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  • Jobs for Veterans’ State Grants

    The Jobs for Veterans’ State Grants (JVSG) are mandatory, formula-based staffing grants to (including DC, PR, VI and Guam). The JVSG is funded annually in accordance with a funding formula defined in the statute (38 U.S.C. 4102A (c) (2) (B) and regulation and operates on a fiscal year (not program year) basis, however, performance metrics are collected and reported (VETS-200 Series Reports) quarterly (using four “rolling quarters”) on a Program Year basis (as with the ETA- 9002 Series). Currently, VETS JVSG operates on a five-year (FY 2015-2019), multi-year grant approval cycle modified and funded annually.

    In accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 4102A(b)(5) and § 4102A(c), the Assistant Secretary for Veterans' Employment and Training (ASVET) makes grant funds available for use in each State to support Disabled Veterans' Outreach Program (DVOP) specialists and Local Veterans' Employment Representatives (LVER) staff. As a condition to receive funding, 38 U.S.C. § 4102A(c)(2) requires States to submit an application for a grant that contains a State Plan narrative, which includes:

c. The Manner in Which Dvop Specialists and Lver Staff Are Integrated into the State’s Employment Service Delivery System or One-stop Delivery System Partner Network;

Current Narrative:

Program Integration and Leveraged Resources

The partnership agreements among all service providers located within the Alabama Career Center in the statewide American Job Center (AJC) network and other strategic outstation activities have been established or modified to include common focus on services to veterans. LVER and DVOP services and program activities will be under the auspices of the Employment Service Division of the Alabama Department of Labor, the JVSG grantee and operator of the statewide network of American Job Centers, and a primary partner with all agencies in the Alabama Workforce Development system that includes all approved training providers in the Alabama Career Center system. LVERs and DVOPs work directly for employment service managers and are tasked to assist manages in the evaluation as to the degree of utilization of all services and training by veterans. LVERs will assist in providing training on Priority of Services to partners in statewide network.

LVERs will be assigned activities to increase public awareness that eligible veterans and Covered Persons have Priority of Service, as defined under 20 CFR Part 1010, and will assist managers in the training of POS requirements to all career center partners, within the American Job Center network, and will monitor the effectiveness and coordination among all network partners in the following endeavors:

• Individual assessments of veterans for job preparedness, referral to supportive services, job training and outreach services, and improving access statewide and local labor market information. • Cooperation among all agencies and programs providing services and assistance to veterans to promote maximum awareness and availability of benefits among veterans, particularly veterans who may need such services or assistance in gaining employment or job training. • Participation in state workforce development training conferences and workshops with topics regarding priority services to veterans and marketing veterans to employers. The Governor of Alabama established the Alabama Workforce Council and appointed state leaders in business, industry, education and government, to improve collaboration between educators and employers so that job–seekers can identify and participate in job–driven training that fit the skill sets needed for jobs available in business and industry. The grantee, as a member of the council, will ensure that job–driven training will recognize corresponding military skill sets, thus encouraging the participation of veterans and separating service members. • Assisting Federal agencies to recruit veterans, particularly disabled veterans and veterans described by the Veterans Employment Service for special emphasis under Title 38 U.S.C Chapter 42 and the grant provisions, and 20 CFR Part 1010 (Priority Service for Covered Persons; and special recruitment initiatives of veterans by individual Federal agencies.)

As provided for under Title 10 U.S.C., the Alabama Career Center system in the American Job Center network will provide assistance to military service members and eligible spouses in transition to civilian jobs and careers through the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) at several military facilities in Alabama, and will provide intensive services to veterans participating in vocational rehabilitation, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (US DVA), as provided under Title 38 U.S.C., Chapter 31.

Alabama assigned a State Intensive Service Coordinator (ISC) to work directly with Employment Coordinators the US DVA Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) Service to coordinate the referral of “Job Ready” veterans enrolled in vocational rehabilitation services under Chapter 31 of Title 38 U.S.C. to the American Job Center for assistance in gaining suitable employment consistent with their vocational rehabilitation plans. Policy for the delivery of Priority of Service by the State, Local Workforce Investment Boards, and the Alabama Career Centers in the American Job Center network include the following new or existing measures:

• The first point of contact for veterans and Eligible Persons seeking services from Alabama’s Career Center system in the American Job Center network is a representative from Employment Services. • Those who access self–services through the Internet will complete a universal application that includes features and questions designed to assist staff members in identifying them for Priority of Service and training at any point of entry into the workforce development system. • Additionally, AJC locations will use signage, graphics, and displays to create awareness of the policy that requires Priority of Service for eligible veterans and certain Eligible Spouses.

