Presenter: Doris A. TironeHuman Resources SpecialistNASA Glenn Research CenterCleveland, Ohio

#VetRec16 -- Veteran Recruiting Conference

January 21, 2016

Retrain and Retain Disabled VeteransAN EMPLOYER TOOLKIT FOR HIRING AMERICA’S HEROES

www.nasa.gov

National Aeronautics and Space Administration Doris Tirone, NASA Glenn Research Center 2

Vets with disabilities are not able to handle the physical and/or

stressful challenges of today’s workplace

Some familiar images of disabled Veterans…

Unfortunate disconnect between these images… and employment reality

UNCONSCIOUS BIAS:

National Aeronautics and Space Administration Doris Tirone, NASA Glenn Research Center 2

Some images you DON’T see of

disabled Veterans…

A bridge is needed to connect hiring officials…with these images!

Vets with disabilities are not able to handle the physical and stressful

challenges of today’s workplace

ARE ABLEREALITY:

National Aeronautics and Space Administration Doris Tirone, NASA Glenn Research Center 2

RETRAIN AND RETAIN DISABLED VETERANSTODAY’S TAKE AWAYS…

VR&E

HOW TO REACH AND CONNECT WITH VR&E

VETERANS

A PROTOTYPE, ON-THE-JOB WORK EXPERIENCE FOR

VR&E

National Aeronautics and Space Administration Doris Tirone, NASA Glenn Research Center 5

Less Risk

Accelerated Learning Curve

Respect for Procedures

Efficient Performance

Under Pressure

Teamwork

Strong Work Ethic

Integrity

Leadership

Conscious of Health & Safety

Standards

Employer Tax Credit

10 REASONS TO HIRE DISABLED VETERANS

National Aeronautics and Space Administration Doris Tirone, NASA Glenn Research Center 6

GOVERNMENT-EEZE

• VOW: Veterans Opportunity to Work Act(www. http://www.benefits.va.gov/VOW)

• Title 38/Chapter 31: Vocational Rehabilitation and Education

(http://www.benefits.va.gov/WARMS/bookg.asp)

• VR&E Program: Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment Program

(http://www.benefits.va.gov/vocrehab/index.asp)

• VBO: Veterans Benefit Office

(http://www.benefits.va.gov/benefits/offices.asp)

• VOW:

• Title 38/Chapter 31:

• VR&E Program:

• VBO:

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SOME CONTEXT…

• VOW: Veterans Opportunity to Work Act• Transition Assistance program (TAP)• Direct Training services • Post-9/11 GI Bill• Benefits to employers

• VOW: Veterans Opportunity to Work Act

National Aeronautics and Space Administration Doris Tirone, NASA Glenn Research Center 8

VR&E AND EMPLOYER BENEFITS

Targeted Groups of Disabled Veterans

National Aeronautics and Space Administration Doris Tirone, NASA Glenn Research Center 9

National Aeronautics and Space Administration Doris Tirone, NASA Glenn Research Center 10

VR&E AND EMPLOYER BENEFITS

• Wage SubsidiesTraining Wages are supplemented by VAhttp://www.va.gov/opa/publications/benefits_book/

benefits_ch ap05.asp

• Workforce Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC)Significant tax credit based on wages paid

http://www.nasaa-vetseducation.com/Contacts.aspx • http://benefits.va.gov/vow/docs/seiflyerfinal.pdf

https://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/fact_sheet_on_veteran_tax_credits-1.pdf

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Title 38/Chapter 31

Vocational Rehabilitation & Education•(http://www.benefits.va.gov/WARMS/bookg.asp)

Job Training Resume development Job seeking skills Workplace accommodations Coaching

THE VR&E PROGRAM

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CONNECTING WITH VR&E VETERANS

North AtlanticSoutheastMidwestContinentalPacific

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• State Veterans Benefits Office (VBO)

• At least 1 Veterans Employment Coordinator

• Several Veterans Rehabilitation Counselors

• Most important…

CONNECTING WITH VR&E VETERANS

VR&E veterans

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• Work with VBO Employment Coordinator

