-With a forward on the Joint partnership- The National Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) and Local Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) -With a forward on the Joint partnership- Before we begin this training on the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) and the Local Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) we would like to take a moment to briefly describe the purpose and mission of the joint partnership and the services each agency provides to support Veterans in the Chapter 31 Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment program.  

Partnership Purpose The primary goal of the collaborative effort between Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E), Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS), and State Agency (SA) staff is to improve the quality of employment services and outcomes for each Chapter 31 Veteran The partnership serves to increase communication, reduce duplication of effort, and enhance the quality of service provided to Chapter 31 Veterans A unified team approach and partnership between VR&E, VETS, and SA staff is fundamental to a seamless, positive experience for Chapter 31 Veterans as they move through evaluation, training, job search, and employment The successful readjustment of Disabled Veterans into the civilian workforce is a mutual responsibility and concern. This statement is the foundation on which the Department of Veterans Affairs Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) Service, the Department of Labor Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS), and each State Agency (SA) use to develop a partnership to advance, improve and expand employment opportunities for all Chapter 31 Veterans as they move through evaluation, training, job search, and ultimately - suitable employment. Now let’s discuss the mission of each agency so you can see how they work together to meet the higher purpose of the joint partnership.

Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment (VR&E) Service Mission Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) Program provides services and assistance to enable Veterans with service-connected disabilities and an employment handicap to prepare for, find, and maintain suitable employment For Veterans with service-connected disabilities so severe that they cannot immediately consider work, VR&E provides services to improve their ability to live as independently as possible Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment (VR&E) Chapter 31, Title 38, U.S. Code The mission of the Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment (VR&E) Program is to provide services and the assistance necessary to enable Veterans with service-connected disabilities and an employment handicap to prepare for, find, and maintain suitable employment.  

Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS) Mission The Department of Labor, Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS) mission is to: Prepare America's Veterans, Servicemembers, and their spouses, for meaningful careers; Provide them with employment resources and expertise; Protect their employment rights; and, Promote their employment opportunities. The mission of Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS) encompasses meaningful and successful careers for all Veterans. VETS’ proudly serves Veterans, Servicemembers and their spouses by preparing them for meaningful careers, providing them with employment resources and expertise, protecting their employment rights, and promoting their employment opportunities.

The State Workforce Agency (SA) Mission in Serving Veterans Each State Workforce Agency (SA) in the United States, plus the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and Guam is provided funding by the Department of Labor, Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS) for staff who provide services to Veterans as authorized by 38 U.S.C. 41 These staff are Disabled Veterans’ Outreach Program (DVOP) specialists and Local Veterans’ Employment Representative (LVER) staff DVOP specialists primarily provide intensive services to Veterans with significant barriers to employment LVER staff outreach to the employer community and support Veterans by building capacity within the state’s employment service delivery system to address the service needs of Veterans seeking employment The State Agencies (SA) including the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and Guam, oversee a network of American Job Centers (AJCs) and AJC staff that provide assistance to people seeking employment. SAs are required to provide Veterans priority of service for the receipt of employment, training and placement services. In addition, each SA is provided funding to hire staff to serve Veterans as authorized by Title 38 U.S.C. 41. Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP) specialists provide intensive services to Veterans with significant barriers to employment and Local Veterans Employment Representative (LVER) staff advocate for Veterans through outreach to the employer community and by capacity building within the state’s employment service delivery system; LVERs play an important role in assisting with the development of the service delivery strategies for Veterans. The roles and responsibilities of DVOP specialists and LVER staff dovetail nicely into the partnership responsibilities to advance, improve and expand employment opportunities for Chapter 31 Veterans.  