Partnerships and Alliances with Supportive Services

The State of Alabama has made a commitment to provide the best possible services to our nation’s military service members, veterans and their families (SMVF) by establishing the Alabama Executive Veterans Network (AlaVetNet) Commission through Executive Order 42 signed by Governor Robert Bentley on December 10, 2013. The Commission is comprised of the following state agencies: Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Mental Health, Alabama National Guard, Department of Labor, Serve Alabama, Office of the Attorney General, Department of Education, Department of Corrections, Department of Economic and Community Affairs, Department of Post–Secondary Education, Commission on Higher Education, Department of Rehabilitation Services, Department of Public Health, Medicaid Agency, Law Enforcement Agency, Department of Human Resources, Department of Transportation, and Office of the Chief Justice.

The Executive Order requires the AlaVetNet Commission to study and evaluate all services in the state and direct at improving the well–being of SMVF in the areas of education, employment, health, homelessness and legal assistance. The Commission also included family services. The six committees functioning under its authority developed a Long Range Pan of Recommendations to assist SMVF in the areas of Behavioral Health, Education, Employment, Homelessness, Legal Assistance and Family Services. The statewide American Job Center network is an integral partner in the coordination of all state resources and services to assist SMVF which, to the extent possible, is to be based on using best practices and innovation. With regard to economic issues for veterans, the Commission set the following long range goals:

(1) Reduce veteran unemployment in Alabama to under 5%. (2) The Commission will focus on improving public/private partnerships, identifying barriers to Veteran’s employment, incentivize proactive hiring of veterans by recognizing employers, agencies, and organizations that demonstrate excellence in supporting veterans, formally develop a statewide veterans’ entrepreneurial initiative, and support efforts of the American Job Centers to partner with private organizations that can assist veterans to find good jobs and meaningful career opportunities. (3) The Commission will develop award incentives to recognize employers who make hiring veterans a priority, and proposes to support legislation that will expand the state’s tax incentives to companies who hire unemployed veterans. AlaVetNet will work with the AJC system to implement this and the other recommendations from the Commission. Alabama hosted a U.S. Army Wounded Warrior (AW2) Conference at the State Capital to establish a permanent statewide coalition of services providers to assist wounded and seriously injured veterans. This very successful event was attended by representatives from nearly every state and federal agency and many community organizations sharing a common commitment of assisting military service members and their families and returning veterans and their spouses. The conference was an excellent opportunity for the participants to become acquainted with each other’s objectives, resources and services, and to discuss ways in which they could work together to assist wounded or injured military in their transition to civilian lives. As a result, the coalition agreed to develop working relationships and define ways to share resources, and to collaborate on how to assist specific individuals with challenging disabilities to become employed and re–established in their hometowns. The JVS grantee will continue to participate in this highly effective forum for assisting challenged veterans and their families to successfully cope with re–adjustment.

Integration of VR&E Programs

The VR&E Partnership is fully integrated into the statewide AJV network as required component of the LVER–DVOP grant (Veterans Program Letter No. 01–09, dated December 11, 2008). DVOP representatives will case manage all active VR&E clients referred from VR&E counselors, in addition to veterans with other significant barriers to employment (SBE). The standard case management requirement for DVOP representatives will be to document specific services required by an Employment Service directive. DVOP representatives’ primary role with VR&E clients is to assist VR&E counselors and veteran–clients to develop career objectives and an effective employment plan. Other ES case management services to be documented include an assessment of vocational or training needs and economic considerations. Employment barriers with regard to the job search are to be described with the detail needed for carrying out successful job referrals or job development with potential employers.

Services, job referrals and contact with specific employers on behalf of clients are to be documented using the AJL case management screens. VR&E clients will have a services screen entry that identifies the client as “Job Ready” or “Not Job Ready”, as determined by VR&E. Under the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the US Department of Veterans Affairs, Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) Service, VR&E staff members and DVOPs will share training opportunities to apply the policies and procedures outlined in the VR&E/VETS Technical Assistance Guide (VR&E TAG). VR&E and the Employment Service (ES) will continue to jointly develop team training to improve coordination of services.

Integration with other VETS’ initiatives and Programs

Alabama will continue to conduct training sessions with LVERs, DVOPs and AJC managers on development of initiatives that will promote the hiring of returning and transitioning Alabama National Guard and Reservists and other veterans, such as participants in Transition Assistance Program (TAP) workshops. The priority group in this effort are returning Alabama National Guard and Reservists, particularly those on medical hold and awaiting medical discharge. Alabama has a partnership with the US Department of Veterans Affairs, Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Division, to ensure that eligible separating military personnel at Warrior Transition Units are afforded employment and training services. TAP is conducted by the VETS’ contractor at the US Army installations at Fort Rucker and Redstone Arsenal.

Integration into statewide AJC Training

LVERs and DVOPs funded under the JVSG will be participating in many outreach, training, and supportive service opportunities that will require continuous professional upgrade of their skills and knowledge of resources that may be available to assist veterans. For that purpose, Alabama will budget based on review of projected cost of the projected allocation to conduct an annual Alabama Veterans’ Training Conference. The training agenda will be developed in consultation with the Alabama DVET and may include professional training provided the National Veterans Training Institute (NVTI), in accordance with VPL No. 06–09, or an annual professional training conference to improve LVER–DVOP skills/knowledge and to foster effective working relationships with workforce development partners and agencies in the AJC network. Appropriate NVTI Off–Site course(s) of instruction and the development of an agenda for an annual Alabama Veterans’ Training Conference will be in consultation with the DVET to ensure all NVTI training and conference agenda will be in keeping with our mission. Requests for NVTI Off–Site training will be submitted per VPL No. 06–09, or the latest guidance.

