Veterans' Employment Services Newsletter
IN THIS ISSUE:
Welcome to the Veterans’ Employment Services (VES) Newsletter. Our mission is to assist you and your family secure meaningful careers in Michigan.
The concept of veterans helping veterans is a trademark of the VES team and one of the keys to its success. Veterans face many challenges when transitioning out of the military – finding meaningful employment should not be one of them.
- Veterans in need of employment assistance should contact the nearest Michigan Works! One-Stop Service Center by calling 800-285-WORKS (9675) or visiting MichiganWorks.org.
- More information about Veterans’ Employment Services is available at Michigan.gov/VES.
- Register today and start your job search at Pure Michigan Talent Connect at MiTalent.org.
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Watch this video to learn how to create an account with USAJOBS from our very own Local Veterans Employment Representative, Paul Salcepuedes.
Follow us on Facebook to stay updated with this and other weekly career tips!
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Here are some of our favorite Federal veterans’ websites.
Jobs and Training for Veterans
These programs and websites can help you explore careers, find trainings and jobs:
CareerOneStop's Veteran and Military Transition Center can help you:
- Assess your job skills and see how they apply to civilian jobs
- Learn about education and training options like certifications, apprenticeships, and licensing
- Build your job-search skills
- Find government benefits including unemployment compensation for ex-service members
VA.gov's Careers and Employment section connects you to information and resources to:
- Find work as a vet with a service-connected disability
- Get educational and career counseling
- Start or grow your own business
- Find Department of Labor resources for vets and military spouses
Veterans.gov from the U.S. Department of Labor connects you to information on:
- Federal government hiring for vets
- Careers with the departments of Agriculture, Energy, Transportation, and Homeland Security
- Employment resources by state
- Interstate occupational license recognition options for military spouses
The Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program helps active duty and vets whose service-connected disability impacts their ability to work. It can help you with:
- Finding new work, returning to your old job or starting a business
- Job accommodations
- Job-seeking skills coaching and career counseling
- Independent living services for vets with severe disabilities
- Access to VES VCA and LVER services
These government websites can help vets find federal jobs
If you cannot find the answer your looking for here, you can also call USAGov at 1-844-USA-GOV1 (1-844-872-4681) to ask any question about the U.S. government for free. They'll get you the answer or tell you where to find it. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. Eastern Time, except on federal holidays.
If you or a veteran you know is experiencing homelessness, the VA has specialized programs that can assist with housing solutions, employment opportunities, healthcare, justice- and reentry-related services and more. Learn more about these programs here.
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Paul Salcepuedes – Local Veterans Employment Representative, Mount Clemons
How has your military experience helped you in your position as a Local Veterans Employment Representative (LVER)?
Being new to this position, I know my experience, discipline, focus and leadership throughout my military career will assist me in completing the task at hand. During my time in the military, I've held different positions, including Team Leader, Squad Leader, Platoon Sergeant, Brigade Sergeant, and Joint Unit NCOIC. Those positions had many challenges that required difficult decisions. I was able to overcome those challenges by continuing to adapt and overcome the challenges in front of me and being able to not only lead, but lead by example.
What should Veterans expect when they meet with a LVER?
Veterans should expect an individual with a wide variety of knowledge and a great partnership with the community and numerous employers. A LVER is the bridge between the veteran seeking employment and the employer. Our main goal is to assess the best and most suitable veteran for a referral to employers. Lastly, veterans should see the individual who is approachable while consistently promoting the advantages of hiring veterans.
What resource do you recommend to Veterans seeking employment?
The first resource a veteran should seek out is other veterans and the people closes to him/her. Those conversations could lead to referrals or job opportunities. If that does not work out the veteran should seek the nearest American Job Center or Michigan Works Office. Once entering the AJC or MWA they should identify themselves as a veteran. After they identify themselves as a veteran, they would have multiple opportunities for employment, training, and the best services from either a MWA or Veteran Employment Services staff.
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The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced that LGBTQ veterans with Other-then-Honorable discharges because of their sexual orientation will be allowed to receive full VA benefits despite their dismissal status. The change comes as the country approaches the 10th anniversary of repeal of the Don't Ask, Don't Tell (DADT) law, enacted in December 2011, which prohibited gay and lesbian individuals from serving openly in the military. The policy was issued under Department of Defense Directive 1304.26 and was in effect from February 28, 1994, until September 20, 2011.
While the new guidance doesn’t amount to a change in law, which would require an act of Congress, the VA explains it's merely a clarification of the existing policy since veterans discharged under DADT are already "generally eligible for benefits under current statute and regulation."
Albert Johnson was referred to Veterans Career Advisor, Iceri Doughty via Veteran Readiness and Employment Chapter 31 on March 17, 2021. Albert needed prevocational services for a resume update and to obtain employment that would not exacerbate his disability. He also preferred government or federal employment to ensure he would have medical benefits that could maintain his health.
Iceri then directed Albert to the USAJobs federal resume builder to create his federal resume and apply for government jobs. She also to assisted Albert with his civilian resume, which was then forwarded to Local Veterans Employment Representative Jason Bruggeman in April. Shortly after that, Albert heard back from employers and scheduled multiple interviews in August.
Iceri conducted mock interviewing sessions with Albert and trained him on the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Results) interviewing method. Albert then used his training and updated resume to apply for a position with the State of Michigan.
