The new, 2023 VA Disability Compensation rates and based on Social Security's Cost of Living Adjustment. Official compensation tables will be provided by the Veterans Affairs Agency in December 2022.

In this episode of SITREP, U.S. Marine Corps veteran Paul Corbett discusses the new compensation rates based on Social Security' Cost of Living Adjustment. Watch the full episode here.

The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) has earned Gold-level Veteran-Friendly Employer status from the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA) for its commitment to hire, retain and support military veterans.

Only about 3% of the more than 500 Veteran-Friendly Employers earn Gold-level status. To receive this recognition, employers must retain at least 75% of veteran hires over the most recent 12 months, implement internal veteran support networks, and create either a hiring rotation or leadership development program within their organization – in addition to meeting all other program requirements.

"The certification highlights the dedication of LEO's Veterans' Employment Services staff and their personalized approach to helping other veterans find suitable employment opportunities," said Stephanie Beckhorn, deputy director of LEO's Office of Employment and Training

Veterans' Employment Services (VES) helps eligible veterans and their spouses reach their employment goals through customized career solutions. As veterans themselves, VES staff have first-hand knowledge of the types of barriers veterans and transitioning service members face when looking for civilian job opportunities.

Read more about this award here.

Governor Whitmer declared October Disability Employment Awareness Month in Michigan to build on Michigan's efforts to maintain an inclusive community and strong economy. This month is meant to educate Michiganders about disability employment issues and celebrate the contributions and talents of Michigan workers with disabilities.

Disability Employment Awareness Month calls upon employers, schools, and community organizations in Michigan to observe with appropriate programs and activities, and to advance the important message that people with disabilities add value and talent to our workplaces and communities. 

Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS), housed within the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, assists persons with disabilities to find competitive employment and achieve self-sufficiency. Last year alone, MRS helped more than 1,800 customers gain industry-recognized credentials. See how they can help you or a loved one at Michigan.gov/MRS. 

Paul Freese – Veterans' Career Advisor, Dearborn

How has your military experience helped you in your position as a VCA?

My experience as a supervisor helped because I was responsible for coordinating supportive resources and taking care of my troops and their family to ensure their well-being both professionally and personally. Not unlike the role of a VCA.

What should veterans expect when they meet with a VCA?

A VCA is veteran a too, so our veteran clients can expect someone with empathy because we also experienced military culture and possess that unique military point of view.

What resource do you recommend for veterans seeking employment? 

I don’t have a one size fits all resource, but I often recommend YouTube for tips on resume writing, interview prep questions, and salary negotiation. Our team produced a number or tips that can be found on our website.

If you’re not familiar with informational interviewing, you’re not alone. But you are missing a key component of becoming a candidate of interest for open jobs.

An informational interview is an informal conversation with somebody working in an area that interests you, with the purpose of learning more about their job, company and employee experience.

But how do you know who to reach out to for an informational interview, and where do you find them? How do you get the most out of your informational interview? Do these things right, and you will grow a network of allies exponentially and showcase yourself as a proactive, well-informed candidate.

While most job seekers are quick to connect with recruiters, talent specialists and other human resource professionals, the best people to ask for informational interviews are those working in jobs you want at companies that interest you.

Read more about informational interviews here.

Michigan Rural Enhanced Access to Careers in Healthcare (MiREACH) provides free on-ramps to healthcare careers.
Through support provided by MiREACH, you can receive the education and training needed to get started in a rewarding, in-demand healthcare career.

You’ll also receive on-the-job experience, and you may also be eligible for various wraparound supports such as transportation and childcare.

Perhaps just as importantly, MiREACH offers the opportunity to make a positive, meaningful impact in our community.

Interested in earning a paycheck in a career with great advancement opportunities? Learn more about the program at Michigan.gov/MiREACH. 

Vietnam Navy veteran Richard (Dick) Guisbert, stopped by his local Michigan Works! Service Center when he was looking for work. Dick wanted a job where he could give back and preferred to work with the state or federal government. 

Michigan Works! Talent Specialist Jessica Butera worked with Dick to determine his eligibility and connect him with Veterans' Career Advisor (VCA) William Mourufas for additional assistance.

VCA William worked with Dick to determine his barriers to employment and create an action plan to overcoming those barriers. The two quickly got to work on updating Dick's resume and applying to open jobs. Within days, William began receiving interview requests. VCA William and Dick then began preparing for the interviews by going over best practices and doing mock interviews.

After doing all the work and going through several interviews without an acceptable offer, VCA William and Dick finally found a job posting that seemed to be a perfect fit - a custodial position at the International Bridge with the State of Michigan.

Together, VCA William and Dick applied for the position and again practiced interview techniques. Dick successfully interviewed for the good-paying position and is now a State of Michigan employee. He is extremely satisfied with his new employment and the efforts from VES to protect and enhance his health, safety, and economic security.

Have you heard of the Michigan Braille and Talking Book Library (BTBL)? The BTBL offers talking books at no charge for veterans who have a hard time reading regular print. 

You can get braille books, audio magazines, and digital talking book players delivered to your home at no charge. Or, download them right in the palm of your hand through the Braille and Audio Reading Download (BARD) mobile app. 

If you have been honorably discharged by the U.S. Armed Forces and are blind, have low vision, or have a physical disability that prevents you from reading regular print materials, you qualify for this free service. 

To learn more and sign up, go to Michigan.gov/BTBL.

Who wouldn’t enjoy a delicious Battalion Landing Team?

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.