Richard L. Roudebush VAMC Community Rehabilitation Section Vocational Rehabilitation & Veteran Industries

What is Veteran Industries? Over 100 VI/CWT locations across the U.S. It is the marketing name used by Vocational Rehabilitation staff to promote CWT programming. Veterans Industries (VI) is a therapeutic work program of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). VI’s goal is to help veterans who have become disabled, unemployed &/or homeless to re-enter the community at the highest level possible.

Veterans Affairs Compensated Work Therapy CWT is a Department of Veterans Affairs Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) program. CWT provides opportunities for disabled Veterans, and Veterans with other barriers, to participate in a variety of "work hardening" job assignments in a structured, therapeutic environment. The ultimate goals of our CWT participants include gainful community employment, increased independence, and enhanced quality of life.

CWT Flow Chart Compensated Work Therapy (CWT) Homeless Veterans Supported Employment (HVSEP) Supported Employment (SE) Transitional Work Experience (TWE) Vocational Guidance/Computer Lab Incentive Work Therapy (ITP)

Is the final phase to prepare for real world employment. Veteran's must have a desire for competitive (community) employment. Participation is time limited and based on individual need. Veterans will work with a VR Specialist to develop a treatment plan and work goals. Barriers to real world employment are discussed. Veterans receive a small stipend for their work at each work station. Veterans will sign a contract when placed at a work site and be given safety instructions from the site supervisor. Veterans can be placed in TWE sites within the VAMC or in the community. There is no employer/employee relationship between the Veteran and the job site. Transitional Work Experience (TWE) & Benefits to Veterans

Benefits of TWE to Community Employers Serves as an excellent pre-employment screening opportunity for participating companies Company does not incur the cost of traditional employee benefits or taxes, thus reducing overhead (approximately 35%) Medical support is available through the VA Healthcare system Assists companies in meeting Affirmative Action hiring initiatives

Benefits of TWE to Community Employers Participating companies can be assured the veterans referred will be supported during and after their training by a network of qualified professionals Cost for TWE is negotiated locally between the participating company Veterans’ Industries – The employer pays a negotiated hourly wage to Veterans’ Industries and then Veterans’ Industries pays the veteran most of that negotiated hourly wage (we do not charge a huge hourly surcharge like staffing agencies)

Incentive Therapy Program (ITP) Serves as a learning period to help Veterans try to find the type of work that is best for them. Participation is time limited and based on individual need. Veterans will work with a VR Specialist to develop a treatment plan and work goals. There is no employer/employee relationship between the Veteran and the job site. Veterans receive a small stipend for work at each station. Veterans will sign a contract when placed at a work site and be given safety instructions from the site supervisor.

Supported Employment (SE) Provides one-on-one help to Veterans in finding and keeping employment in the community. Only available to certain Veteran populations. Veterans will work with a VR Specialist to develop a treatment plan and work goals. Barriers to real world employment are discussed. This program is NOT time limited. There is an employer/employee relationship and income is reported to IRS.

Homeless Veterans Supported Employment (HVSEP) Provides one-on-one help to Veterans in finding and keeping employment in the community. Only available to Veterans experiencing housing challenges and enrolled in our VA sponsored housing programs. Veterans will work with a VR Specialist to develop a treatment plan and work goals. Barriers to real world employment are discussed.

Vocational Guidance Provides community referrals to agencies in the community. Assist Veterans enrolling in volunteer services in the community. Assists with career planning. Assists in finding assistive technology resources. Occupational Outlook research.

Eligibility for CWT/IT Programming Deemed eligible for Department of Veteran’s Affairs services. Motivated and committed to remain sober and develop a drug free lifestyle. Ready and willing to participate in and benefit from supportive employment in the CWT component of the Program. Able to set goals to eventually obtain part/full-time work in the community and stable housing. Able to take prescribed medication(s) on own while maintaining compliance. Able and willing to talk about problems and ask for help in a timely manner. Medically cleared. Able to provide own transportation and able to travel transit systems. Ability to meet medical center guidelines for appropriate dress code. Assistance can be provided if this is challenge to participants. Resources can sometimes be provided. Demonstrates a therapeutic need for services. Has a mental health and/or physical health barrier to employment.