Located in:
- Jobs for Veterans’ State Grants
(OMB Control Number: 1225-0086)
The Jobs for Veterans’ State Grants (JVSG) are mandatory, formula-based staffing grants to States (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 quarterly on a Program Year basis (as with the ETA-9002 Series). Currently, VETS JVSG operates on a 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:
a. How the State intends to provide employment, training and job placement services to veterans and eligible persons under the JVSG;
Current Narrative:
(a) How the State intends to provide employment, training and job placement services to veterans and eligible persons under the JVSG;
To meet the training and employment needs of Veterans, MD Labor reports to two USDOL agencies — the Veterans Employment and Training Service (VETS) and the Employment and Training Administration (ETA). In collaboration with VETS, MD Labor administers the JVSG Program, which allows for Veterans with significant barriers to employment (SBE) to receive tailored employment and training services. MD Labor also administers important ETA programs, such as WIOA Title I Adult, Dislocated Worker, and Youth Programs, and Wagner-Peyser Act Employment Services. These programs are universally accessible to all eligible job seekers.
Pursuant to Title 38 of the United State Code and rules and regulations issued by USDOL covered persons as defined in applicable law, receive Priority of Service for all programs or services for workforce preparation, development, or delivery that is directly funded, in whole or in part, by USDOL. Both VETS- and ETA-administered programs are offered through the AJC system. Maryland’s AJCs facilitate connections between employers and work-ready Veterans and provide Veterans with comprehensive employment and training services.
Partner agencies interested in leveraging the AJC system to connect Veterans with employment services are encouraged to contact their nearest AJC. Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP) specialists provide intensive services and facilitate placements to meet the employment needs of Veterans. Pursuant to 38 U.S.C. 4103A, “eligible veterans” receive priority in the provision of intensive services in accordance with priorities determined by the USDOL Secretary. In any event, maximum emphasis must be placed on meeting the employment needs of Veterans who are economically or educationally disadvantaged, including homeless Veterans and those with barriers to employment.
Local Veterans' Employment Representatives (LVERs) conduct outreach to local employers to assist Veterans in gaining employment. Outreach activities conducted by LVERs include: conducting seminars for employers, job search workshops, and facilitating access to occupational training and placement services.
The DVOPS and LVER roles have defined, differentiated duties designed to function in a complementary fashion. DVOP’s provide Individualized Career Services to eligible veterans and eligible spouses in accordance with VPL 03-14, VPL 03-04 Change 1 & 2 and VPL 03-19, whereas the LVER provide outreach service to business for all veterans regardless of DVOP eligibility.
DVOP staff assist eligible veterans and other eligible persons with:
- Finding a job,
- Enrolling in training or applying for educational assistance (credential attainment);
- Connecting to resources/information related to meeting immediate needs such as housing/food/mental health services.
DVOP’s outreach is targeted to enroll SBE and priority category veterans into MWE. In addition to a wide range of civilian resources, MWE serves as an access point for the Mil2FedJobs portal, which is a virtual resource designed to help transitioning military personnel find jobs for which their service experience and training make them qualified and attractive candidates. The portal uses military occupations to identify matches in public sector industries.
The following efforts have been taken to ensure the strategic development of the JVSG program:
- Local Area directors are charged with staying current on Veteran Priority of Service requirements, and discussing integration strategies with the Veterans Program Manager and the MD Labor OWD Director.
- Local Areas have been encouraged to include Veterans’ staff in AJC workgroups and organizational teams. LVERs, whose responsibilities include working with employers on behalf of Veterans, receive integrated Business Services training, and are an integral part of each Local Area’s Business Services Team.
- Maryland continues to explore employment and training opportunities previously underutilized by veterans, including apprenticeships and on-the-job training.