SECTION 1.1 Objective: Recognize the importance of developing a stress reduction plan Page 2 TAP Manual Deal with Stress FO&D

What is Stress? “A mismatch between the demands in our lives, and the resources we have available to deal with those demands.” Deal with Stress 1.1-2

Stress as a Part of Living Is a normal part of our lives It may be positive or negative We can’t avoid stress Stress is any change that you must adjust to... Deal with Stress 1.1-3

Coping With Stress Develop and maintain a plan to manage the effects of stress Seek professional assistance if needed Deal with Stress Page 3 TAP Manual

Homelessness Among Veterans VA estimates that as many as 136,000 veterans are homeless on any given night.* Veterans are overrepresented among the homeless population. Veterans make up 8% of the total U.S. population, but account for 12% of the homeless population.* Deal with Stress *U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Why Are Veterans Homeless? Male veterans are twice as likely to become homeless, and female veterans are four times more likely to be homeless as their non-veteran counterparts. A large number live with post traumatic stress disorders and addictions acquired during or exacerbated by their military service. Lack of family and social networks due to lengthy periods away from their communities of origin. Government money is limited and serves only 1-in-5 of homeless veterans in need. Deal with Stress 1.1-6

Prevention of Homelessness Among Veterans Military service separation process Participate in “preseparation” counseling process Participate in Transition Assistance Program (TAP) Employment Workshop Know about your VA Benefits Obtain income Seek early assistance for mental health and substance abuse issues Deal with Stress 1.1-7

U.S. DOL – VETS Homeless Veterans’ Reintegration Program This program provides employment, training, and supportive services to assist in reintegrating homeless veterans into meaningful employment within the labor force. HVRP Deal with Stress 1.1-8

U.S. DOL – VETS Veterans’ Workforce Investment Program VWIP provides employment, training, and supportive services to assist in reintegrating eligible veterans into meaningful employment within the labor force. VWIP Deal with Stress 1.1-9

Helpful Contacts U.S. Department of Labor, Veterans’ Employment & Training Service – –DVOP / LVER Representatives Department of Veterans Affairs – –Medical Center Homeless Coordinator –Benefits Administration Regional Office Homeless Coordinator –VETS Center Staff State Office of Veterans Affairs – National Coalition for Homeless Veterans – VET-HELPwww.nchv.org Deal with Stress

SECTIONS Objectives: Gather the information and records you need in order to create a resume, fill out a job application, and prepare for a job interview Deal effectively with the strengths and challenges arising from military experience Identify your transferable skills that can be used in a variety of jobs Create a Career Catalog 1.2-1

Types of Records MILITARY SERVICE DD Form 214 – Separation Papers Training Record Honors and Awards Military Transcripts Service Record and Security Clearance Medical and Dental Records (2-3 copies) Benefits Information WORK EXPERIENCE Work History (job titles, employers, dates, supervisors, duties and accomplishments) Work Samples Honors and Citations Community Activities Salary History Licenses Certifications Page 5 TAP Manual Create a Career Catalog FO&D

Types of Records PERSONAL IDENTIFICATION Birth Certificate (copy) Proof of Citizenship Social Security Card ( Driving Record Passport (current) 10 Years of Personal Addresses Car Insurance Proof EDUCATION AND TRAINING Transcripts (sealed) Diplomas / Certificates Honors and Awards Outstanding Achievements Activities List CLEP Test or other results Create a Career Catalog 1.2-3

Men Under Age 26 If you will be under 26 years old at your separation you MUST check with the Selective Service to assure you are properly registered. Failure to register can affect Veteran Benefits Create a Career Catalog 1.2-4

Master Application Personal Information Education and Training Special Skills Military Service Work Experience Other Information Page 7 TAP Manual Create a Career Catalog 1.2-5

Veterans’ Employment Page 14 TAP Manual Identify Strengths and Challenges 1.3-1

Veterans’ Employment Identify Strengths and Challenges 1.3-2

Veterans’ Employment Page 16 TAP Manual Identify Strengths and Challenges 1.3-3

Your Accomplishments Improved Safety Improved Processing Time Increased Performance Improved Service Delivery Improved Administration Solved Long-Term Problems Created a Program Increased Retention Reengineered Equipment Reduced Management Page 17 TAP Manual Analyze Your Skills 1.4-1

Truck Mechanic GOOD – Basic skill / Task description Repaired and maintained trucks. BETTER – More details Performed 90% of all truck repairs within 24 hours to assure maximum availability. Supervised 15 mechanics who repaired and maintained a 30 truck fleet. BEST – Accomplishment / Outstanding result Saved $30,000 annually by re-designing a truck part that had a high failure rate. Reduced motor pool service turnaround time 25% by creating a “fast track” team for easy repair jobs and routine services. Analyze Your Skills 1.4-2

SECTIONS Objectives: Identify your work-related values Determine your personal preferences Explain why your work-related values and preferences are important in making job decisions Work Preferences 1.5-1

Preferences / Values What are Your Priorities? How do they direct your transition? Page 23 TAP Manual Work Preferences 1.5-2