2011 Wounded Warrior Federal Employment Conference FEDERAL NON-PAID WORK EXPERIENCE PROGRAM Ruth Fanning Director Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment Service February 23-24, Fort Belvoir, Virginia

2011 Wounded Warrior Federal Employment Conference Purpose - To provide services and assistance to Servicemembers and Veterans with service-connected disabilities to assist them to obtain and maintain suitable employment, or achieve independence in daily living. February 23-24, 2011 Fort Belvoir, Virginia 2 VetSuccess VR&E Program

2011 Wounded Warrior Federal Employment Conference The Department of Veterans Affairs Non-Paid Work Experience Program (NPWE) provides eligible Veterans with the opportunity to obtain training and practical job experience by working in a Federal, State, or Local government agency. February 23-24, 2011 Fort Belvoir, Virginia 3 Non-Paid Work Experience

2011 Wounded Warrior Federal Employment Conference What is Non-Paid Work Experience? – Provides eligible Veterans with practical job experiences – Placement can be at any government facility 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 (Authorized by Public Law ) February 23-24, 2011 Fort Belvoir, Virginia 4 Non-Paid Work Experience

2011 Wounded Warrior Federal Employment Conference Benefits for Employers – Minimal paperwork is required by the participating government agency – Allows agency to assess Veteran’s fit for noncompetitive appointment into a permanent position – Easy access for the government agency to participate in the NPWE program February 23-24, 2011 Fort Belvoir, Virginia 5 Non-Paid Work Experience

2011 Wounded Warrior Federal Employment Conference Benefits for Veterans... – Establishes employment history – Provides exposure to employment opportunities – Monthly subsistence allowance – Easy access to public sector employment – Structured way for Veterans to develop job skills February 23-24, 2011 Fort Belvoir, Virginia 6 Non-Paid Work Experience

2011 Wounded Warrior Federal Employment Conference Limitations of a NPWE… – Veteran can not be placed in a position involving religious or political activity {CFR (d)} – Placement of Veteran cannot result in the displacement of currently employed workers {CFR (d)} February 23-24, 2011 Fort Belvoir, Virginia 7 Non-Paid Work Experience

2011 Wounded Warrior Federal Employment Conference Additional Information – Veterans in a NPWE are not federal employees except for purposes of compensation for work injuries. They don’t receive leave or other employee benefits – A Veteran may pursue a NPWE in a Federal, State or local government agency at the full time, three-quarter-time or half-time rate {CFR , footnote 5} February 23-24, 2011 Fort Belvoir, Virginia 8 Non-Paid Work Experience

2011 Wounded Warrior Federal Employment Conference February 23-24, 2011 Fort Belvoir, Virginia 9 Questions?