Veterans
ODEP is working closely with the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs, as well as DOL’s Veterans Office to address the provision of personal recovery and employment assistance to our nation’s disabled service members, including those coming back from Iraq and Afghanistan. Information about this initiative, REALifelines, and various benefits are provided below.
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REALifelines
The Recovery & Employment Assistance Lifelines (REALifelines) program is a collaborative initiative that represents a new national effort to provide personal recovery and employment assistance to our nation’s disabled service members (and their families) upon their return from duty in the Global War on Terrorism. The intent of the program is to see that these individuals receive timely, professional and compassionate assistance to assure recovery, an opportunity to return to their previous job, or to consider a new career path, and, if necessary, learn about what types of job accommodations might be needed due to a war wound or injury.
- Military Severely Injured Center (888-774-1361)
The REALifelines program is closely affiliated with the new Military Severely Injured Center (MSIC) located in Arlington, VA. The MSIC provides personalized assistance tailored to meet the individualized needs of severely wounded or injured service members and their families. The service is available 24/7 at no cost to service members or their families.
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U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Provides information about veterans’ benefits related to burial, health, education, compensation, vocational rehabilitation, home loans, life insurance and appeals.
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Veterans Service Organizations
A list of veterans’ service organizations that have been chartered by Congress and/or recognized by the VA for claim representation.
- U.S. Department of Labor Veterans’ Employment & Training Service (VETS)
This Web site provides a great deal of information for veterans, including, but not limited to, employment and reemployment rights of members of the armed forces, information about veterans’ preference, and the Transition Assistance Program.
- e-VETS Resource Advisor
This resource assists veterans preparing to enter the job market. It has a tremendous amount of important information such as employment openings, career assessment and special services available to veterans.
Mental Health
Persons with serious psychiatric disabilities continue to have the lowest employment rate (between 80-90%). If employed, they are the most underemployed of all the disability populations. Yet, persons with psychiatric disabilities want to and can work with the appropriate supports. In fact, work can be an important part of recovery.
That's why ODEP has taken on the important task of chairing a Department-wide workgroup on the topic, the Department of Labor Work Group on Mental Health. In addition, ODEP chairs and staffs the Employment Committee of the Federal Partners on Mental Health Transformation, a group consisting of representatives from several federal agencies.
Related Links
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Job Accommodation Network (JAN)
JAN is a free consulting service funded by the ODEP, that works directly with employers or employees to help determine appropriate workplace accommodations and relevant resources.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
Leads national efforts to improve prevention and mental health treatment services for all Americans, including employment-related options.
