Recruiting Veterans with Service-Connected Disabilities

Each year, thousands of military personnel stationed around the world leave active duty and seek to return to the workforce. According to government statistics, between October 2001 and February 2008, more than 30,000 veterans returned home with service-connected disabilities, such as amputations and burns.

There are a number of steps employers can take to recruit and hire veterans with service-connected disabilities. Here are some tips offered by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission:

State on a job advertisement or vacancy announcement that your company is an equal opportunity employer and that individuals with disabilities, including disabled veterans or veterans with service-connected disabilities, are encouraged to apply.
Ensure that on-line job announcements, recruiting information and application processes are accessible to individuals with disabilities, including applicants who have service-connected disabilities.
Make written recruiting materials, such as application forms and brochures, available in alternate formats (e.g., Braille, large print, etc.), or assist veterans with disabilities in completing application materials when necessary.
Send vacancy announcements to, and ask for referrals from, government, community, military organizations and One Stop Career Centers that train and/or support veterans with service-connected disabilities.
Post advertisements and vacancy announcements in publications for veterans.
Attend job fairs and use online resume databases that connect job-seeking veterans with civilian employers.
Survey other employers to learn about their successful outreach efforts.

Recruiting Sources

President’s National Hire Veterans Committee – Hire Vets First
www.hirevetsfirst.gov

This comprehensive career website is designed to help employers find qualified veterans, as well as help veterans to make the most of a national network of employment resources.

One Stop Career Centers
www.hirevetsfirst.gov/onestop_emp.asp; Careeronestop, www.servicelocator.org

The One Stop Career Centers serve the needs of those looking for jobs and employers seeking employees. They assist businesses with recruitment, training, and retention of skilled workers. There are nearly 2,000 One Stop Career Centers nationwide.

Employer Assistance and Recruiting Network (EARN)
www.earnworks.com, 1-866-EARN NOW (327-6669)

Funded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP), EARN is a national toll-free and electronic information referral service to assist employers in locating and recruiting qualified individuals with disabilities who are seeking jobs.

Occupational Information Network (O*NET) Online
www.online.onetcenter.org

Through the Department of Labor, employers may access a comprehensive database that helps align military skills, knowledge, and training with workplace needs. Information on reasonable accommodation also is available.

Source: Veterans with Service-Connected Disabilities and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): A Guide for Employers, U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, 1801 L Street, N.W., Washington, DC 20507; telephone: 202-663-4900.

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