2011 Wounded Warrior Federal Employment Conference FEDERAL NON-PAID WORK EXPERIENCE PROGRAM Ruth Fanning Director Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment.

2011 Wounded Warrior Federal Employment Conference

FEDERAL NON-PAID WORK EXPERIENCE PROGRAM

Ruth FanningDirector

Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment Service

February 23-24, 2011 1 Fort Belvoir, Virginia

2011 Wounded Warrior Federal Employment Conference

Purpose -

To provide services and assistance to Servicemembers and Veterans with service-connected disabilities to assist them to obtain and maintain suitable employment, or achieve independence in daily living.

February 23-24, 2011 Fort Belvoir, Virginia2

VetSuccess VR&E Program

2011 Wounded Warrior Federal Employment Conference

The Department of Veterans Affairs Non-Paid Work Experience Program (NPWE) provides eligible Veterans with the opportunity to obtain training and practical job experience by working in a Federal, State, or Local government agency.

February 23-24, 2011 Fort Belvoir, Virginia3

Non-Paid Work Experience

2011 Wounded Warrior Federal Employment Conference

What is Non-Paid Work Experience?– Provides eligible Veterans with practical job experiences– Placement can be at any government facility that will

provide the Veteran with a work experience consistent with their vocational rehabilitation goals

– There is no cost to the employer; the Veteran receives a subsistence allowance from the VA• (Authorized by Public Law 94-502)

February 23-24, 2011 Fort Belvoir, Virginia4

Non-Paid Work Experience

2011 Wounded Warrior Federal Employment Conference

Benefits for Employers– Minimal paperwork is required by the participating

government agency– Allows agency to assess Veteran’s fit for noncompetitive

appointment into a permanent position– Easy access for the government agency to participate in

the NPWE program

February 23-24, 2011 Fort Belvoir, Virginia5

Non-Paid Work Experience

2011 Wounded Warrior Federal Employment Conference

Benefits for Veterans... – Establishes employment history– Provides exposure to employment opportunities– Monthly subsistence allowance– Easy access to public sector employment– Structured way for Veterans to develop job skills

February 23-24, 2011 Fort Belvoir, Virginia6

Non-Paid Work Experience

2011 Wounded Warrior Federal Employment Conference

Limitations of a NPWE…– Veteran can not be placed in a position involving religious

or political activity {CFR 21.299(d)}

– Placement of Veteran cannot result in the displacement of currently employed workers • {CFR 21.299(d)}

February 23-24, 2011 Fort Belvoir, Virginia7

Non-Paid Work Experience

2011 Wounded Warrior Federal Employment Conference

Additional Information– Veterans in a NPWE are not federal employees except for

purposes of compensation for work injuries. They don’t receive leave or other employee benefits

– A Veteran may pursue a NPWE in a Federal, State or local government agency at the full time, three-quarter-time or half-time rate • {CFR 21.4270, footnote 5}

February 23-24, 2011 Fort Belvoir, Virginia8

Non-Paid Work Experience

2011 Wounded Warrior Federal Employment Conference

202-461-9600

February 23-24, 2011 Fort Belvoir, Virginia9

Questions?