Disabled veterans job opportunities
In 2013, there were more than 5.5 million retired veterans with disabilities. Many of them are unable to hold onto a job. Some are unemployed or living in poverty. 7% of the federal workforce (not including veterans that are 30% disabled) was classified as disabled. Fortunately, OPM reported that hiring disabled veterans for federal jobs has increased since 2010 when Obama signed Executive Order 13548. It has dramatically helped to raise the range of disabled veterans job opportunities.
The goal was to recruit 100.000 veterans with disabilities into federal jobs over the next five years. For that reason, there are many federal job opportunities nowadays for disabled veterans. In 2012, 16% of all new hires were disabled (a higher percentage than at any point in the last 32 years!).
The Book of US Government Jobs, describing the federal employment process, is in its 11th edition. It represents a significant improvement regarding disabled veterans job opportunities. Most disabled veterans are employed at the 7, 11, 12 and 13 GS pay grades. The Department of Defense (DOD) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) are among the leading employers of disabled workers.
The majority of federal agencies work with State Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies (SVRAs). This and similar organizations help to identify qualified veterans with disabilities. They often attend job fairs and visit campuses for outreach initiatives. They're always looking for qualified candidates, but the hiring process can be competitive!
Federal agencies use special authorities in hiring people with severe physical, cognitive or psychiatric disabilities. They provide agencies a chance to prove a candidate's potential to perform duties of specific jobs. The Schedule A program isn’t specific to veterans, but it has helped numerous vets find new careers. Through Schedule A, disabled candidates are afforded a unique hiring process that prioritizes placement in jobs they’re well-suited for.
Schedule A, 5 CFR 213.3102(t) This section allows the appointment of vets with cognitive disabilities who are eligible. After two years of satisfactory performance, they can qualify for conversion to competitive service.
Schedule A, 5 CFR 213.3102(u) Agencies look for vets with severe physical
disabilities who can perform adequately. Specific appointments have different required duties. You'll want to get certified by a State Vocational Rehabilitation Agency (SVRA) counselor of the Department of Veterans Affair’s Vocational Rehabilitation Office. After two years of satisfactory performance, you can qualify for conversion to competitive service.
Schedule B, 5 CFR 213.3202(k). This section provides opportunities for people with severe psychiatric disabilities. Eligible candidates are at a disadvantage when seeking jobs due to their disability. You can be assessed by a State Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor or a Department of Veterans Affairs counseling psychologist or psychiatrist. They must determine whether candidates meet the criteria and can perform the duties of a job. Employment under this section may not exceed two years, following each significant period of mental illness.
Schedule A, 5 CFR 213.3102 (11). This section covers disabled people who are interpreters, readers or other personal assistants. Positions are often available in both full time and alternate modes. After one year of service, employees may qualify for conversion to competitive service.
Other Jobs for Disabled Veterans
The following jobs are very well-suited for disabled veterans. For veterans in wheelchairs, there are jobs that don’t require a lot of mobility. Most of them don’t require much contact with customers or employees. Veterans suffering from anxiety disorders or PTSD can significantly benefit from such employment options.
Some disabled veterans job opportunities are perfect for those with limited use of their arms. Whether you are paralyzed, have spinal dysfunctions or war injuries, there are tons of jobs for you. And we can help you with the research.
Market Research Analyst
This job requires studying market conditions to estimate sales of a product or service. You need decent writing skills and attention to detail and deadlines. Bachelor’s degree required.
Human Resource Specialist
This job is all about recruiting, interviewing and hiring workers. A person in this position also has to handle employee relations and benefits. This is an ideal job opportunity for a disabled vet who’s in a wheelchair or does not have use of one of their arms. Social skills are a big plus.
Accountant
In this profession, you must develop financial goals and the steps needed to achieve them. It’s a great job opportunity for someone who’s interested in money matters and has a college degree. It’s also a comfortable job for vets that are unable to walk, as mobility does not come into play. Precision and organization are crucial here. You can get online training or seek out community colleges and become a CPA.
Annual Salary: $63,550
Employment Rights
The unemployment rate in the United States is now 3.9 percent. However, this number increases for disabled veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. The VOW to Hire Heroes Act was established in 2011 close this gap. It aims to:
Improving the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) which helps vets enter civilian life with proper skills to compete in the competitive job market
Facilitating transitions that allow members to acquire vet preference status to ease adaptation into civil service
Training and education
Translating military skills into the civilian job sector
Veterans are protected from employment discrimination by the American with Disabilities Act (ADA). If someone is qualified to do a job, no one can refuse to hire him because of a disability. It’s a great advantage for disabled vets. And it's not the only one. Employers with federal (sub-)contracts exceeding 100.000$ HAVE to give preference to disabled vets. That actually goes all the way back to December 1, 2003.
A new chapter in your life
In conclusion, it really doesn’t matter which branch of the military you served in. You have skills that can help you get a new job opportunity. Keep in mind that you can always go back to school. Try finding a military-friendly college to earn credentials or the degree you need for a job. These schools will help you with the transition to civilian life.
