Guide to Organizations Helping Nebraska Employers Hire Veterans, Reservists and National Guard Members

Transcription

1 Guide to Organizations Helping Nebraska Employers Hire Veterans, Reservists and National Guard Members The Nebraska Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) conducted a Boss Lift in 2016 with the support of the Nebraska Air National Guard. Employers supporting the Guard received a warm welcome to the program. April 10, 2018 Download the most current free edition here: Copyright 2018 Center for America

2 Table of Contents Foreword Maj. Gen. Daryl Bohac 3 Center for America Free Resources to Download 17 Introduction Brig. Gen. (ret) Marianne Watson 4 American Jobs for America s Heroes (AJAH) 18 Veterans, National Guard and Reservists 5 Corporate America Supports You (CASY) 20 American Job Centers 6 College Student Veteran Organizations 21 DOL Worker Training Grants 7 Douglas County Veterans Treatment Court 22 DOL Labor Exchange Services 8 Additional Free Candidate Referral Sources 23 U.S. Department of Labor Apprenticeship Registration 9 Engagement with Veteran Referral Teams and Sources 24 GI Bill Educational Benefits 10 Create Effective Job Postings 25 Nebraska National Guard 11 Free Job Posting Distribution 26 Joining Community Forces Veterans, Reserve, Guard 12 Interpreting Military Skills and Experience, Part I 27 Transition Assistance Programs 13 Sample Skills Requirements Matrix (Partial) 28 U.S. Air Force Career Skills Program 14 Interpreting Military Skills and Experience, Part II 29 Offut AFB and HRAM Career Fairs 15 Avoiding Screening and Interview Mistakes 30 Lincoln Community Fdn. Military & Veteran Career Fair 16 Contact Us for Individual and Confidential Help 31

3 Foreword Nebraska s veterans and service members are among the most valuable employees that companies in our state can recruit. I know from firsthand experience in working with thousands of our soldiers, airmen, sailors and marines how their leadership training, discipline and personal commitment to achieving results contributes to achieving success. This is why I m pleased to recognize the agencies, military transition teams and nonprofits profiled in this Guide, which are helping employers match veterans and National Guard members and Reservists to opportunities with their organizations. Thank you to Center for America for preparing and distributing this Guide so employers can easily draw upon these free services to find candidates with military training and experience. There are veterans and service members in Nebraska who are looking for good jobs that take advantage of the advanced training and expertise they have gained in deployments for our country around the world, often in very demanding environments. In today s competitive marketplace, I enthusiastically encourage employers to reach out for help from the organizations in this Guide to find and attract veterans and service members whose years of experience and continuous learning has prepared them to master challenges in the civilian workforce. Major General Daryl Bohac Nebraska s Adjutant General Biography

4 Introduction This free Guide will help you, as an employer, connect more quickly with organizations in Nebraska that may be able to help you hire veterans, National Guard members and Reservists for your jobs openings. Please share free copies with other employers and associations! If you know of additional organizations we should add, send me an and we will follow-up quickly. If you are looking for good ideas to improve your military recruiting, please download our free Best Practices Guide for Employers. You ll see step-by-step guides to the techniques we compiled through interviews with hundreds of successful military recruiters and veterans across the U.S. Visit the homepage for the download links. We re grateful to all the people and organizations that have collaborated in preparing this Guide. Our thanks to the Nebraska National Guard for permission to use their citizen-soldier photos showing the occupational diversity of Guard members. Please give us your feedback about this directory and about your experiences as an employer looking for veterans or as a service member looking for the right job. All of us, including all the organizations in this directory, are very eager to help both employers and veterans connect more easily and faster! Marianne Watson Brig. Gen. (ret) Marianne Watson Director of Military and Private Sector Outreach MWatson@CenterForAmerica.org

5 Veterans, National Guard and Reservists: There are currently 1 million veterans looking for full-time jobs and careers with another 200,000 leaving the military every year. A recent article stated 1.8 million veterans are working on minimum wage indicating transitioning service members are being hired below their skill level in entry level jobs. In Nebraska, the veteran population is about 130,000 across the state many of whom are looking for a career job.

