Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment

1. Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Hiring Veterans is Good Business! Ruth A. Fanning, Director of VR&E Service 2012 National Employment Disability Conference December 6, 2012 VetSuccess.gov

2. Overview VA/VR&E Mission Value and Benefits of Hiring Veterans Veteran Employment Challenges Employer Challenges Seeking to Hire Veterans VA Employment Tools, Initiatives, and Incentives VR&E Employment Outcomes National Unemployment Data 2

3. VA/VR&E Mission Statement VA’s mission To fulfill President Lincoln's promise “To care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan” by serving and honoring the men and women who are America’s Veterans VR&E Mission To help Veterans with service-connected disabilities prepare for, obtain, and maintain suitable careers 3

4. Value of Hiring Veterans Veterans bring a host of skills and experience to any organization. Other value-added qualities include: Respect for procedures Vets have gained a unique perspective on the value of accountability.  They understand how policies and procedures yield stability, safety and productivity Technology and globalization Vets are aware of international and technical trends pertinent to business Integrity Vets know what it means to do "an honest day's work"  Triumph over adversity Vets have the proven ability to overcome challenges and obstacles through strength and determination 4 4

5. Value of Hiring Veterans Accelerated Learning Curve Vets have the ability to quickly learn new skills and possess transferable skills proven to achieve success Leadership Vets understand practical ways to manage and achieve goals and are trained to lead Teamwork Vets understand how genuine teamwork grows out of responsibility and how diverse groups work best together Diversity and Inclusion in Action Vets have worked alongside each other regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, religion, or mental or physical capabilities Efficient performance under pressure Vets have the capacity to know how to accomplish tasks on time and in spite of stress or adversity.  They understand the importance of dedication and perseverance 5 5

6. Veterans Employment Challenges Recognizing their value Transferring their skills and experience from military service to the civilian workforce Understanding USERRA and their rights against: Discrimination (Not hiring National Guardsmen/Reservists due to repeat deployments) Issues related to reemployment Lost seniority and pensions cut Lost benefits such as health insurance Lack of familiarity with marketing themselves, conducting job searches, or networking Potential stigmas associated with psychological/mental health issues 6

7. Challenges to Employers Seeking to Hire Veterans Understanding the skills, training and experience based on Veteran resumes Translating military skills to fit civilian requirements Certifications and Credentialing Stigma associated with psychological/mental health issues (PTSD) 7

8. Non–Paid Work Experience (Internship) Provides eligible Veterans with practical job experiences Placement can be at any government agency that will provide the Veteran with a work experience consistent with their vocational rehabilitation goals There is no cost to the employer; the Veteran receives a subsistence allowance from the VA Benefits for Employers Minimal paperwork is required by the participating government agency High quality worker at no expense Allows agency to assess Veteran’s fit for noncompetitive appointment into a permanent position Readily available to the government agency VA Employment Tools, Initiatives, and Incentives to Increase Veteran Hiring 8 8

9. On-The-Job Training (OJT) • Provides training for specific positions with the employer Veteran is hired at the apprenticeship wage Results in permanent full-time employment Benefits for the Employer Hiring qualified Veterans at the training wage VA VR&E purchases necessary tools, uniforms and other required supplies VA VR&E evaluates the need for job-site accommodations VA provides support during training and placement follow-up phases Minimal paperwork Tax incentives (Work Opportunity Tax Credit) VA Employment Tools, Initiatives, and Incentives to Increase Veteran Hiring 9 9

10. Special Employer Incentive (SEI) To assist Veterans who face obstacles in obtaining employment For Veterans who are eligible for services under Chapter 31 SEI programs may be authorized for a maximum of 6 months Payment to the employer may be monthly or in one lump sum Benefits for Employers Reimbursement of up to 50% of the Veteran’s salary during the SEI program, via direct reimbursement from VA Chapter 31, to cover: Compensation for additional expenses incurred for cost of instruction Compensation for loss of production Compensation for additional supply and equipment costs Minimal Paperwork Employee is trained to employer’s standards VA Employment Tools, Initiatives, and Incentives to Increase Veteran Hiring 10 10

11. VR&E Chapter 31 Program VetSuccess.gov Veterans Opportunity to Work (VOW) to Hire Heroes Act of 2011 Post 9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) Educational and Vocational Counseling Program (Chapter 36) Veteran Retraining Assistance Program (VRAP) VA for Vets – www.vaforVets.va.gov EBenefits – www.eBenefits.va.gov Employment Tools, Initiatives, and Incentives to Increase Veteran Hiring 11

12. VetSuccess.gov Purpose Comprehensive employment resource for all Veterans Employers can post job openings directly on VetSuccess.gov Currently connects over 183,979 Veterans with over 4,810 registered Employers Veterans have access to millions of jobs through VetSuccess.gov and Job Central Database Employers can search existing Veteran resumes for direct placements by: Security Clearance Degree - Skill type 12 12

13. VetSuccess.gov Data FY 2012 13 13

14. VetSuccess.gov 14 14

15. VA VR&E Collaborations Department of Defense (DoD) and Department of Labor (DOL) Business Partnerships with all Sectors Employer Case Management Services Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Case Management Services Weekly Job Bulletin Postings VetSuccess.gov Job/Career Fairs Outreach 15

16. Tax Credits for Hiring Veterans Returning Heroes Tax Credit - New hiring tax credit that will provide an incentive for firms to hire unemployed veterans Short-term unemployed: A new credit of 40 percent of the first $6,000 of wages (up to $2,400) for employers who hire Veterans who have been unemployed at least 4 weeks - Long-term unemployed: A new credit of 40 percent of the first $12,000 of wages (up to $4,800) for employers who hire Veterans who have been unemployed longer than 6 months According to RAND 2012 report, the new tax credits added 32,000 disabled Veterans to the employment rolls in 2007 and 2008 and increased their earnings by 40 percent. 16

17. Tax Credits for Hiring Veterans Wounded Warrior Tax Credit - Double the existing tax credit for long-term unemployed Veterans with service-connected disabilities Maintain the existing Work Opportunity Tax Credit for Veterans with service-connected disabilities (currently the maximum is $4,800) A new credit of 40 percent of the first $24,000 of wages (up to $9,600) for firms that hire Veterans with service-connected disabilities who have been unemployed longer than 6 months 17

18. VR&E Employment Outcomes FY 2012 18 18

19. National Unemployment Data National Unemployment Data (General) Overall: 7.9% National Unemployment Data for Veterans Veterans (all): 6.3% Disabled Veterans (Post 9/11): 10% Men: 5.9% Male Veterans 18-24 Age Group: 23.1% Women: 9.5% Female Veterans 18-24 Age Group: 40.6% Source: October 2012, BLS Figures (Non-seasonally adjust) 19 19

20. Thank you! Questions? Contact VR&E Services at 202-461-9600 www.VetSuccess.gov 20 20