Special Efforts to Homeless Veterans

DVOP staff members in the AJC at the Alabama Career Center in Mobile have developed a partnership with the 15 Place Homeless Shelters in downtown Mobile, Alabama. Many agencies and volunteer groups have expanded the membership in this coalition, which is planning several Veterans’ Stand Down events across the state this year. DVOPs will provide Homeless Veterans with job development services, and other intensive services under the case management approach to identify basic needs regarding safety, health, and shelter. Follow–up case management services in this effort will include referral to employment and WIA training providers to identify individual training needs.

Other Homeless Veterans efforts are planned in the Birmingham area. DVOP staff members are organizers and active participants in the annual Metro Birmingham Alabama Homeless Veterans Stand Down, sponsored by the Birmingham VA and Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Chapter No. 4. Planning is coordinated each year with the VA Medical Center’s Stand Down event designed to “provide refuge from the streets.” Our agency is joining with the Veterans Affairs Medical Center staff, other federal agencies, military and veteran organizations, as well as community support, to provide homeless veterans and their families with basic healthcare services; assistance programs, mental health and spiritual counseling; clothing and sustenance within an encouraging and respectful environment. DVOPs in Birmingham are assigned to assist Homeless Veterans to acquire job training and work, under an agreement with the Alethia House, which recently was awarded a grant by VETS under Homeless Veterans Reintegration Act.

In North Alabama, the Alabama Career Centers in the American Job Center network are partners in planning an annual Homeless Veterans’ Stand Down in Huntsville, Alabama. This effort involves a large number of community and faith–based organizations, and is conducted simultaneously with a Veterans’ Day Job Fair. The AJC in Huntsville is a primary organizer for recruiting community action groups, churches, and volunteers to host networking opportunities and Job Search workshops conducted by DVOPs for Homeless and Dislocated Veterans. Information will be provided to homeless veterans on how to find employment opportunities in the locality and how to relate their skills and experience into new work in other industries and occupations.

The Dothan Career Center in the American Job Center network is a partner in planning an annual event with a community–based coalition, headed by representatives of the faith–based House of Benjamin Center, to provide a large scale Homeless Veterans’ Stand Down. With assistance from the Central Alabama Veterans’ Healthcare System, Homeless veterans will be provided health screening, medical and dental services, counseling opportunities and access to job search services. Food, personal services, and clothing donations are already pledged by several community agencies and local businesses.

In East Alabama, the Opelika Career Center in the American Job Center network, provides a staff member to serve on the planning committee for the annual Homeless Veterans and Veterans in Need (HV/VIN) Stand Down in Columbus, Georgia, and assigns a DVOP to provide services during the event. Integration with Programs and Initiatives to Promote Veterans’ Entrepreneurship

With regard to business and entrepreneurship opportunities for veterans, recent AJC training has resulted in new partnerships with organizations having resources to assist veterans open their own businesses and qualify for state tax breaks. A new American Express OPEN State of the Women–Owned Business Report ranks Alabama No. 8 in the nation in the growth of women–owned businesses over the past 17 years. Alabama is among the states leading the nation in deploying funds from the Small Business Credit Initiative offered by the U.S. Treasury. A study commissioned by USAA Insurance and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring Our Heroes program says Huntsville and Montgomery, Alabama, are two of the best medium–sized metro areas for job–seeking veterans of the Post 911 era. This is an important finding, given that since 9/11, the Alabama National Guard has called more than 21,000 personnel to active duty.

By Executive Order, the Governor of Alabama created the Alabama Executive Veterans Network (AlaVetNet), commissioned to study ways to improve services to those who have served our country in uniform, in the key areas of education, employment, health, homelessness, and legal assistance, and a new state law is designed to facilitate the ability of discharged military service members to receive licensure and academic credit for military education, training, and experience.

Integration into Efforts to Promote Development of Job–driven Employment and Training Opportunities for Veterans

The Alabama Career Centers in the statewide American Job Center network as a key member in the Alabama Veterans Executive Network (AlaVetNet) will assist in the implementation of the Long Range Plan with the Alabama Business Council, Small Business Administration and the Alabama Community College System to consolidate and streamline job–driven training for veterans and separating military service members based on the needs of business and industry and the recommendations from employers, veteran employee mentoring programs, and feedback from a series of Regional Employer Summits being planned for 2015.

The statewide American Job Center network as a partner with public and private agencies in the AlaVetNet will encourage bridge training with community colleges and will work with the Alabama National Guard to offer all veterans to participate Alabama National Guard’s Civilian Job Training program.