6 American Job Centers Develop a relationship and post your job openings with your local American Job Center. Every transitioning service member is advised to register with their local AJC to receive priority services in finding employment. The State Labor Department registry is a great way for employers to find and hire qualified veterans, National Guard members and reservists. Employers can access Nebraska s online labor exchange and receive services free of charge at where you can post jobs and search through online resumes.

7 DOL Worker Training Grants Steve Porr, or dol.nebraska.gov/employmentandtraining/training/workertrainingprogram Supports retraining, upgrading of existing workers being trained for high-quality, long-term jobs Provides $400,000 in grants each quarter Receives applications per quarter Associations can request funding on behalf of members (Recommend a letter of commitment from each employer indicating they will pay for no-shows.) Grants pay tuition and fees to certified, accredited, licensed Nebraska training providers Program funding adds to, not replace, training dollars equal to average of what employer spent over last two years Employer/Association can select the trainer or the training program needed Example: Generalist employee wants to become Heavy Equipment Operator or funding covers Community College tuition and fees. Another example might be a Heavy Equipment Operator is being promoted into a management position and requires supervisory training.

8 Nebraska One-stop Delivery System Contacts DOL Labor Exchange Services Greater Lincoln Workforce Development Area (Lancaster and Saunders Counties), Michelle Olson, Project Director, American Job Center, 1111 O St., Suite 205 Lincoln, 68508, or Michelle.Olson@rescare.com Greater Omaha Workforce Development Area (Douglas, Sarpy, and Washington Counties), Andrew Huls, One-stop Operator, American Job Center, 5752 Ames Ave. Omaha, 68104, or andrewhuls@hws-ne.org Greater Nebraska Workforce Development Area (remaining 88 counties), Karen Stohs, Regional Manager, American Job Center, 5109 West Scott Road Suite 413 Beatrice, Karen.stohs@nebraska.gov dol.nebraska.gov Randy Kissinger, Regional Manager, American Job Center, 203 East Stolley Park Rd., Suite A, Grand Island, or Randy.kissinger@nebraska.gov dol.nebraska.gov NEworks: Nebraska s free online labor exchange: manage job postings, search online resumes research the labor market, etc Nebraska Department of Labor Regional Offices Workforce Region Office First Name Last Name Address Phone Panhandle Scottsbluff Pat Comfort 505A Broadway, Suite Pat.comfort@ Nebraska.gov Mid-Plains North Platte Kelsey Miller 306 E 6 th St, Suite Kelsey.miller@ Nebraska.gov Northeast Columbus Bernie Hansen rd St, Suite Benadette.Hansen@ Nebraska.gov Northeast Norfolk Becky Maggart 105 Norfolk Ave, Suite Becky.maggart@ Nebraska.gov

9 U.S. Department of Labor Apprenticeship Registration Debra Cremeens-Risinger, Nebraska State Director US DOL Office of Apprenticeship Central Park Plaza, South Tower, 222 South 15 th Street, Suite 504C Omaha, NE Apprentices are full-time employees; Employers must be involved Structured outline of skills to be learned through program Minimum of 144 hours of education required which may be completed at community college, online, correspondence, with vendors or a mix of all A progressive increasing wage is required Graduates receive completion certificate from US DOL Office of Apprenticeship, recognized throughout USA and Canada In 2017, apprenticeship programs in Nebraska grew by 17%. There are currently 105 apprenticeship programs with approximately 8,000 participants. Apprenticeship programs are the bridge for many young adults including transitioning veterans, National Guard members and Reservists to start a career. Many service members may need an income immediately after leaving the service particularly if they support a family whereby being a full-time college student is not an option.

10 GI Bill Educational Benefits Brad Dirksen, Program Director, Department of Education or U.S. Veterans Administration may pay benefits to a veteran for approved training programs May include employers approved formal training program State Approving Authority approves apprenticeships and On-the-Job Training (OJT) programs for GI Bill Benefits OJT Programs include between 6 and 24 months of workplace training Veterans sign training contract with employers for specific period and receive certification or journeyman status at the end Veterans and service members can participate in approved apprenticeship and OJT programs and receive GI Bill benefits simultaneously. GI Bill benefits are provided to offset their income while in training. These benefits vary greatly depending on each individuals eligibility. The State Program Director can provide guidance in establishing apprenticeship and OJT programs and explain GI Bill education benefits.