Acronyms The following acronyms are used throughout the Federal Partnership Agreement: CM Case Manager DOL Department of Labor DVET Director for Veterans’ Employment and Training DVOP Disabled Veterans’ Outreach Program specialist EC Employment Coordinator ES Employment Service LMI Labor Market Information LVER Local Veterans’ Employment Representative MOA/MOU Memorandum of Agreement / Memorandum of Understanding SA State Workforce Agency or State Agency TAG Technical Assistance Guide VA Department of Veterans Affairs VETS Veterans’ Employment and Training Service VRC Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor VR&E Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Additional acronyms with definitions can be found in the TAG, Appendix F The following acronyms are used throughout the partnership, the Technical Assistance Guide (TAG), the training webinars, and within the on-line training. Additional acronyms and definitions can be found in the TAG, Appendix F.

National MOA National Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between DOL/VETS and VA/VR&E Service formalized at the national level initially in 1995 Published the first Technical Assistance Guide (TAG) in 2008 Redeveloped and reaffirmed the National Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) in February 2015 and revised the TAG Now that we have provided you with a brief overview of the partnership’s purpose and mission, let’s discuss the National Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) and the Local Memoranda of Understanding (MOU).   The partnership between Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment Service, VR&E, and Veterans Employment and Training Service, VETS, was initially formalized by a National Memorandum of Understanding in 1995. The first Technical Assistance Guide, TAG, which included joint data collection tools, has been in use and continuous development since 2008. Both agencies jointly developed and reaffirmed the National Memorandum of Agreement, MOA, in February 2015 and a newly revised Technical Assistance Guide, TAG, was developed.

MOA Purpose To establish mutual standards for data and information sharing, develop training, simplify and strengthen redress procedures, and create and maintain a VA/DOL Joint Work Group to oversee, standardize and facilitate common practices and goals To advance, improve, and expand the employment opportunities for Chapter 31 Veterans To maximize the provision of services leading to the ultimate goal of successful career selection and placement for disabled Veterans enrolled in the Chapter 31 program To improve the satisfaction and quality of employment services and outcomes for each Chapter 31 Veteran If you follow along on the slide, you will see the purpose of the National MOA is: To advance, improve, and expand the employment opportunities for Chapter 31 Veterans To maximize the provision of services leading to the ultimate goal of successful career selection and placement for disabled Veterans enrolled in the Chapter 31 program To improve the satisfaction and quality of employment services and outcomes for each Chapter 31 Veteran To establish and maintain a VA/DOL Joint Work Group designed to improve interagency communication, establish standards for data and information sharing, develop training, and advance redress procedures

JWG Working Group and Subgroups Establishes subgroups within the JWG responsible for: 1. Technical Assistance Guide (TAG) and Local Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) 2. Data Collection, Analysis and Reporting 3. Training Development and Implementation The Joint Work Group, JWG, is composed of members from Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment and Veterans’ Employment and Training Service and further subdivided into three subgroups. The Technical Assistance Guide and local Memorandum of Understanding subgroup is comprised of at least two JWG members from each Federal agency. This subgroup reviews the TAG and solicits input to improve it. This subgroup is also responsible for providing oversight reviews of local MOUs, ensuring each local MOU meets the requirements outlined in the TAG. The subgroup is tasked to review at least one third of all local MOUs during each year to ensure that each MOU is reviewed at least once in a three year period.   The Data Collection and Reporting subgroup is comprised of two JWG members from each agency. This subgroup is responsible for reviewing and analyzing data reported on the VETS 201 form, providing feedback to the SA and DVET on corrections to each quarterly form submitted, and for recommending changes to the form. The Training Development and Implementation subgroup is comprised of at least two JWG members from each agency. This subgroup is responsible for developing guidelines for the provision of training, initiating training opportunities, and developing and updating training tools and materials. The National MOA and each local MOU defines the unified team approach and partnership between the Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment Service, Veterans’ Employment and Training Service and State Workforce Agency staff. This partnership is fundamental to ensure a seamless, positive experience for our Chapter 31 Veterans at the national and local levels as they transition to the civilian workforce.

