EARNWorks Veteran Initiatives

	Veteran Speakers Network (VSN) EARN’s Veteran Speakers Network (VSN) helps businesses understand how to navigate the various resources available for hiring, retaining, managing and promoting veterans with disabilities. The VSN accomplishes this by speaking at events, conferences and other national speaking engagements. I am interested in having a member of the VSN speak at my event. I am interested in finding out more about or joining the VSN.

How to Hire Veterans:

When considering how to hire a veteran with a service-connected disability, it is first important to understand that when they leave the military, they will receive aided services from various service providers. These service providers’ collective goal is to ensure their successful transition from military to civilian life. The initial step in this process is assisting them in choosing 1 of the following 5 tracks to employment:

Track 1: Reemployment with their previous employer

Includes veterans with nonsevere, service-connected injuries separating from active duty, the National Guard or the Reserves who are interested in returning to their previous employers

Under this track, individuals will meet with a veterans’ service provider and receive case management and other services with VA health care to ensure a successful return to employment.

Track 2: Rapid Access to Employment

Includes veterans with service-connected disabilities who have expressed a desire to seek employment soon after separation or who already possess the necessary skills to be competitive in the job market

Under this track, individuals will meet with a veterans’ service provider to develop a plan with the goal of immediate employment by determining job readiness, assisting with resume development and job search, and assessing the need for job accommodations.

Track 3: Self-employment

Includes veterans with service-connected disabilities who have limited access to traditional employment and may need a more accommodating work environment due to their circumstances

Under this track, individuals will meet with a veterans’ service provider to develop a plan with the goal of self-employment. The service provider will analyze the viability of a business concept; assist in the development of a business plan; offer guidance on obtaining adequate resources to implement the business plan; and provide training in the operation, marketing and financial management of the businesses.

Track 4: Employment through long-term services

Includes veterans with service-connected disabilities who need specialized training and/or education to obtain and maintain suitable employment

Under this track, individuals will meet with a veterans’ service provider to develop a plan for training and education through programs such as on-the-job-training, job shadowing, apprenticeship, internship, work-study or higher education to obtain suitable entry-level employment.

Track 5: Independent living services

Includes veterans with severe service-connected injuries who are not ready for immediate employment and need rehabilitation services to live more independently

Under this track, individuals will meet with a veterans’ service provider to develop a rehabilitation plan with the goal of independent living. The plan may include independent living skills training and help with assistive technology, as well as working with community-based organizations.

Your employment strategy to target and attract veterans with service-connected disabilities greatly depends on which track they go through and which service providers are supporting their transition. EARN’s Veteran Initiatives Group can assist you in further understanding the 5 tracks and how they affect your employment strategies. We can also provide you greater insights into the specific roles service providers play and, more importantly, act as a single point to source jobseekers from them.