• Able to evaluate fiscal and financial reports, forms and data, and analyze complex written documents.
• 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.

Experience:

8 years or more