MOA – What’s Changed VR&E Service and VETS have incorporated the following elements from the White House Job Driven Training Initiatives: Employer Engagement Private-Public Partnerships Labor Market/Career Information Job/Career Results The National MOA incorporates four elements from the White House Job Driven Training Initiatives. These four elements are employer engagement, private-public partnerships, labor market or career information, and job or career results. These pillars establish the relationships needed to engage employers, agencies and community partners to drive the design and delivery of training to support the careers within the local economy.

MOA – What’s Changed Continued Newly established 100% referral criteria for LMI and Employment Services Increased emphasis on the team approach at the beginning of the intake/orientation process culminating with job development and placement services Increased focus on quality employment services, successful outcomes, and client satisfaction Increased training opportunities for VR&E, State Agency and VETS staff Additional changes from previously signed National MOAs include newly established 100% referral criteria for LMI and Employment Services, an increased emphasis on the team approach at the earliest point, beginning with the intake and orientation process, and culminating with employment through job development and placement. The quality of employment services, successful outcomes, and overall client satisfaction are important aspects of the team approach. In addition, Veterans will be advised of the benefits of utilizing the resources offered through the American Job Centers, AJCs, as well as information on Department of Defense sponsored employment programs. Finally, the National MOA supports the development and provision of training opportunities for all members of the partnership.

MOA – What’s Changed Continued Composition of the Joint Work Group and conduct of meetings and training Joint Work Group Subgroups to recommend process improvements to support the goals of the partnership Improved redress procedures The composition of the Joint Work Group and conduct of JWG meetings has also been refined in the recently signed National MOA. The JWG members encourage local and national participation in joint training workshops, meetings and seminars, and exchange of professional knowledge to fully engage issues and strategies to support this partnership. Subgroups are responsible for reporting progress during monthly JWG meetings and making recommendations in support of the partnership. Redress Procedures have also been added to the recently signed MOA to address operational complications that may arise with the potential to adversely impact the quality of services provided to Chapter 31 Veterans.

MOA – What’s Changed Continued Performance/accountability guidelines VR&E provides comprehensive referral documents to SA The SA provides timely monthly progress reports to VR&E for each referred Veteran VETS ensures timely quarterly VETS 201 reports are provided to VR&E Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment will provide comprehensive referral documents to the State Workforce Agency while Veterans’ Employment and Training Service will ensure the State Workforce Agency provides timely monthly progress reports to Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment for each referred Veteran. In addition, Veterans’ Employment and Training Service will also ensure the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment staff receives the VETS 201 every quarter.  

MOA Timeline Signed on February 27, 2015 by VA Under Secretary for Benefits DOL Assistant Secretary for Veterans’ Employment and Training Effective as of October 1, 2015 The current National Memorandum of Agreement was signed by the Department of Veterans Affairs’, Under Secretary for Benefits and the Department of Labor’s Assistant Secretary for Veterans’ Employment and Training on February 27, 2015. Subsequently, the National Memorandum of Agreement went into effect on October 1, 2015.

Local MOU A Local Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) will be updated and signed between each VA Regional Office and State Agency to: Commit to active cooperation and coordination in meeting partnership goals Agree to seamless employment transition to promote process efficiency, ease customer burden, and to eliminate duplication or delay in delivery of employment services A local Memorandum of Understanding is to be developed between the Department of Veterans Affairs and each State Workforce Agency with the assistance of the Director for Veterans’ Employment and Training in that state. Its purpose is to outline the commitment each agency has to the partnership, the roles and responsibilities of each partner within the partnership, with the goals of promoting process efficiency by providing seamless employment transition assistance, easing the burden on Veterans enrolled in the Chapter 31 program and eliminating the duplication of efforts by all partners.

Local MOU Continued Identifies and outlines specific responsibilities for key staff by name and agency Provides contact information Documents any unique local processes Additionally, the Local Memorandum of Understanding identifies specific responsibilities for key staff and provides contact information for those individuals to encourage open communication. The Local Memorandum of Understanding also documents unique local practices that other partners may find beneficial.

