WRITTEN BY WANDA CURTIS
One of the key challenges veterans face after leaving the military is finding employment that aligns with their skills and experience. Leo J. Deon Jr., Veterans’ Program Manager for the Maine Department of Labor, notes that both state and federal programs are available to help cover the cost of education and training needed for a successful transition to civilian life. Many of these programs specifically support veterans with disabilities.
Vocational Readiness and Employment (VR&E) Program
One program that may benefit veterans and service members with a service-connected disability, said Deon, is the Vocational Readiness and Employment Program, which is managed by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs. (This program was formerly known as VA Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment.) It provides funding and case management to assist with education and training for eligible veterans who have a service-connected disability that impacts their ability to work, he said. It can also help with employment accommodations, resume development, and coaching. There are five tracks within the program to help veterans get education or training, find and keep a job, and live as independently as possible.
The first track is the Reemployment Track, in which veterans and service members receive assistance to return to the type of job they held before they were deployed. Vocational rehabilitation counselors provide services to assist qualified veterans and service members as they return to work. Employers can also receive help to accommodate the needs of those with a service-connected disability.
Second is the Rapid Access to Employment Track for veterans and service members who would like to find a job using their existing skill set. It’s designed to help veterans find employment quickly, by making use of their existing skills. This track offers counseling services, rehabilitation, short-term training, job placement, and post-employment support to help veterans secure suitable jobs as quickly as possible.
The third track is Self-Employment, for veterans and service members with a service-connected disability who would like to start their own business. According to the VRE website, services provided to eligible veterans may include developing a viable business plan, training in the operation of a small business, marketing and financial assistance, and tuition for training and licensing fees. It says the VA may also assist with some start-up costs.
Fourth is the Employment Through Long-Term Services Track for veterans and service members who would like to find employment in a different field than the one in which they were previously employed. Services offered in this track may include training and/or education for college or certification programs, on-the-job training, non-paid work experience, vocational rehabilitation and employment services, job training, work monitoring, work study, apprenticeships, and internships. VR&E may also cover the cost of tuition, books, fees, and equipment. They may provide a monthly allowance during training, as well.
Finally, there’s also a track for Independent Living, intended for veterans and service members who may not be able to return to work. Services are provided to help them live as independently as possible and may include evaluation and counseling to identify needs and goals, and referral to support resources. Services may also include an evaluation to determine eligibility for a VR&E home adaptation grant, which can help make a veteran’s home more accessible by widening doorways, adding ramps, or making other modifications to enable veterans to live more independently.
For information about VR&E programs, visit benefits.va.gov/vocrehab.
Workforce Innovation and Opportunities Act
Eastern Maine Development Corporation, Goodwill Industries Northern New England, and Aroostook County Action Program also assist with funding and delivering advanced education or training to help veterans find employment in high-wage/high-demand careers under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunities Act, Deon said.
State of Maine Bureau of Rehabilitation Services (BRS)
Veterans with recognized disabilities may qualify for other services through the state of Maine, including vocational rehabilitation (maine.gov/rehab). Those services are in addition to services received through federal programs.
“BRS works to bring about full access to employment, independence, and community integration for people with disabilities,” Deon said. These services include veteran liaisons to work specifically with veterans.
The Competitive Skills Scholarship Program (CSSP)
The Competitive Skills Scholarship Program (CSSP) will provide funding for eligible Maine residents, including veterans, to pursue two- and four-year degree programs or employer-recognized credentials leading to high-wage, in-demand jobs in Maine, said Deon. For more information, visit myworksourcemaine.gov.
Maine Career Centers
Maine Career Centers are another valuable asset for job seekers. Personnel can provide information regarding other training opportunities, including internships. Check out mainecareercenter.com.
GI Benefits
One other very popular source of benefits, said Deon, are those associated with the GI bill. Those benefits can help to fund education and training for eligible veterans.
“Veterans can always use their GI benefits to fund education and training, at their discretion, provided they signed up to receive these benefits while still in the service,” Deon said.
GI benefits can cover not only college tuition costs, but also other types of training, housing, and a variety of educational expenses to help veterans transition back to civilian life.