11 Nebraska Army National Guard 3,500 Active Members Nebraska Air National Guard with about 1,000 members are located at Offutt Air Force Base and Lincoln. Marine Corps Engineer Equipment Maintenance Company in Omaha There are several Army Reserve Units as well. Veterans, National Guard members and Reservists are located in every zip code across the state of Nebraska. National Guard members and Reservists participate with their military unit part-time and are in need of full time employment. Reach out to your local National Guard and Reserve units and ask if they have members who are unemployed or under-employed looking for career jobs. These highly trained men and women are team oriented, safety conscious, have experience working in diverse teams and are drug free. Establishing a relationship with your local unit is a win-win for the service member and employer.

12 Joining Community Forces Veterans, Reserve, National Guard Mr. Holmes is the Employment Program Support Specialist for the Nebraska National Guard New Army National Guard Citizen Soldier for Life Program assists new enlistees with finding employment opportunities. Contact Colleen and Trisha for assistance in matching qualified service members for your job postings. Colleen Guerra Trisha Grant Lincoln, NE Kearney, NE Employer Support of the Guard & Reserve (ESGR) Mr. Bill Nelson Assist employers and service members with employment issues under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA), conducts BOSS Lifts providing employers an inside look at local military training and facilities, and other employer programs.

13 Transition Assistance Programs Contact: Mike Dunn, Offutt AFB Transition Assistance Program Office or ~900 active duty airmen transition each year 5 day Transition Assistance Program: financial readiness, budgeting, VA benefits, & 3 day Dept of Labor training Followed by attending one of 3 two-day training tracks including the Career Technical Training Track about careers in the trade industries Connect with Offutt Air Force Base TAP Office about career job opportunities in your industry Employer HR personnel may participate in TAP panel discussion about resumes and interview skills Showcase your job postings with transitioning service members

14 U.S. Air Force Career Skills Program Bill Good, or Apprenticeships On-the-Job Training (OJT) Job Shadowing Employment Skills Training Skills Training Internships for Officers and Enlisted Transitioning to Civilian Employment Transitioning active duty service members are allowed to participate in career skills program training up to 180 days prior to transitioning. The Offutt Air Force Base Career Skills Program allows officers and enlisted personnel to participate in employer internship programs. Programs offered at Offutt AFB may be expanded to include those listed above. Contact Mr. Good about opportunities for transitioning service members to participate in your program offerings.

15 Offutt AFB and HRAM Career Fairs Partnership: Offutt Airman & Family Readiness Center and the Human Resource Association of the Midlands (HRAM) Open to all Active Duty, DoD Civilians, Retirees, Reserve, Family Members and the Public 2018 Date: September 27 Bellevue Lied Activity Center, Hwy 370 & Fort Crook Road Job Seekers focus is on transitioning service members Career Fair Questions: Registration Questions: or Offutt AFB TAP Office and the Human Resource Association of the Midlands (HRAM) has been partnering offering employers an opportunity to connect with veterans, National Guard, Reservists and many other job seekers to fill their job vacancies. Historically, about 170 employers have participated in each of these events. This is a great opportunity to connect with veterans and show case your job postings.

16 Lincoln Community Foundation Military & Veteran Career Fair September 2018 Job Fair is a good opportunity for employers Veterans Affairs Auditorium North Entrance, 600 S. 70 th Street, Lincoln, NE Registration: Contact: Rob McMaster, or H2HNebraska@gmail.com Veterans, National Guard, Reserve Members, Transitioning Service Members, and Military Spouses and Dependents are welcome The Lincoln Community Foundation Military and Veteran Career Fair is another great opportunity to connect with military candidates. Last September, the Foundation elected to bring the Career Fair to the auditorium space of the Lincoln VA facility. This location is well-known by the military and veteran population and is on a city transit bus route. Employers are encouraged to register and participate in the September 2018 Career Fair. This is a small venue but the response from employers and job seekers has been very positive. This is a FREE event for employers as there is no registration fee.