Local MOU Template Document Topics which must be incorporated but are not all-inclusive, to allow for flexibility, include (see Appendix A in the TAG): Purpose, References & Scope Cooperating Agencies Referral Process Relationships & Responsibilities To provide the foundation for a successful Chapter 31 program, a Local Memorandum of Understanding (see Appendix A in the Technical Assistance Guide, page 25) must include the following main areas: Purpose, References & Scope Cooperating Agencies Involved Referral Process Detailed Relationships & Responsibilities for each of the partners involved  

Local MOU Template Document Orientation, Staff Training, and Development Exchange of Information Cooperation under Federal Contracts Relationships on Veterans’ Reemployment Rights Coordination of Counseling, Training, and Job Placement Orientation, Staff Training, and Development Exchange of Relevant Information Cooperation under Federal Contracts Relationships on Veterans’ Reemployment Rights Coordination of Counseling, Training, and Job Placement (working as a team to ensure the fullest integration throughout all phases of the rehabilitation process) Keep in mind that these main areas are not all-inclusive. Other specific details or processes may be included as agreed upon by all partners.

Local MOU Signatory Authority For the VA/VR&E Name and position to be identified locally, typically RO Director(s), and signature date For DOL/VETS Name, Director for Veterans’ Employment & Training (DVET), and signature date For the State Workforce Agency (SA) Name(s), position(s), and signature date After all involved agencies collaboratively work out the details of the Local Memorandum of Understanding and are in complete agreement on all stipulations, lead personnel from each agency will list their name and position, then sign and date the document accordingly.   For states with locations served by multiple VA Regional Offices, the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment representative, in coordination with the Director for Veterans Employment and Training and the State Agency representative will determine if separate Memoranda of Understanding should be developed for each location or if a single Memorandum of Understanding for the state shall suffice.

Local MOU Checklist Provided as Appendix I in the TAG Follows main topic headings in a local MOU and will be used by the subgroup to review each local MOU The TAG/MOU subgroup is tasked to review 1/3rd of the total number of local MOUs per year so that each local MOU will be reviewed at least once every 3 years The MOU subgroup will recommend continuous improvements to local MOUs, as needed The Local Memorandum of Understanding Checklist is found in the Technical Assistance Guide (Appendix I), beginning on page 44. The subgroup will utilize this multi-page, comprehensive checklist to review each local Memorandum of Understanding at least once every 3 years, or one third each year as previously mentioned. As needed, the subgroup will recommend continuous improvements in local MOUs.

Local MOU Timelines Local MOUs must be submitted to the email address vets-vre@email.gov as requested in the most current VETS guidance and VA Advisory/Field Notice The TAG/MOU Subgroup will select 1/3 of the total local MOUs for review to meet program mandates Results of reviews and follow-up recommendations will be forwarded to VAROs, DVETs and SAs upon completion of the review The Veterans’ Employment and Training Service published a Veterans’ Program Letter 01-16, Change 1 for guidance to the field and the VA published an Advisory that requires each state to negotiate and sign an updated local Memoranda of Understanding following the template and checklist published in the Technical Assistance Guide 90 days after issuance of guidance and submit that executed MOU via email to vets-vre@dol.gov.   The Memorandum of Understanding subgroup of the Joint Work Group will provide oversight reviews of one-third of the total local Memoranda of Understanding each year. By reviewing one-third of the total local Memoranda of Understanding each year, the Joint Work Group can ensure that each state’s Memorandum of Understanding is accurate and current. The JWG will ensure that each member of the team that signed the local MOU will be provided the results of the review, including recommendations, upon completion of the review.

QUESTIONS? If you have any questions regarding this presentation, please refer to the National Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), Technical Assistance Guide (TAG) for information on local Memoranda of Understanding (MOU), or use your appropriate chain of command Thank you for watching this webinar on the National MOA and Local MOU. If you have any questions regarding this presentation, please refer to the Technical Assistance Guide (TAG) or use your appropriate chain of command. Remember, we’re working together to serve America’s heroes!