Earlier this month, Albert joined the Veterans' Employment Services team with the State of Michigan as a Veterans Career Advisor. After seeing Iceri's dedication with helping him, Albert wanted to serve veterans in the same way.
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In observation of Veteran's Day, the Grand Traverse-Leelanau-Antrim Bar Association is offering FREE wills and durable powers of attorney for estate planning to Veterans.
What: Veterans Day, celebrated every November 11, is set aside to honor all those who served in the U.`S. armed forces. Veteran's Day provides an opportunity to give thanks to those who protect our liberty and the freedoms all Americans enjoy.
Who: Services will be provided pro bono (free of charge) to any veteran by local licensed attorneys.
When: November 11, from 12 p.m. - 4 p.m. (last intake at 4 p.m.)
Where: Traverse Area District Library, 610 Woodmere Ave., Traverse City, MI 49686
- No registration is required, but 𝐑𝐒𝐕𝐏 is appreciated
- Please RSVP or email any questions to: admin@gtlaba.org
- Please bring a valid ID and proof of military service
This program is not sponsored or endorsed by the Traverse Area District Library.
On October 8, President Biden passed the Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act (S.189), sponsored by Sen. John Thune (S.D.), that authorizes cost-of-living increases based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for veterans' disability compensation, additional compensation for dependents of veterans, clothing allowance for certain disabled veterans, and dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC) for surviving spouses and their children.
The COLA increase for retirees is automatic and does not require legislative action. The amount of the COLA increase for 2022 has not yet been announced.
With approximately 1,300 Afghan allies and nationals expected to be resettled in Michigan in the coming months, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, the Office of Global Michigan and the Michigan Community Service Commission are calling on Michiganders to volunteer to ease the transition and welcome individuals and families to Michigan.
Michiganders can volunteer in person or remotely and can donate a variety of goods and services, including financial resources through Michigan.gov/afghanarrivals.
If you are interested in helping, please register to become part of the Volunteer Michigan Afghan Resettlement Team. You’ll be prompted to complete a simple survey to indicate what skills and donations you’d like to offer and will receive updates about opportunities to serve within those selected topics.
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An up-to-date list of upcoming job and career events is available on Pure Michigan Talent Connect’s Career Events Calendar.
Heroes MAKE America for Prospective Participants
November 4 and November 18, 12:30 p.m.
Event Link: Register using this link
Join to learn about diverse career opportunities in Manufacturing, how to participate in remote or in-person training programs, and how you can engage directly with industry leaders through the Heroes Connect virtual events.
VeteranWorks Virtual Job Fair/Career Expo Detroit
November 5, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Event Link: Register using this link
VeteranWorks events have around 170,000 professionals and 7000 recruiting companies targeted to support veterans find their next employment opportunity.
Veterans Career Resources Virtual Workshop
November 9, 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Event Link: Register using this link
Transitioning from military to civilian life? Or just want to learn how to leverage your military experience? Learn how to translate your military experience to civilian employment.
Detroit Pistons Hoops for Troops Hiring/Resource Event (in-person event)
November 10, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Event Link: Register using this link
Location: Little Caesars Arena – 2645 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48201
Civilians, veterans and active-duty military members can interact with corporate resources, governmental agencies, and non-profit organizations. Corporate recruiters will be discussing employment opportunities, and governmental and non-profit agencies will be providing information about benefits and resources for all attendees. VES Local Veterans Employment Representatives will be on site.
Hire MI Vet's 7th Annual Hiring Event (in-person event)
November 13, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Event Link: Register using this link
Location: Concordia University Kreft Center for the Arts Building – 4090 Geddes Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48105
Pre-registration is not required for this event. There will be over 10 Veteran service organizations offering various services, including VES Local Veterans Employment Representatives.
Veterans Resource Fair (in-person event)
November 18, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Event Link: Register using this link
Location: VFW Post 1370 – 800 Cesar Chavez Ave, Pontiac, MI 48340
Available for all veterans, active duty, guard and reserves, and their families. Giveaways include food boxes and community resources.
RecruitMilitary National Virtual Career Fair
November 23, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Event Link: Register using this link
This career fair is designed to connect employers with skilled veterans, MilSpouses, Transitioning Service Members, Reservists, and Guardsmen and offers real-time engagement and one-on-one interactions with company representatives in a virtual setting. Employers will be looking to fill positions across Michigan and the country.
Virtual Job Fairs Count as Work Search Activity in Michigan
Registering for and attending Virtual Job Fair events supported by the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity count as official work search activities required by the Unemployment Insurance Agency. Check out upcoming Virtual Job Fairs by visiting Pure Michigan Talent Connect’s Career Events website.
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Be Prepared: Charge your phone and practice your elevator pitch.
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Keep an Open Mind: You never know which company has the perfect job for you.
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Work the Room: Stop by every booth and share your QR code with every organization.
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Rule of 3: Get at least three company follow-ups.
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Apply as You Network: Apply to open positions while you network with recruiters.
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Smile: Be confident. You've got this!
MORE VETERANS' RESOURCES
If you are a veteran looking for information concerning education, health care, benefits or quality of life programs, please visit the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency for more information, or call the Michigan Veteran Resource Service Center at 800-MICH-VET.
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Veterans' Employment Services is part of Workforce Development, within the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity's Office of Employment and Training. Michigan.gov/VES |
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