SHRM Texas State Council Veteran Employment Initiative Toolkit 2011
Veteran Employment Initiative Toolkit Content Areas 1. Veteran Employment Overview 2. Aligning Veteran Employment with Your Organization s HR Strategy 3. Aligning Veteran Employment with Your SHRM Chapter s Strategy 4. Texas State Council s Hire Texas Vets Initiative The Patriotic Promise 5. Veteran Employment Support Services Links and Contacts
2011 Texas State Council Workforce Readiness Director Dr. Barbara Lyon, SPHR Texas A&M University Central Texas
2010-2011 Texas State Council Workforce Readiness Initiative Dr. Barbara Lyon, SPHR Workforce Readiness Director Bob Cartwright, SPHR Collaborative Industry Alliances (CIA) Director
SHRM Core Leadership Areas & Veteran Employment Initiatives Workforce Readiness Diversity College Relations
Workforce Readiness Working Definition (SHRM, 2008) 1. Insure that our workforce has the skills, competencies and behaviors necessary to succeed in today s and tomorrow s workplace. 2. Insure that today s and tomorrow s workplace maximizes the potential of our workforce.
Workforce Readiness Target Groups Workforce entrants Incumbent workers Transitioning workers Mature workers
TSC Target Group 2010-2011 Workforce entrants > veterans Incumbent workers Transitioning workers > veterans Mature workers
OIF Veteran Employment Initiatives Recent Events Veteran Services Legislation Research Other OEF
Veteran Employment Legislation Uniform Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (AARA)
USERRA Uniform Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act The Department of Labor, Veterans' Employment and Training Service (VETS), enforces USERRA. USERRA clarifies and strengthens the Veterans' Reemployment Rights (VRR) Statute USERRA protects civilian job rights and benefits for veterans and members of Reserve components. USERRA improves enforcement mechanisms USERRA
USERRA Uniform Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act USERRA establishes the cumulative length of time that an individual may be absent from work for military duty and retain reemployment rights to five years The previous law provided four years of active duty, plus an additional year if it was for the convenience of the Government. Exceptions to the five-year limit Initial enlistments lasting more than five years Periodic National Guard and Reserve training duty Involuntary active duty extensions and recalls, especially during a time of national emergency. Reemployment protection does not depend on the timing, frequency, duration, or nature of an individual's service as long as the basic eligibility criteria are met.
USERRA Uniform Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act USERRA requires that service members provide advance written or oral notice to their employers for all military duty unless giving notice is impossible, unreasonable, or precluded by military necessity. The employee should provide notice as far in advance as is reasonable under the circumstances. Service members are permitted by law, but are not required, to use accrued vacation or annual leave while performing military duty.
USERRA Uniform Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act For military service of less than 31 days, health care coverage is provided as if the service member had remained employed. Individuals performing military duty of more than 30 days may elect to continue employer sponsored health care for up to 24 months (COBRA) They may be required to pay up to 102 percent of the full premium. USERRA clarifies pension plan coverage by making explicit that all pension plans are protected.
USERRA Uniform Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act USERRA provides that while an employee is performing military service, he or she is deemed to be on a furlough or leave of absence. Military members are entitled to the non-seniority rights accorded other individuals on non-military leaves of absence. USERRA provides that returning service-members are reemployed in the job that they would have attained had they not been absent for military service (the "escalator" principle). Same seniority, status and pay, an other rights and benefits determined by seniority. The law clearly provides for alternative reemployment positions if the service member cannot qualify for the "escalator" position. USERRA requires that reasonable efforts be made to enable returning service members to refresh or upgrade their skills to help them qualify for reemployment (e.g., training or retraining).
USERRA Uniform Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act The period an individual has to make application for reemployment or report back to work after military service is based on time spent on military duty. Less than 31 days -- The service member must return to work at the beginning of the next regularly scheduled work period on the first full day after release from service, including safe travel home and eight-hour rest period. Over 30 days, but less than 181 days -- The service member must submit an application for reemployment within 14 days of release from service. Over 180 days The service member must submit an application for reemployment within 90 days of release from service.
USERRA Uniform Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act USERRA provides protection for disabled veterans, requiring that employers give reasonable accommodation for the disability. Service members convalescing from injuries received during service or training may have up to two years from the date of completion of service to return to their jobs or apply for reemployment.
USERRA Uniform Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act The Department of Labor, through the Veterans' Employment and Training Service (VETS) provides assistance to all individuals having claims under USERRA If resolution is unsuccessful following an investigation, the service member may have his or her claim referred to the Department of Justice for consideration of representation in the appropriate District Court, at no cost to the claimant. Federal and Postal Service employees may have their claims referred to the Office of Special Counsel for consideration of representation before the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB). If violations under USERRA are shown to be willful, the court may award liquidated damages. Individuals who pursue their own claims in court or before the MSPB may be awarded reasonable attorney and expert witness fees if they prevail.
