Your Post-Military Career

Tips for finding a job and achieving success in the civilian workplace

Employment plays a critical role in the recovery of wounded and injured Veterans - including those experiencing Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) or a psychological health issue such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Having a job builds skills, increases self worth, reduces isolation, provides beneficial social interaction and provides income that is key to economic well-being. But just how should a wounded warrior go about finding meaningful employment? The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) and its federal partners can help show you the way.

REALifelines Initiative

http://www.dol.gov/vets/programs/real-life/main.htm

DOL's Recovery and Employment Assistance Lifelines (REALifelines) Initiative provides wounded and injured Service Members (and their families) with personal assistance to ensure a successful transition to civilian life and to prepare them for rewarding careers. Through REALifelines, wounded warriors (and primary care givers) are offered the opportunity to meet face-to-face with a Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP) specialist who provides guidance on how to secure employment and achieve economic self-sufficiency.

REALifelines representatives are located at every major Military Treatment Facility where returning Veterans are receiving treatment. In addition, Veterans who have already returned home can receive online guidance by visiting the REALifelines Employment Advisor, an interactive tool that can help users:

In particular, wounded warriors can use the online Advisor to locate the Director for Veterans' Employment and Training (DVET) in their home state. This DVET will arrange to help the transitioning Service Member or Veteran successfully transition to a rewarding career.

Transition Assistance Program (TAP)

http://www.turbotap.org/portal/transition/resources/Employment_Hub

The employment hub on the Transition Assistance Program for Veterans (TAP) website provides career information for active duty Service Members, National Guard, Reservists and spouses of Service Members separating or retiring from the military. Specifically, the website:

Provides Veterans with a valuable tool to use during their transition from military life to civilian life
Assists them in narrowing their job search
Provides them with multiple resources for researching civilian, military, state and federal jobs
Teaches what to expect from the job search process

America's Heroes at Work

www.AmericasHeroesAtWork.gov

This DOL initiative addresses TBI and PTSD specifically. Designed for employers and the workforce development community, America's Heroes at Work aims to help Veterans with TBI and/or PTSD succeed on the job through employer education. However, certain areas of the America's Heroes at Work website can benefit Veterans directly. It shows those with TBI/PTSD:

Workplace supports and accommodations that can help them do their job more effectively
Real life success stories about Veteran employees with TBI/PTSD and the satisfied employers who hired them
Where to find additional information on TBI, PTSD, career counseling, benefits and more

Job Accommodation Network (JAN)

http://askjan.org

JAN is a service provided by DOL's Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP). Its mission is to facilitate the employment and retention of workers with disabilities by providing employers, employment providers, people with disabilities, their family members and other interested parties with information on job accommodations, entrepreneurship and related subjects. Wounded warriors and their family members can call JAN toll-free (800-526-7234) to discuss their personal employment rights as well as workplace accommodations that meet their specific needs.

Department of Defense Computer/Electronic Accommodations Program (CAP)

www.tricare.mil/cap/Initiatives/WSM.cfm

CAP works closely with wounded and injured Service Members across the nation to ensure they receive appropriate assistive technology for their needs. The use of assistive technology is introduced during recovery and rehabilitation at Military Treatment Facilities. Accommodations are available for Service Members with injuries that have caused dexterity impairments, including upper extremity amputations; vision loss; hearing loss; and cognitive injuries, including TBI. This service is also available to disabled Veterans who are currently employed by the federal government.

National Resource Directory

www.nationalresourcedirectory.org

The National Resource Directory is a web-based catalogue of resources for wounded, ill and injured Service Members and Veterans; their families; families of the fallen; and those who support them. The site's Employment section will help wounded warriors search job banks, find a career counselor, learn what it takes to start a small business and find out how to transfer their skills learned during military service into a career in the civilian workforce. It also links to information on job training opportunities, scholarships, tuition assistance programs, the GI Bill and many other programs.

VetSuccess

www.VetSuccess.gov

VetSuccess.gov is a virtual employment resource center developed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) Service. The website presents information about VR&E's Five Tracks to Employment program, serves as a resource for Veterans seeking employment and assists employers who want to hire Veterans. VetSuccess also features information about the vocational counseling services available to active duty personnel and Veterans who have recently separated from military service.

For more information on these and other Veterans' hiring initiatives, visit www.dol.gov/vets.