• Identify potential VR&E trainees

• SAA Approval of Training Program

http://www.nasaa-vetseducation.com/Contacts.aspx

• 4-6 weeks for OJT approval

SETTING UP OJT FOR DISABLED VETERANS

National Aeronautics and Space Administration Doris Tirone, NASA Glenn Research Center 15

What does the SAA need? • Application

For OJT – A training schedule of major operations & tasks to be learned, including number of hours required for the duration of the program

For Apprenticeships - meet state criteria for standards of apprenticeship published by the Department of Labor pursuant to 29 U.S.C. 50a

• Designation of Certifying Official form - this form is completed to designate the individual(s) who will be responsible for the accurate and prompt certification of enrollment and changes in enrollment for eligible trainees

• Training agreement

SETTING UP OJT FOR DISABLED VETERANS

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What does the VA need from the Employer?

Qualified journey workers – close supervision

Maintain veteran/trainee records

Placement in the wage scale

Copy of Approved Training Agreement

Reasonable certainty of future employment

SETTING UP OJT FOR DISABLED VETERANS

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Set of Duties Employer-driven curriculum Training & Instruction Employer and/or a local

community college or vocational training facility

Work assignments Special requirements

(e.g., bonding, certification, etc.)

Work ScheduleTraining PeriodHours per day/week

Wage Schedule Entry-level

Beginning wage = at least 50% of full performance

Full-performance

AN APPROVED OJT FOR ELECTRICAL ENGINEER

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• Guide to Understanding the OJT/Apprenticeship Approval Process: http://www.benefits.va.gov/GIBILL/docs/job_aids/OJT_APP%20Info%20Guide.pdf

• VR&E Materials & Fact Sheets: http://www.benefits.va.gov/vocrehab/links_resources.asp

• VA OJT & Apprenticeships: http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/docs/factsheets/OJT_Factsheet.pdf

• Apprenticeship Toolkit: http://www.dol.gov/apprenticeship/toolkit/learn.htm • Registered Apprenticeships:

http://www.doleta.gov/OA/pdf/Appshp_Sponsor_FactSheet.pdf • OJT/Apprenticeship Training & Special Employer Incentives: http://

benefits.va.gov/vow/docs/seiflyerfinal.pdf• Federal Tax Credits for Hiring Veterans:

http://www.orioninternational.com/hire-military/federal-tax-credits-for-hiring-veterans.aspx

• Veterans Employment Toolkit: http://www.va.gov/vetsinworkplace/resources.asp • Hiring Veterans – A Step-by-Step Toolkit for Employers:

http://www.dol.gov/vets/ahaw/ • State Approving Agencies: http://www.nasaa-vetseducation.com/Contacts.aspx • VR&E Employment Coordinators:

http://www.benefits.va.gov/VOCREHAB/docs/EmploymentCoordinators.xls

NASA Glenn Research Center would like to thank the following members of the Veterans Administration, Office of Veterans Affairs in the Cleveland, Fargo, and Phoenix Regional Benefits Offices for their assistance in developing this presentation: John Bohmer | Kirsten Hansen | Tim Krumheuer | Mark Lundin

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION & RESOURCES

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RETRAIN & RETAIN DISABLED VETERANSAN EMPLOYER TOOLKIT FOR HIRING AMERICA’S

HEROES

Questions

Answers

DISCLAIMER: Although care been taken to ensure the accuracy, completeness and reliability of the information provided, NASA and its employees assume no responsibility therefore. The user of this information acknowledges that the information provided herein is subject to change without notice. NASA and its employees assume no responsibility for the consequences of use of such information, nor for any infringement of third party intellectual property rights which may result from its use. IN NO EVENT SHALL NASA OR ITS EMLOYEES BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGE RESULTING FROM, ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE USE OF THIS INFORMATION.

If you have difficulty making a connection with your local VR&E Office, you may contact:John Bohmer, VR&E Coordinator, VA Regional Office-Fargo,

Office: 701-451-4664 | email: John.Bohmer1@va.gov