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (AARA), 2009 Economic Recovery Payment to Recipients of Social Security, SSI, Railroad Retirement and Veterans Disability Compensation Benefits. Incentives to Hire Unemployed Veterans and Disconnected Youth. Under current law, businesses are allowed to claim a work opportunity tax credit equal to 40 percent of the first $6,000 of wages paid to employees of one of nine targeted groups. The bill would create two new targeted groups of prospective employees: (1) unemployed veterans; and (2) disconnected youth. An individual would qualify as an unemployed veteran if they were discharged or released from active duty from the Armed Forces during the five-year period prior to hiring and received unemployment compensation for more than four weeks during the year before being hired. AARA
Veteran employment knowledge fits easily into your professional development plan (and HRCI recertification process, as well)!
Align with Employer s HR Strategy Develop Strategy Align with HR strategy. Communicate Commitment Provide coherent programs. Mentor Veteran Employees Develop managers and veteran employees. Improve Continuously Provide continuous improvement of programs.
Recommended Employer Activities ESGR Certificates Web and Social Networking Career Workshops Hire Our Vets Job Fairs Strategic Initiatives
ESGR Certificates Statement of Support Network with ESGR Organize Signing or Signing Event Conduct Signing Market Signing Event (optional)
ESGR Certificate Be sure to complete the addressed card, detach the card from the bottom of the page, and mail it back to ESGR. They will include your organization s name on the ESGR s Web list of supporters.
Web and Social Networking Enthusiastic Welcome Respectful Support Job Opportunities Workplace Skills Assessment Tools Education Opportunities
Career Workshops Language Translation Resume Development Interview Skills Workplace Skills Assessment Tools Education Opportunities
Hire a Vet Job Fairs Plan & Network Organize Conduct Assess
Strategic Initiatives Develop strategy Communicate commitment Mentor veteran employees Continuously improve
Academic Strategic Planning Process Mission, Vision, Values Evaluation External Scan Objectives Internal Scan Goals SWOT / TOWS
Strategic Business Management Interpret information from external sources Participate in organization s strategic planning process Demonstrate knowledge of management functions (plan, organize, lead/direct, control) Demonstrate organizational knowledge Demonstrate legislative and regulatory knowledge Promote creativity and innovation Demonstrate knowledge of transition techniques for program sustainability
Develop Strategy (Align with HR strategy) Veteran Employment Taskforce Veteran Cultural Awareness Demographics Assessment Goals/Benchmark Development Communicate Commitment (Provide coherent programs) Networking (Veteran Services, SHRM, Social Tech.) Respectful, Welcoming Environment Recruiting Initiatives Success Communication Align initiative with organization mission, vision, values Mentor Veteran Employees (Develop managers and veteran employees) Management Support Veteran Transition Assistance Warrior Employee Advancement Materials Development Improve Continuously (Provide for continuous improvement in programs and services to support mission accomplishment) On-going, integrated, organization-wide review /feedback process Quality enhancement Veteran Employment Initiative Model
Develop Strategy (Align with HR strategy.) Veteran Employment Taskforce Veteran Cultural Awareness Demographics Assessment Goals/Benchmark Development
Communicate Commitment (Provide coherent programs) Networking (Veteran Services, SHRM, Social Tech.) Respectful, Welcoming Environment Recruiting Initiatives Success Communication
Mentor Veteran Employees (Develop managers and veteran employees) Management Support Veteran Transition Assistance Warrior Employee Advancement Materials Development
Improve Continuously (Provide for continuous improvement in programs and services to support mission accomplishment) On-going, integrated, organization-wide review /feedback process Quality enhancement
Veteran employment initiatives can easily align with your organization s HR strategy!
Align with SHRM Chapter Activities ESGR Certificates (Statement of Support) Chapter Meeting Topic Career Workshops Hire a Vet Job Fairs
ESGR Certificate Be sure to ask organizations to complete the addressed card, detach the card from the bottom of the page, and mail it back to ESGR. They will include the organizations names on the ESGR Web list of supporters.
ESGR Certificates Network Chamber of Commerce Rotary Universities through sponsored SHRM student chapters Others
Chapter Meeting Topic Veteran Employment Speaker Veteran Employment Panel
Career Workshops Resume Development Interview Skills Workplace Skills Assessment Tools Education Opportunities
Hire Our Vet Job Fairs Planning Organizing Conducting Assessing
Veteran employment initiatives can easily align with your SHRM chapter strategy!
