The Caregiver’s Journey / Chapter Six / Finding a Job / Employment Programs
There are a number of government and nonprofit employment programs offered to transitioning service members and veterans, as well as their caregivers.
Programs for transitioning service members and veterans include:
- The Department of Defense Transition Assistance Program (TAP) provides information, tools, and training to ensure service members and their spouses are prepared for the next step in civilian life, whether pursuing additional education, finding a job in the public or private sector, or starting their own business. There is a component focusing on services for individuals with disabilities. To get started, contact your local Transition Assistance Office or visit your service-specific website:
- The U.S. Department of Labor Veterans’ Employment and Training Services (VETS) provides critical resources, expertise, and training to assist veterans in locating and obtaining meaningful careers at over 2,500 American Job Centers nationwide.
- The U.S. Department of Labor Transition Assistance Program helps service members and their spouses make the initial transition from military service to the civilian workplace. Professionally trained workshop facilitators from the State Employment Services, military family support services, Department of Labor contractors, or VETS staff present the workshops. Workshop attendees learn about job searches, career decision making, current occupational and labor market conditions, and resume and cover letter preparation and interviewing techniques. The workshop is also available online for service members.
- Transition GPS (Goals, Plans, Success) provides standalone online training for veterans and family members. The program aims to provide the information, tools, and training to ensure service members and their spouses are prepared for the next step in civilian life, whether pursuing additional education, finding a job in the public or private sector, or starting their own business. Transition GPS is the TAP curriculum and includes a “core curriculum” and individually chosen modules on education, career technical training, and entrepreneurship. Ultimately, Transition GPS is designed to build skills to allow service members to depart “career ready” and meet mandatory Career Readiness Standards (CRS), regardless of their branch of service.
- Service members leaving the military with a service-connected disability are offered the Disabled Transition Assistance Program (DTAP). DTAP includes the normal three-day TAP workshop plus additional hours of individual instruction to help determine job readiness and address the special needs of disabled veterans.
- The U.S. Department of Labor Veterans’ Employment and Career Transition Advisor provides veterans, transitioning service members, and their family members with the resources they need to successfully transition to a rewarding career. Developed by the U.S. Department of Labor’s VETS, the Veterans’ Employment and Career Transition Advisor provides valuable information and access to contact information for one-on-one employment assistance. Online resources to assist transitioning service members and veterans in their reintegration into the civilian workforce are also provided.
- The Department of Veterans Affairs Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment program offers vocational counseling, training, rehabilitation, and employment assistance for service members and veterans with service-connected disabilities. Caregivers may be eligible for services assessing career goals and abilities, job searches, furthering education and skills, and job training programs.
- The U.S. Office of Personnel Management’s Government-wide Veterans Employment website, Feds Hire Vets, is a critical component of the Federal Government’s strategy for the recruitment and employment of veterans. The Veterans Employment Initiative is a strategic approach to helping the men and women who have served our country in the military find employment in the Federal Government. It also underscores the importance of aligning the talents of these individuals with key positions so the Government is better positioned to meet mission objectives and citizens are better served. Veterans, transitioning service members, and their families will find this site to be full of resources and information that can assist in finding a Federal career.
- Private sector employers also have special hiring and employment programs for service members and veterans who have been severely injured during the OEF/OIF/OND conflicts. Operation IMPACT and its Network of Champions are programs comprised of more than 80 companies, nonprofits, and federal agencies focused on providing job opportunities and mentoring. Spouses of service members and veterans who are unable to work may also be eligible for services.
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