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Ascension is seeking an experienced Disability Evaluation System (DES) Subject Matter Expert and Advisor to provide mission-focused expertise supporting the Department of Defense (DoD) Disability Evaluation System (DES) program. The ideal candidate will bring demonstrated knowledge of military disability evaluation processes, DoD medical evaluation policies, disability determination workflows, quality assurance practices, and program compliance assessment.

This position is critical to supporting DHA’s mission of improving DES program oversight, ensuring alignment with applicable DoD policies and procedures, validating program processes, analyzing performance data, and providing recommendations that strengthen the effectiveness and consistency of disability evaluation operations.

The successful candidate will serve as a trusted advisor to government stakeholders, analysts, and program management teams by translating complex disability evaluation policies and operational requirements into actionable recommendations, quality improvements, and sustainable processes.

This role is best suited for a candidate who understands the intersection of military medical evaluation, policy implementation, program governance, quality assurance, and data-driven decision-making.

Summary of Contractor Role

The DES / Disability Evaluation Advisor will provide specialized subject matter expertise supporting DHA’s Disability Evaluation System (DES), Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES), Special Compensation for Assistance with Activities of Daily Living (SCAADL), and related disability program initiatives.

The SME will analyze DES program requirements, policies, procedures, and operational performance to identify opportunities for improvement; evaluate compliance with DoD guidance; support development and refinement of processes; and provide recommendations to improve program execution.

The candidate will support DHA stakeholders by reviewing DES workflows, interpreting policy requirements, validating program documentation, analyzing quality assurance findings, and assisting with development of reports, briefings, and decision-support materials.

The ideal candidate is a detail-oriented professional who can independently analyze complex mission requirements, interpret regulatory guidance, collaborate with senior stakeholders, and communicate recommendations clearly through written products, briefings, and analytical reports.

Expected Day-to-Day Activities

The DES / Disability Evaluation Advisor will:

• Analyze DES, IDES, and SCAADL policies, procedures, and operational guidance to identify compliance considerations and improvement opportunities.
• Review and interpret DoD disability evaluation regulations, directives, manuals, and policy guidance.
• Evaluate existing DES processes and workflows to identify gaps, inefficiencies, and opportunities for standardization.
• Validate program requirements and operational procedures to ensure alignment with DoD mission objectives.
• Provide subject matter expertise regarding Medical Evaluation Board (MEB), Physical Evaluation Board (PEB), disability determination processes, and related workflows.
• Support development and refinement of DES quality assurance methodologies, procedures, and reporting approaches.
• Analyze DES performance metrics, program reports, and operational data to identify trends and recommend corrective actions.
• Review program documentation, policies, procedures, and reports for accuracy, consistency, and alignment with governing requirements.
• Develop written recommendations, briefing materials, executive summaries, and decision-support documentation.
• Collaborate with government leadership, program managers, analysts, and operational stakeholders to resolve complex issues.
• Participate in stakeholder meetings, working groups, and Integrated Project Team (IPT) discussions.
• Provide technical review and validation of deliverables developed by analysts and program support personnel.
• Identify risks, dependencies, and operational challenges affecting DES program performance.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives through process analysis and recommendations.
• Maintain awareness of emerging DoD disability evaluation policies, procedures, and operational changes.