Veterans Issues

Veterans issues :

How to hire returning injured and wounded service members.

Job Accommodation Network

2009/2010 Webcast Series

November 10, 2009

Veterans Issues

Guest Speakers:

Vicky Crawford, Wounded Warrior Program, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

Paul Cataldi, Immigration Services Assistant, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

Veterans Issues

USCIS Wounded Warrior Program

•Developed to assist in the hiring of severely wounded or disabled veterans.•Uses Office of Personnel Management Hiring Authorities•Conducts outreach and recruitment to increase representation of wounded warriors/disabled veterans with a disability rating of 30% or more

USCIS Recruiting (202) 233-2500

www.uscis.gov

Veterans Issues

•Army Wounded Warrior Program

 http://www.aw2.army.mil/

•Marine Corp Wounded Warrior Regiment

http://www.woundedwarriorregiment.org/

•VA’s Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program

http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/vre/emp_resources.htm

Veterans Issues

•Army Soldier and Family Assistance Centers

http://sfac.wramc.amedd.army.mil/default.aspx

•Hire Vets Firsthttp://hirevetsfirst.dol.gov/hireinjured.asp

•OPM VetGuide - includes Veterans Recruitment Appointment (VRA)

http://www.opm.gov/veterans/html/vetguide.asp

Supporting the Employment Success of Veterans with TBI & PTSD JAN WebcastNovember 10, 2009

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What employers need:

To know the facts about injuries and conditions affecting veterans and returning service members

Support and education concerning how to assist them in their transition to employment

Employer Education

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AmericasHeroesAtWork.gov

www.AmericasHeroesAtWork.gov

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Phase I: Public Education Campaign Outreach designed to educate employers and workforce

development professionals on ways to help veterans with TBI and/or PTSD succeed on the job

Comprehensive Web site and free educational materials (www.AmericasHeroesAtWork.gov)

Toll-free personal assistance to employers on issues related to employees with disabilities: JAN: 800-526-7234 (voice) or 877-781-9403 (TTY)

America’s Heroes at Work

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Phase II: Employment Pilot Project Hands-on demonstration project designed to coordinate successful

employment experiences for veterans with TBI and/or PTSD, while studying individual experiences

Match veterans and employers in the Greater D.C. area and identify what works in the field

Study, validate and disseminate best practices related to helping employees with TBI and/or PTSD succeed on the job

America’s Heroes at Work

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Employment Pilot Project – Early Discoveries TBI/PTSD-related stigma exists among many employers

Top-level decision makers tend to drive employer participation in a veterans hiring initiative

Employers are unaware of the resources that exist to help them provide appropriate workplace accommodations

Recruiter training is an important part of starting a veterans hiring initiative

Employer-provided supports may greatly improve the hiring and success of veteran employees with TBI and/or PTSD

America’s Heroes at Work

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Dispelling the Myths with Facts: 80% of TBIs are mild concussions that will heal completely

Employers needn’t fear employees with PTSD

Job accommodations are usually low cost or no cost

There are incentives and benefits to hiring veterans, who are known to make excellent employees

Employment plays a critical role in a wounded warrior’s recovery

America’s Heroes at Work

Veterans Issues

Questions