1. Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment V E T S U C C E S S. G O V Presented by Maribel Gallo Ch. 31 Employment Services

2. The VetSuccess Program VetSuccess is VA’s comprehensive program for Servicemembers leaving active duty due to medical issues and Veterans with service connected disabilities.The program provides services leading to employment or help for individuals to live more independently. These services include vocational counseling, training, career placement, and special rehabilitation services available to eligible active duty Servicemembers, Veterans, and dependents.

3. The VetSuccess Program The Vetsuccess program is NOT an education program. The Vetsuccess program will approve education/training to the point of employability. Education/training supported by the Vetsuccess program must lead to suitable employment. Suitable employment: work that is within a Veteran's physical and emotional capabilities and is consistent with his or her pattern of abilities, aptitudes, and interests. NOTE: Veterans are eligible for a maximum of 48 months of education and training VA benefits (combined).

4. Eligibility & Entitlement Eligibility: Veterans must have a minimum of 10% service connected rating with a serious employment handicap OR 20% combined service connected disability rating. Veterans must be within the 12 year period of eligibility (from rating decision) finding of an E.H. is necessary to establish entitlement. Veterans must have difficulty getting and keeping a job that matches well with his or her interests, skills and talents. The Veteran’s service-connected disability must be part of this difficulty.

5. Eligibility & Entitlement Entitlement: The Veteran must undergo a comprehensive evaluation with a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor to assess skills, interests, and abilities. A serious employment handicap must be found to establish entitlement to vocational rehabilitation services beyond the 12 year eligibility date. A VA Counselor makes entitlement determinations. A VA Counselor decides if a Veteran has an employment handicap/serious employment handicap based upon the results of the comprehensive evaluation.

6. Individualized Rehabilitation Plan A Rehabilitation Plan is a written detailed outline of services provided under the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment program. The following service delivery options may be provided under a Rehabilitation Plan: 1.Reemployment with previous employer 2.Self-employment 3.Independent living services 4.Rapid employment services for new employment 5.Employment through long term services

7. Ch. 31 Employment Services  Employment Services are provided for up to 18 months  Veterans are provided with case management and monitoring services while exploring job possibilities in the Veteran’s field.  Case Managers contact potential employers on the Veteran’s behalf.  Case Managers provide Veterans with up to date information, resources, and referrals.  Ch. 31 provides REQUIRED tools and materials needed for employed position (must be indicated by employer).  Ch. 31 insures the Veteran is provided with Special Adaptive Equipment when necessary  Case Managers inform Veterans and Employers of VA Benefits and Special Employer Incentive Programs

8. Ch. 31 Employment Services Veterans are eligible for two months full-time subsistence allowance (Employment Adjustment Allowance) while actively seeking employment, or adjusting to a job if Veteran is participating in employment through long term services. Veterans are required to keep a job search log and submit information on a monthly basis to Case Manager. Veterans are required to inform Case Manager of new employment. Veterans are monitored for a minimum of 60 days from date of hire to ascertain employment is suitable.

9. Ch. 31 Employment Services The Non-Paid Work Experience Program The VR&E 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. Types of work may include administrative, clerical, professional, technical, or wage grade jobs.

10. Ch. 31 Employment Services Benefits of NPWE Provides valuable civilian job skills to Veterans at no cost to the agency and without counting against the agency’s FTE Establishes employment history and expands Veterans’ ability to hone skills developed under their vocational rehabilitation plan Provides exposure to employment opportunities in selected vocational disciplines, and participants qualify for certain direct hire authorities The government agency has the opportunity to evaluate the veteran prior to consideration for hiring in a temporary or permanent position The government agency incurs no cost and has no obligation to hire the veteran participant; however, hiring the veteran is encouraged, when staffing and budget permit program The Veteran receives Ch. 31 monthly subsistance allowance while participating in a NPWE

11. Ch. 31 Employment Services Special Employer Incentive Program The Special Employer Incentive is a program designed to provide participating Veterans with assistance obtaining long-term suitable employment. The Special Employer Incentive Program is offered by the Veterans Administration Department of Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment (VR&E) Division and is available for eligible private sector employers. The intent of this program is to offset the costs of additional on- the-job-training or work experience provided by a private employer that a Veteran might need to transition into permanent employment.

12. Ch. 31 Employment Services How does the SEI benefit Employers?  Reimbursement of up to 50% of the Veteran’s wages for a period of up to six months.  Compensation for additional expenses incurred for cost of instruction.  Compensation for loss of production.  Compensation for required supplies/equipment.  Employee is trained to the employer’s standards. Minimal amount of paperwork must be completed PRIOR to Veteran’s date of hire

13. Ch. 31 Employment Services Ch. 31 Employment Services ensures Veterans are informed, marketable, and are highly considered while performing an effective job search for suitable employment.

14. Resources www.vetsucess.va.gov Maribel Gallo Employment Coordinator (619) 400-5647 maribel.gallo@va.gov