Texas State Council Initiatives Summit & Symposium Series The Patriotic Promise
Summit on Texas Veteran Employment Issues The Patriotic Promise Round Rock, TX - September 10, 2010
Symposium on Texas Veteran Employment Issues The Patriotic Promise Grapevine, TX - January 21, 2011 San Marcos, TX - May 20, 2011 Houston, TX - September 28, 2011 El Paso, TX November 10, 2011
Partnerships and Sponsors 2010-2011 Employers Support of the Guard and Reserves (ESGR) National Guard Bureau Texas ESGR Texas Workforce Commission Texas Veterans Commission Tex Vet Initiative U.S. Veteran Chamber of Commerce U.S. Department of Labor
Partnerships and Sponsors (con t) Texas A&M University Central Texas Jobing.com Bring Everyone in the Zone Austin Human Resource Management Association St. Edward s University
The Patriotic Promise Program Committee SHRM Texas State Council Workforce Development SHRM Texas State Council CIA Employer Support of the Guard and Reserves (ESGR) Tex Vet Initiative, Texas A&M Health Science Center SHRM Texas State Council Director SHRM Texas State Council Marketing Committee SHRM Texas local chapter leaders (symposium cities)
The Patriotic Promise Summit Program U.S. Employers Support of the Guard and Reserves (ESGR) U.S. National Guard Bureau, Manpower and Personnel (J1) U.S. House of Representatives, 31 st Congressional District Texas A&M University System, Chancellor Texas Office of the Governor (video) Texas Workforce Commission, Veteran Leadership Program Texas Workforce Commission, Labor Markets & Career Info. Texas Veterans Commission, Veteran Employment Services Tex Vet Initiative, Texas A&M Health Science Center
The Patriotic Promise Summit Panel Texas Military Forces, The Adjutant General of Texas BNSF Railways Center Point Energy City of Austin Fort Hood, Soldier Transition Center
The Patriotic Promise Summit Sponsors and Supporting Organizations SHRM Texas State Council Employer Support of the Guard and Reserves (ESGR) TexVet Initiative, Texas A&M Health Sciences Center Office of the Governor, State of Texas Texas A&M University Central Texas Jobing.com video (http://austin.jobing.com/video_details.asp?segment=34996&i=127386)
The Patriotic Promise Symposium Program Highlights Texas Workforce Commission, Labor Markets & Career Info. Society for Human Resource Management U.S. Veterans Chamber of Commerce Texas ESGR BNSF Railways Profiles International City of Austin
The Patriotic Promise Symposium Program Highlights (con t) Ultra Electronics Texas Veterans Commission, Texas Veterans Leadership Program Military Warriors Support Foundation Fort Hood Transition Center, U.S. Army Veteran Employment and Training Services, U.S. DOL BNSF Railways, Transportation Talent Development Raytheon Company Missile Systems Talent Acquisition
Veteran employment initiatives can easily align with your SHRM state council strategy!
Veteran Support Service Links Texas Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Texas Veteran s Commission Texas Workforce Commission Veteran s Leadership Program U.S. Department of Veteran s Affairs TexVet Initiative, Texas A&M Health Sciences Center
Veteran Support Service Links (con t) Feds Hire Vets, U.S. Office of Personnel Management Hire Heroes USA, U.S. DOL Department of Defense Community Relations Bring Everyone in the Zone Wounded Warrior Project, Warrior to Work VA Center for Minority Veterans
Texas Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) John Steele, Executive Director Texas ESGR P.O. Box 5218 Austin, TX 78763 512-782-5829 john.h.steele2@us.army.mil
Texas Military Forces Transition Assistance Advisor Texas Military Forces 2200 West 35th Street, Bldg 10C, Room 111 Austin, TX 78703 512-782-1201; 512-633-1850 www.agd.tx.state.us
Texas Military Forces Job Connection Education Program Texas JCEP 5104 Sandage Ave Fort Worth, TX 76115 817-689-1329 www.jcep.info
Texas Military Forces Yellow Ribbon Job Fairs Texas Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program 2200 West 35th Street, Bldg 10C, Room 111 Austin, TX 78703 512-782-1456 lynne.day@us.army.mil
Texas Veteran Leadership Program (TVLP) TexVet Initiative Manager Texas Workforce Commission 101 East 15th Street, Room 202-T Austin, TX 78778-1442
TexVet Initiative Partners Across Texas TexVet Initiative Manager 3950 North A. W. Grimes, 4 th Floor Round Rock, TX 78665 512-341-4923; 254-247-9203 tstroud@medicine.tamhsc.edu
Work Opportunity Tax Credit in Texas Norma Martinez Texas Workforce Commission 101 East 15th Street, Room 202-T Austin, TX 78778-1442 512-305-9602; 800-695-6879(WOTC info) Fax 463-8819 norma.martinez@twc.state.tx.us
Suggestions? Be sure to let us know.
Dr. Barbara Lyon, SPHR Workforce Readiness Director Texas State Council Web: www.texasshrm.org 2009 Texas State Council Certification Director 2008 Texas State Council Certification Director 2007 Texas State Council College Relations Director 2006 Texas State Council College Relations Director 2005 Texas State Council College Relations Director 2004 SHRM Region III HR Games Director 2004 Texas State Council College Relations Director 2003 Central Texas HRMA Chapter President 2003 SHRM Area IV College Relations Director 2002 HR Southwest Educator of the Year ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 2004-2009 Texas State Council HR Games Director 2003-2005 SHRM National College Relations Committee Professor ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Human Resource Management Texas A&M University Central Texas 1901 S. Clear Creek Road Killeen, TX 76549 E-mail: bjlyon@ct.tamus.edu Web:: www.tarleton.edu/~blyon