Once a veteran has been accepted into the Veteran Readiness and Employment Program (VR&E), they'll meet with a counselor and determine the appropriate employment track. Then, the VR&E counselor will work with the veteran and employer using all the available tools.

LaTasha Duplessis, a vocational rehab counselor for VR&E with 18 years of experience, explains the five employment track options. "The five tracks to employment are re-employment, rapid access to employment, self-employment, employment to long-time services and independent living services."

Re-Employment

The re-employment track is for veterans who had a job before being called up to active duty and need assistance returning to their previous employer. VR&E ensures all the applicable laws are followed and works with veterans and their employers to ensure a smooth transition.

Rapid Access to Employment

This track is perfect for veterans very close to being job ready. "Job Ready" means they have the skills necessary to be competitive, but the limitations due to their disability are making it difficult to secure employment. VR&E helps by identifying the limitations and developing a plan to assist the veteran in securing employment. After the veteran is working, VR&E stays in touch with them and monitors the first 60 days to make sure it's still a good fit.

Self Employment

The self-employment track has two options, the first is for those with a severe disability, and the only way for them to work is to be self-employed. The second is for veterans who can find traditional employment but have discussed with their counselor that self-employment is the best way to get back into the workforce.

Both tracks come with additional resources like the Small Business Administration, which can help develop the business plan. Then veterans can take the plan to the bank for funding as the VR&E program does not provide cash grants or purchase buildings, vehicles or livestock. VR&E will continue to monitor the business for one year to ensure its success.

Employment Through Long-Term Services

The most popular of these tracks is Employment Through Long-Term Services, it's for veterans who are missing some skills necessary for employment, or their disability prevents them from using those skills to secure employment. The VR&E counselor then works with the veteran to identify an appropriate vocational goal matching their interests, aptitude and physical and mental capabilities.

VR&E will offset 100% of the cost associated with training for that vocation. They also pay for required supplies and books and provide counseling and monitoring through the track.

Watch the full VR&E presentation here.

Duplessis presented an example of a veteran who would be a good fit for this popular track. Before joining the military, this person was a cook and chose a military occupation in food services. The natural place for this veteran to look for post-military employment is in the food service industry. However, this veteran has service-related injuries that limit standing, sitting, lifting heavy things and sensitivity to loud, sudden noises. This track can help the veteran identify a new career that isn't limited by their injuries or disabilities, provide the training and work with the veteran for up to 18 months to secure employment.

While in training, veterans are entitled to a stipend or subsistence allowance, depending on their ability to use their Post-9/11 GI Bill®️.

Independent Living

Some veterans have severe disabilities, making it impossible to find or maintain employment. The Independent Living track is designed for them and strives to assist the veteran with finding their independence and reducing their reliance on caregivers and family members. VR&E comes to the veteran's house, evaluates the situation, and determines the needed services. These may include minor home modifications or assistive devices. VR&E works with the Veterans Healthcare Administration. The improvements are not made through VR&E, but they help with coordination.

As the veteran becomes more independent, the VR&E counselor will reevaluate the case and may decide the veteran is ready and capable of securing employment. At this point, the veteran would continue with one of the other tracks.

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