1. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Human Capital Planning Development and Outreach Service National Veterans Employment Program (NVEP) Greg Alleyne, Program Manager

2. Program Overview Mission & Vision Strategic Goals Background Strategies Status of Veterans in VA Collaborations/New Initiatives Highlights

3. Mission To provide assistance to veterans seeking employment and to educate veterans and hiring officials on veterans preference statutes and other hiring flexibilities that may be used to hire veterans.

4. Vision The National Veterans Employment Program contributes to the Department of Veterans Affairs’ commitment to veterans by fostering an environment where Federal, state and local governments, veterans organizations, and other stakeholders collaborate to enhance the quality of employment services available to veterans.

5. Strategic Goals Assist veterans in making a smooth transition from active military service to civilian life. (DVA Strategic Goal 2) Help restore the capabilities, independence, and quality of life of veterans with disabilities through employment assistance. (DVA Strategic Goal 1) Help create an environment that fosters world class service to veterans and their families. (DVA Enabling Goal)

6. Background Established in VA’s Office of Human Resources (2001) Mandate – Develop Department-wide marketing and recruitment strategy targeting veterans for VA employment.  Developed and distributed first NVEP brochures  Launched NVEP Website (www.va.gov/nvep)  NVEP Posters and brochures developed and distributed to Military Transition Centers (TAP), Veterans Service Organizations (VSO), & VA Facilities nationally  Secretary establishes Veteran Employment Coordinator’s (VEC) VA-wide (2006)

7. Program Strategies Outreach Education Marketing

8. Outreach DOD/DOL (Other Federal Partners) EARN Transition Assistance Program (TAP) Job/Career Fairs & Seminars Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VBA) Employment Specialists One Stop Centers (VA Regional Offices)/VA Centers Centers for Minority and Women Veterans State Employment Commissions (DOL/LVER Reps) Veterans Service Organizations (VSO) American Legion American GI Forum (CPP) Professional Military Organizations (PMO) MOAA SACC Web Interface

9. Education Veterans Education Initiative What is Veterans’ Preference? How to maneuver the Federal Hiring Process Education Campaign (Hiring Officials & HR Professionals) Veterans’ Preference Laws/Statutes (Updates) DEUs (Certificate process) Awareness Campaign – “VALUE” veteran hiring - VEC

10. Education What is Veterans’ Preference  OPM’s Vet’s Guide - www.opm.gov/veteranswww.opm.gov/veterans  DoL Vet’s Preference Advisor - www.dol.gov/elaws/vetsprefwww.dol.gov/elaws/vetspref How to Maneuver the Federal Hiring Process  Understanding the federal vacancy announcement Area of Consideration/Who May Apply Merit Promotion Process Competitive Service (Delegating Examining Unit) Understanding how to apply Veterans’ Preference  Special Federal Hiring Authorities for Veterans 30 Percent or more disabled veterans VRA VEOA

11. Education Merit Promotion Process Vacancy Announcement Competitive Service (Delegating Examining Unit) Vacancy Announcement

12. Marketing External VA Recruitment CD-ROM Brochures/Posters Veteran Stakeholders VSO/PMO Periodicals TAP Seminars/Periodicals Job/Career Fairs NVEP Website Web Banners Advertising (Print [Federal Times], Radio, Video) Internal Leadership Directives & Guidance HR Conference Calls NVEP Websites (Intranet) VA Recruiters Update VACO News Bulletin Advertising (Print [VAnguard], etc.)

13. Status of Veterans in VA  Veterans currently represent 31.0 percent of VA’s workforce.  Continuous and steady decline of Vietnam Era Veterans expected.  The average number of Vietnam Era Veterans leaving VA over last 12 months - 170 per month.  Increase in VRA and Vets w/preference

14. National Veterans Employment Program Veterans Employment in VA Veterans currently employed in VA (as of July 31, 2007) Veterans Preference (34,658) Retired Members of Uniformed Services (2,205) Vietnam Era Veterans (24,110) Other Veterans (16,336) VA Workforce is comprised of 77,309 veterans (31.0%)

15. National Veterans Employment Program Veterans Employment Goals (2007-2008) Increase veteran employment in VA from 31 to 32 percent by 2008. Veterans Preference (34,658) to (39,000) Retired Members of Uniformed Services (2,205) to (3,000) Vietnam Era Veterans (24,110) to (22,000) Other Veterans (16,336) to (18,000)

16. Initiatives/Collaborations Veterans Employment Coordinator (VEC) Veteran employment goals disseminated VA-wide Establish veteran employment advocates locally Establish method of capturing veteran outreach efforts VA/National Guard Targeting military physicians Combine medical services in VA and National Guard Combine educational/debt repayment benefit programs VA/Surgeon Generals Targeting military healthcare professionals Certified/credentialed and those w/experience Partnership w/Army, Navy, Air Force VA Nursing Academy * Target military corpsmen/medics Not certified or credentialed, w/experience (MOS) Partnership w/Universities, Army, Navy, Air Force, & Coast Guard *Currently researching

17. Highlights of Veteran Employment at VA Highest percentage of newly hired veterans among non-DOD federal agencies Highest percentage of newly hired disabled veterans among non- DOD executive agencies Lead non-DOD federal agency in the employment of disabled veterans Lead non-DOD federal agency in the employment of 30 percent or more disabled veterans Lead non-DOD executive federal agency in VRA appointments Lead executive federal agency for promotion of disabled and 30 percent or more disabled veterans Lead executive federal agency in promotions for all veterans

18. National Veterans Employment Program Questions Thank You

19. National Veterans Employment Program Greg Alleyne Program Manager National Veterans Employment Program (NVEP) www.va.gov/nvep Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Human Capital 810 Vermont Ave, NW (202) 273-8749 Greg.alleyne@va.gov