17 CFA Free Resources to Download Download page: Center for America s primary goal is to educate small businesses on How to network and connect with Veterans and service members Understanding military training and experience How to create job postings tailored to veterans attracting more candidates How to interpret military candidate skills and experience accurately focusing beyond the MOS How GI Bill Education Benefits can be used for apprenticeship and on the job training programs CFA offers Free education material specifically for employers on our website.

18 American Jobs for America s Heroes Over 2,300 employers have signed up for the American Jobs for America s Heroes Campaign! These employers are committed to posting jobs visible by military employment counselors who help match qualified military candidates with your job postings. There is NO COST to the employer to participate in the campaign. Participating in the campaign is another win-win for employers looking to hire veterans and National Guard members.

19 American Jobs for America s Heroes Free registration: Registering for the AJAH Campaign only takes about 5 minutes. We are not asking you to provide any confidential information. Within hours you will be contacted by our partner non-profit Corporate America Supports You (CASY) on establishing your job posting account. Both CFA and CASY are available to advise and assist your Human Resource Personnel with your veteran hiring program.

20 Corporate America Supports You 8,375 verified hires in 2017! 8,375 Verified Hires in 2017 Partnership with National Guard Employment Network and other military services AJAH postings are visible by military job seekers All CASY services are free to employers!!

21 College Student Veteran Organizations University of Nebraska Omaha, Daniel Ortiz, or Actively participating 200+, School has 1,200-1,300 veterans, ~1,700 military affiliated students veterans, spouses & dependents Metro Community College, Military/Veterans Services Office GI Bill Benefits Office, or Metropolitan Community College Job Hotline, Chapter Advisor Gary Sparks, or or Central Community College, Matt McCann, or or Heavy Equipment Operator Training Program Bellevue University, JR Richardson, USAF (Ret), Associate Director, Premier Partnerships, , 1000 Galvin Road South, Bellevue. The largest military and veterans service center located on any college campus. Another opportunity to connect with veterans and service members is to reach out to your local college or university Student Veterans Program Offices. Employers can engage these organizations about career opportunities in their industry. These offices may have events and other opportunities for employers to participate and showcase your business. Additionally, employers will have access to a veterans network offering a fantastic referral service.

22 Douglas County Veterans Treatment Court Scott Carlson, DOL Veteran Workforce Coordinator: Riley Wilson, Program established in December 2016 Veterans found guilty of a felony, NOT sentenced Support Network: mentor, attorney, counseling, etc. Program is months in length work, treatment, extensive drug testing, individual case plans and probation Graduates have guilty plea withdrawn and felony record is expunged The mission of the Douglas County Veterans Treatment Court is to honor the service of justice-involved veterans by providing a rehabilitative program that combines intensive judicial supervision and treatment services to address veterans service-related experiences, and enhances public safety by returning law-abiding and productive citizens to the community. There are 22 veterans currently participating and expected to complete the first program offering in May Many of them, years old, are looking for career employment opportunities and a second chance.

23 Additional Free Candidate Referral Sources Team Red, White & Blue Team Rubicon Mission Continues Iraq & Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) Student Veterans of America Human Resource Association of the Midlands (HRAM) Marine for Life Soldier for Life Employer Support for Guard & Reserve (ESGR) Team Red, White & Blue Ms. Robbin Alex members Partnerships with many other veteran organizations Employers can participate in Team RWB events September 11 th Old Glory Relay 70 teams will carry the American Flag across the nation from Boston to San Diego finishing on Veterans Day. Employers can support the relay in Omaha!

24 Engaging with Veteran Referral Teams and Sources Create relationships - treat them like valued partners Calibrate your expectations to what their role is Provide clear and compelling materials to pass along Explain industry and career opportunities, not just today s jobs Follow-up regularly with helpful feedback on results Meet them in person if possible Create an Industry Brochure to educate network partners about employment opportunities in their local communities Follow up regularly - make adjustments to programs based on their valuable feedback Try new programs, see how you can partner and collaborate!

