This summer, VA is renewing our commitment to America’s Veterans, and we’re asking for our partners’ help in honoring that commitment, such as working with others to hire Veterans in the community. Here’s how one of our federal government partners is doing just that.


 

VA partners with U.S. Forest Service for Veterans hiring event.

Angela Danielly and Eduardo Olmedo, two employees of the U.S. National Forest Service, interview a potential job candidate during a Hiring Event at the San Diego Regional Office.

VA is committed to caring for those who have borne the battle and their families, and we does so with the help of not only its employees, but others within the federal government. One example is the partnership between VA’s San Diego regional benefits office Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) Division and the U.S. Forest Service. Earlier this year, the two organizations hosted a Forest Service hiring event to help get Veterans placed into permanent jobs.  The on-site hiring event used the government’s non-competitive hiring authorities to fill 45 open positions. The event was open to the Southern California Veteran population and included screening and on-site interviews, selections and tentative job offers. Targeted occupations included clerical and administrative series, professional series in natural resources and engineering and forestry technicians.

The response was exceptional. VR&E staff spent two days welcoming Veteran applicants and providing assistance with copies, office space and ensuring all needs were met during the event. Final numbers are still pending; however, there were approximately 220 applicants, 116 referrals, 84 interviews, and so far, 26 job offers.

Forest Service personnel said their interactions with Veterans were eye opening and they look forward to recruiting Veterans for similar positions in Central-Northern California, Arizona and New Mexico.

VR&E’s selfless teamwork demonstrated the core values of the VA’s I Care philosophy: Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence. Thanks to them for making a positive difference in the lives of the Veterans we serve.


This article was submitted by Alejandro Mendiolaflores, a public affairs officer and change management agent in the San Diego Regional Office.



VA takes its commitment to care for the nation’s Veterans and their families very seriously, and this summer, we invite all of you to join in that commitment. Community by community, state by state, our nation can work together to serve Veterans during the VA Summer of Service.

  • Look for VA at community events and engage our employees and partners.
  • Reach out to your local medical facility or National Cemetery to find out what you can do to help.
  • Check out #VASummerOfService on Vantage Point, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, and join VA in caring for America’s Veterans.

 

 

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