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1.9. Using the Resources That Exist to Help You
The only person responsible for finding you a job is you. That said, there are a number of resources available to help you in your search. Some offered by federal and state government, and others by community and faith-based organizations. Here are some suggestions:
- Apply for VA employment services. The Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) (Formerly known as Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment) program is authorized by Congress under Title 38, Code of Federal Regulations, Chapter 31 (sometimes referred to as the Chapter 31 program). VR&E assists veterans with service-connected disabilities to prepare for, find, and keep suitable jobs. For veterans with service-connected disabilities so severe that they cannot immediately consider work, VR&E offers services to improve their ability to live as independently as possible. https://www.va.gov/careers-employment/vocational-rehabilitation/
- Search on your state's Department of Labor and/or Veterans Affairs website for additional benefits and resources available to you.
- Talk to people at your place of worship many faith-based organizations are finding ways to give back to veterans of all eras by providing employment assistance.
- Check out the National Resource Directory to find additional federal, state, and local employment resources.
- Review Google for Veterans, which was created with the understanding of the challenges of serving, coming home, and transitioning to civilian life. Free Google products and tools are available.
- Visit CareerOneStop, which offers several resources and services available to veterans and servicemembers with service-connected disabilities.
Part of your mission is to find out what is out there that can be of help to you. Keep a notebook with the names of people you meet or programs that seem interesting. The number of potential resources available may be overwhelming. But if you do your homework and ask questions along the way, you will be sure to find the answers you need to create the path to employment that is right for you.