25 Create Effective Job Postings Describe future growth of your industry and company Describe career opportunities and benefits Focus on required skills, not on required credentials Describe ways your company is military friendly Review postings with employees who are veterans Provide posting directly to military transition counselors If posting doesn t attract candidates, revise it! You may gain better results when posting jobs by targeting your posting broadly so that it covers jobs in the whole category - such as Heavy Equipment Operator ranging from entry, intermediate and advanced levels. Targeting on the broader series is likely to attract candidates whose specific level of skills can be sorted out more precisely from resumes, phone discussions or interviews. In response to resumes or applications that suggest a possible fit, you may want to consider proving the applicant with a copy of the Job Skills Matrix with a request that the applicant indicate on the Matrix the skills he or she has, so that you can make a good decision based on your further review.

26 Free Job Posting Distribution Your state s American Job Center at State Dept of Labor National Guard employment transition team TAP Program offices in your states American Jobs for America s Heroes Nonprofit veteran support groups in your area Employer Networking is Key to connecting with and hiring Veterans, National Guard and Reservists! Reach out and partner with American Job Center National Guard & Reserve Employment Counselors Offutt Air Force Base Transition Assistance Program Office Joining American Jobs for America s Heroes Campaign Corporate America Supports You (CASY) Career Fairs Win-Win Relationships!!

27 Interpreting Military Skills and Experience, Part I Focus mostly on learning whether the candidate s total skills and experience meet job requirements and at what level -- in lieu of undue focus on the candidate s Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) training. The MOS is only the initial weeks of training before gaining years of training with expert teams actually doing the real-world work. Create a Skills Requirements Matrix to create clarity for you and for candidates about the skills your company need (example next page).

28 Functional Areas Contribute to team success Operate equipment safely Equipment inspections Utilize computer / scanner tools Equipment maintenance Sample Skill Requirements Matrix (partial) Entry Level Equipment Operator Desired Skills for Entry-level position Meet deadlines for routine tasks Ability to operate equipment safely to pull in and out of shop Ability to safely position equipment in correct service positions Complete inspections according to PM sheets / maintenance manual Identify pumps, motors and other machine components Identify correct oil weights and levels in all compartments of equipment Change filters and check screens Reseal leaking hoses and fittings Intermediate Level Equipment Operator Skill Requirements plus all listed skills for entry level position Complete code readings Repair basic DC voltage lighting systems using test light or multi meter Use hydraulic pressure gauges Use oxy/acetylene torch and SMAW for light welding Advanced Level Equipment Operator Skill Requirements plus all listed skills for entry level and intermediate positions Look up part numbers for hoses, o-rings, seals, gaskets in manuals Use laptop or scanner for code readings and test procedures Diagnose equipment using schematic, multimeter, electric diagnostic tools Repair DC lighting and basic sensor errors Complete light welding / fabrication using SMA Welding with oxy / acetylene torch Use Job Skill Matrix during the interview Job seeker circles each qualified skill Facilitates discussion about their experience & performance What they know versus acquired credentials & certifications Ask performance type questions Can you give me an example when

29 Interpreting Military Skills and Experience, Part II Learn specifically what was included in initial military occupational training Focus on specifics of OJT training and mentoring after initial MOS training Focus on nature and scope of candidates role and responsibilities Identify examples of how candidates achieved demanding goals Again, ask performance based questions about their roles and responsibilities to include soft skills and any other additional duties they may have been assigned. The discussion will lead to understanding how they are able to adapt to changing and demanding work environments.

30 Avoiding Screening and Interview Mistakes Don t prioritize civilian credentials over OJT experience Don t prioritize age over scope of experience Do focus on indications of readiness to gain more skills Don t discount what you don t understand ask helpers Don t expect civilian references Don t expect polished resume or interview style Don t keep candidates waiting for your feedback Many young adults are responsible for millions of dollars worth of equipment and the safety and welfare of personnel. Reach out for advice from people within your organization with military experience or a network partner for advice. During the interview put veterans at-ease they usually will not offer more information than what is asked for. Finally, employers have lost opportunities to hire qualified candidates because of antiquated and lengthy hiring processes.

31 Contact Us for Individual and Confidential Help: Marianne Watson, Steve Nowlan, Register to post jobs at no cost: