new mexico vets at work - jobs.state.nm.us · 60 veterans’ employment resource guide. new mexico...

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Veterans’ Employment Resource Guide

New Mexico Vets at Work

www.dws.state.nm.us

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Contents5 What to do Shortly after Your Separation New Mexico Workforce Connection Website – Your No.1 career and job search resource . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6Transition Services Provided by Military Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

8 Connecting With Your Resources – The VETS ProgramNew Mexico Workforce Connection Offices and LVER & DVOP

Specialist Contact Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

12 The Job SearchStep 1: Choosing Your Career or Occupation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12Step 2: Finding the Ideal Job. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14Step 3: Preparing Your Resume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14Step 4: Writing Your Cover Letter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15Step 5: Contacting Your References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16Step 6: Preparing for the Interview and Interviewing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17Step 7: Following Up with Employers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18Step 8: Negotiating a Job Offer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

20 Making Job Fairs Work for YouGet Prepared . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20You’re at the Job Fair–Making Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22Following Up With Your Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

24 Transferring Your Skills

34 A Snapshot – Businesses and Industries Actively Recruiting VetsFederal, State or Local Employment — Your Best Bet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34What About the Private Sector? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36

38 Employment Programs & ServicesVeterans’ Transition Assistance Program (TAP). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38VA Compensated Work Therapy (CWT) Program. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) VetSuccess Program . . . . . . . . .39Veterans’ Preference – Federal Hiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40Veterans’ Preference – State of New Mexico Hiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40Programs for Veteran Business Owners. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41Programs for Businesses Hiring Veterans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42

44 Education Programs & ServicesThe Post-9/11 and Montgomery GI Bills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44The Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45Veterans’ Education Assistance Program (VEAP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45Job Corps Demonstration Project . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45VA Work-Study Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46On-The-Job (OJT) & Apprenticeship Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46

Vietnam Veterans Scholarship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Vietnam Veterans Centers and Services at New Mexico’s Higher Education Institutions. . . . 47Contact Information: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48Web Links for Educational & Employment Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49Employment Programs & Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49

50 Homeless Veterans Programs & ServicesVeteran Justice Outreach Initiative (VJO) and Veterans Treatment Court. . . . . . . . . .50Stand Downs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50VA Homeless Veterans Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50

51 Veterans Employment Situation Report

54 Veterans Service Organizations & Other ResourcesVeterans Organizations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54American Legion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54American Veterans (Am-Vets) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54Disabled American Veterans (DAV) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55NM Veterans Integration Center (NMVIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55Veterans’ Home (Truth or Consequences) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56City of Albuquerque Veterans Advisory Board. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56

57 Acronym Glossary

Garden of Honor – Cannon Air Force Base

CREDITS:

Cover: Kirtland Air Force Base

Thank you to:

Kirtland Air Force Base

Cannon Air Force Base

Horses For Heroes /Cowboy Up!

Bill Armstrong, Veterans’ Administration

New Mexico State Veterans’ Home

Photographs: iStock Photo, except where credited.

Design, photography research and production: franceswhitedesign.com

Published September 2012 by the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions

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What to do Shortly after Your Separation

Shortly after your separation from the service, you should do a few things that will make your transition to civilian life easier . First and foremost, you should register your DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) with your local court house . If you do this, you will always be able to obtain an official copy

of your DD Form 214 when you need it . Your DD Form 214 is needed to access benefits related to the job search as well as many other benefits available to you as a veteran . New Mexico Statute 14-8-9 .1 ensures that your DD Form 214 and all the information included will be protected and kept private . Now is the time to also gather any documentation on collateral appointments or promotions you received during your active duty service . Your DD Form 214 does not always list collateral appointments, but having documentation helps you promote skills gained from appointments above and beyond your standard military occupation .

The first step to take to begin your job search is to attend a Transition Assistance Program (TAP) seminar . TAP seminars are available to all military branches and offer job-search assistance, employment and training information, and related services to separating service members within 180 days of separation or retirement . The Employment and Education Programs & Services section of this publication provides more detailed information on TAP and how you can get connected to a TAP representative near you .

Among the most valuable resources during your transition, and specifically your entry into the civilian workforce, are your Local Veterans’ Employment Representatives (LVERs) and Disabled Veterans’ Outreach Program (DVOP) specialists . LVERs and DVOP specialists are available to you and located at your local NM Workforce Connection office . These representatives are experts in helping you access the benefits you need and that are available to you as a veteran . Services offered by these representatives include help preparing a resume and cover letter and referral to workforce

TurboTAP Website www.turbotap.org

The TurboTAP website is one of the best resources for almost any information related to your separation and job search. One of the many resources includes Quick Reference Checklists that provides an overview of information related to education, employment, health care, personal finance, relocation, and benefits.

VA Seamless Transition Website www.oefoif.va.govThe VA Seamless Transition Website is an excellent resource to get informed on the benefits available to you from VA. The website addresses a wide scope of the issues faced by recently separated veterans. Topics include:

n Employment

n Finding Help

n Education 101

n Monetary Benefits

n Housing

n Women Veterans

n Health

n Disabilities

Getting Started in Your Transition to the Civilian Workforce identifying resources and taking steps in the right direction

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n You can contact your nearest ACAP Center to schedule an employment assistance event or individual counsel-ing session .

n If you are unable to attend a TAP Workshop, you can access the Job Assistance Training Application (JATA) online .

ACAP On-Line also gives you access to the same job search tools and resources used in the ACAP Center to write resumes and cover letters, practice job interview skills, and conduct online research . To access ACAP On-Line and to view other services provided by ACAP, visit www .acap .army .mil . ACAP Centers are located at Army bases . For New Mexico veterans, the closest bases are located in Arizona, Colorado, and Texas .

Fleet and Family Support Centers (FFSC)FFSCs are located throughout the U .S . to provide transition and employment assistance to Navy service members and veterans . FFSCs conduct mandatory preparation counseling and TAP workshops, and trained counselors offer one-on-one resume writing, interview skills, and employment assistance . To find out more about the services provided through FFSCs, visit www .cnic .navy .mil .

Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS)MCCS manages the Transition Assistance Management Program (TAMP) . Transition services and resources, includ-ing mandatory preseparation counseling, TAP workshops, benefits briefings, and the Disabled Transition Assistance Program (DTAP), are provided in the Marine and Family Services Branch at each major installation . The closest major Marine installation to New Mexico is located in Yuma, Arizona . For more information on MCCS and the transition services provided, visit www .usmc-mccs .org/tamp .

Airmen and Family Readiness Centers (AFRCs)AFRCs are located throughout the U .S . to provide mandatory preseparation counseling and other transition and employment services to Air Force service members and veterans . AFRCs are located at major installations, including Holloman, Kirtland, and Cannon Air Force bases here in New Mexico . The Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS) is a program of the US Department of Labor (DOL) and, in collaboration with each state, offers employment and training services to veterans . The VETS program includes services provided by LVERs and DVOP specialists . The New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions (NMDWS) and the New Mexico Workforce Connection (NM Workforce Connection) manage and operate the VETS program .

NM DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS’ SERVICES

Bataan Memorial Building 407 Galisteo Street, Room 142 Santa Fe, NM 87504 866-433-8387 www.dvs.state.nm.us

US DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS’ AFFAIRS New Mexico Regional Veterans Benefits Administration

Dennis Chavez Federal Building Intake Office 500 Gold Avenue SW Airman & Family Albuquerque, NM 87102 Readiness Center

Support Building 20245, Suite 126 Kirtland AFB, NM 87117 800-827-1000

benefits (job development, training, unemployment compensation, veteran benefits, and community resources) . The Connecting With Your Resources—The VETS Program section of this publication provides additional information (including contact information) on LVERs and DVOP specialists and contact information for all of the NM Workforce Connection offices .

There are several other resources available to assist with your transition . The NM Department of Veterans’ Services (NMDVS) and the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) are both excellent resources for returning veterans . Repre-sentatives at NMDVS and VA can assist you in all aspects of your separation and transition . There are numerous benefits available to veterans so contact a representative today .

New Mexico Workforce Connection Website – Your No.1 career and job search resourceFace-to-face and one-on-one interaction with your LVERs and DVOP specialists is such an incredible benefit to New Mexico veterans looking for work . Your veteran representatives can help you in many ways, but one way in which they will always assist you is by directing you to the NM Workforce Connection website . The NM Workforce Connection website

—www .jobs .state .nm .us—provides a tremendous number of services and information to persons looking for work in the

state . Whether you utilize your veteran representatives or not, this is the first site you should visit . The website is your one-stop online resource for information on how to identify your career path and look for, apply for, and get a job . The resources and services on the site are provided at no cost, and you can access this site on your own or visit your local NM Workforce Connection office for assistance . You should begin by creating an account . The benefits of creating a free account on the site include access to all of the information and assistance available, the ability of the site to store your resume and other important documents, as well as historical information on your job search, applications, and contacts with specific employers . The value of using this website cannot be overstated . Visit www .jobs .state .nm .us today to get started!

Transition Services Provided by Military ServicesIf you are a recently separated veteran, you should have participated in preseparation counseling . Congress has directed the military services to provide each transitioning service member a preseparation counseling session no less than 90 days before separation . Preseparation counseling provides an overview of the benefits, services, and programs that are available to soon-to-be separated members and refers service members to specific benefits providers for further information . The preseparation counseling is required, and each service member should receive a DD Form 2648 to show they completed the counseling . The following are the organizations charged with ensuring service members receive preseparation counseling and other needed transition services .

Army Career and Alumni Program (ACAP): ACAP provides mandatory preseparation counseling and other transition and employment assistance to Army service members and veterans . ACAP’s main tool for employment assistance is ACAP On-Line . ACAP On-Line provides three options for getting started:n You can use ACAP On-Line to schedule

a TAP Employment Workshop, specialty seminars or Employer Days as well as to get help from an ACAP Counselor .

IDENTIFYING RESOURCES continued

Courtesy of Kirtland Air Force Base

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Connecting With Your Resources – The VETS Program Veterans’ Employment Representatives are Here For You

The Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS) is a program of the US Department of Labor (DOL) and, in col-laboration with each state, offers employment and training services to veterans . The VETS program includes services provided by LVERs and DVOP specialists . The New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions (NMDWS) and the New Mexico Workforce Connection (NM Workforce Connection) manage and operate the VETS program .

The mission of the New Mexico VETS programn To provide priority of service to veterans and eligible

spouses seeking employment and training benefits .n To be a veteran’s resource for jobs information and

promote the hiring of veterans to public- and private-sector employers as good business practice .

n Provide referrals to health and human service providers in the community .

As mentioned throughout this publication, your LVERs and DVOP specialists are invaluable resources to you during your job search, whether you are recently separated or have been out of military service for some time . These representa-tives are trained to help you explore careers, identify training options, prepare for your job search, and obtain employment here in New Mexico . Representatives are also knowledgeable about the various benefits available to veterans and are ready to point you in the right direction on a variety of resources provided by NM Workforce Connection, NMDVS, VA, and

The Gold CardHave you printed your Gold Card yet? The Gold Card initiative is a joint effort of DOL ETA and VETS. If you are an eligible veteran, you can present the Gold Card at your local NM Workforce Connection office to receive enhanced intensive services, including up to six months of follow-up. Enhanced services may include:

n Job readiness assessment, including interviews and testing;

n Development of an Individual Development Plan (IDP);

n Career guidance through group or individual counseling that helps veterans make training and career decisions;

n Provision of labor market, occupational, and skills transferability information to make informed educational, training, and occupational decisions;

n Referral to job banks, job portals, and job openings;

n R eferral to employers and registered apprenticeship sponsors;

n Referral to training by WIA-funded or third-party service providers; and

n Monthly follow-up by an assigned case manager for up to six months.

To print your Gold Card, go to www.dol.gov/vets/goldcard/revisedgoldcard5.pdf.

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many other organizations . Here is more information on the goals and duties of your LVERs and DVOP specialists .

Local Veterans’ Employment RepresentativesLVERs are state employees located in local NM Work-force Connection offices . The principal duty of LVERs is to conduct outreach to employers in the area and to assist veterans in gaining employment . This outreach includes conducting seminars for employers; conduct-ing job search workshops and establishing job search groups (in conjunction with employers); and facilitating employment, training, and placement services for veter-ans . Employment, training, and placement services may include:

n Resume and cover letter assistance;

n Counseling, testing, and identifying training and employment opportunities;

n Monitoring job listings from federal contractors and federal department and agency vacancies to ensure that eligible veterans receive priority in referrals; and

n Promoting the participation of veterans in federally funded employment and training programs .

Disabled Veterans’ Outreach Program SpecialistsDVOP specialists are also state employees that specialize in developing job and training opportunities for veterans with service-connected disabilities . Through the promotion of community and employer support for employment and training opportunities, DVOP specialists provide outreach and offer assistance to disabled veterans by helping them identify job opportunities that are appropriate

CONNECTING WITH YOUR RESOURCES continued

** Albuquerque | New Mexico Dept. of Workforce Solutions

Tiwa Building, 401 Broadway Blvd. NE, 87102

Chris ZafraLVER, State Veterans [email protected] (c)

Carl HoffmanIntensive Services [email protected] (VA VRE Office)

**Albuquerque 501 Mountain Road NE, 87103505-843-1900 505-843-1992 (f)

LVER, Veterans Supervisor505-843-1923

LVERs DVOP specialist505-843-1924 505-843-1913505-843-1914 505-265-1711 505-843-1923 x2564 (VA Facility)

Artesia704 West Main, 88210575-743-1308575-746-3808 (f)

**Alamogordo901 Alaska Ave., 88310575-437-9210 575-434-2702 (f)LVER 575-437-9210DVOP Specialist 575-437-9210

**Carlsbad 323 South Halagueno, 88220575-887-1174 575-885-4419 (f)LVER 575-887-1174

**Clovis111 North Main Street, 88101575-762-4571 575-769-0086 (f)LVER 575-762-4571DVOP Specialist 575-762-4571

Deming322 E. Oak Street, 88030575-546-0192 575-544-3605 (f)

**Española319 Paseo de Oñate, 87553505-753-2258 505-753-1180 (f)1 LVER

**Farmington600 West Arrington Street, 87401505-327-6126 505-326-6006 (f)1 LVER

**Gallup2910 East Highway 66, 87301505-863-2884 505-863-3493 (f)

NM Workforce Connection Offices and LVER & DVOP Specialist Contact InformationHobbs2120 North Alto, Suite B, 88240575-391-9466 575-397-4988 (f)

**Las Cruces226 South Alameda Street, 88005575-524-6250 1 DVOP specialist

**Las Vegas883 Grand Avenue, 87701505-454-5381 505-425-0073 (f)LVER 505-425-6451

Los Lunas428 South Los Lentas, 87031505-861-2144 505-861-2824 (f)

Moriarty777 Old US Route 66, 87035505-832-6774 505-832-0220 (f)

**Rio Rancho661 Quantum Road NE, 87124505-896-1765 505-896-1766 (f)

LVER DVOP Specialist505-896-1765 extension 233 extension 106505-891-2028 (f) 505-891-2028 (f)

Roswell2110 North Main, 88201575-627-5815 575-627-5822 (f)Ruidoso707 Mechem Drive, 88345575-257-9296 575-630-0416 (f)

**Santa Fe301 West De Vargas, 87501505-827-7427 505-827-7346 (f)LVER 1 DVOP specialist 505-827-7412

Santa Rosa200 Lake Drive, 88435575-472-2555 575-472-2555 (f)

Silver City410 West Broadway, 88061575-538-3737 575-538-5072 (f)1 LVER ext. 101

Socorro109 Faulkner, 87801575-835-0067 575-835-9557 (f)

Sunland Park141 Quinella Rd. Suite 800, 88063575-589-0377 575-874-9314 (f)

**Taos1036 Salazar Road, 87571575-758-4219 575-758-3941 (f)1 LVER

Truth or Consequences1301 North Pershing, 87901575-984-1263 575-894-0970 (f)

Tucumcari421 West Tucumcari Boulevard, 88401575-461-2734 575-461-1157 (f)

for the their employment goals and assisting them in developing a cover letter and resume . (DVOP specialists often serve as case managers for veterans enrolled in federally funded job training programs and veterans with serious disadvantages in the job market . DVOP specialists provide services at several different locations, including local NM Workforce Connection offices, medical or veterans outreach centers of VA, and military installations, while DVOP specialists are stationed in local NM Workforce Connection offices .)

The chart below is a contact list of all the NM Workforce Connection offices and LVER and DVOP specialist contact information if located within the office (offices designated with “**” have at least one representative) . If your local office does not have a designated LVER or DVOP specialist, you can contact NMDWS veterans representatives (listed below) or the closest NM Workforce Connection Office with a LVER or DVOP specialist .

Offices designated with ** have at least one representative.

LVERs and DVOP conduct community outreach programs to employers.

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The Job SearchHow to Begin Your Job Search & What to Expect

Looking for a job can be overwhelming, especially if you are a recently separated veteran who is just now entering a civilian job market that is slowly recovering from a major recession . Searching for

employment requires patience, work, and motivation from anyone . As a veteran, you must also identify how your pre-vious military experience and skills translate to a civilian occupation and how you can successfully sell that experi-ence to a civilian employer who may or may not be familiar with military occupations and organization . There are many resources available to help you identify opportunities and move forward on your individual path . Some resources are useful to anyone looking for a job, while others are specific to the needs and issues facing recently separated veterans . The following outlines 8 steps to take in searching and applying for jobs . These steps also discuss career exploration which is often overlooked in the job search but is invaluable in helping you find satisfying long-term employment with continued career growth opportunities . A flow chart illus-trating the common steps taken in career exploration and

job searching is also included at the end of this article . The steps and the specific services they reference are provided on the NM Workforce Connection website in detail . Login to your account at www .jobs .state .nm .us for more information, or visit your local NM Workforce Connection office and LVER/DVOP specialist .

Step 1: Choosing Your Career or OccupationThe first step to take in your job search is to choose your career and/or occupation . You may think that this is an easy step or one that most people have already taken . Choosing a career/occupation is really identifying what it is you want to do for a living . This step can be very difficult for people of all ages and expertise, experience, and education levels . This is probably the one step that requires you to delve deepest into your interests and priorities and think about what you’re looking for from your career in the long term .

Before you start exploring career options, consider what types of jobs match with the work you were doing during active duty. Don’t worry; you don’t have to figure this out on your own . There are several websites that have built-in

“occupation matching” and “skills matching” services . These services match your military occupation and the knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) you gained through active duty service with civilian occupations that have similar tasks, work duties, and KSA requirements . The civilian occupations these services identify should best match your previous work and should require the least amount of additional education and training in order to gain employment within the occupation . These services are some of the most useful tools available for your career exploration.

New Mexico’s Department of Workforce Solutions provides an occupation and skills matching service through its NM Workforce Connection website—www.jobs.state.nm.us .

Here’s what you need to know to use this service on your own:Step 1: Create an individual account .Step 2: Select “Career Services” under the “Service for Individuals” on the left-hand navigation pane .Step 3: Select “Career Explorer .”Step 4: Select “Match Your Occupation .”Step 5: Select the “Occupations by Military Specialty” link .Step 6: Enter your Military Occupation Specialty (MOS) Code, Keyword, or Branch of Service to begin searching for your occupation .Step 7: A listing of civilian occupations that best fit your previous military occupation will be listed . You can click on an occupation and related occupations to get detailed infor-mation on training and education requirements, necessary skills, projected job openings, and wages .People are often surprised at the civilian occupations in which they may be able to work . Transferring Your Skills: How to Use Your Military Experience to Identify Opportunities in the Civilian Labor Force, presented later in this publication, provides several examples of common military occupations and related civilian occupations with similar knowledge, skill, and ability requirements . This is a tool you should use even if you are looking to enter a career that is completely different from your work in the military.

So now that you’ve looked at some of the civilian jobs that most closely match your military experience, are any of those jobs something you’re interested in? If you are interested in one or more of the occupations, you can start evaluating whether you have all of the necessary KSAs and begin iden-

tifying options to gain more education and training . There are several tools available through the NM Workforce Con-nection website to help you plan an education and training route as well as specific services available to veterans (for example, the GI Bill) that are detailed later in this publica-tion. As always, you can contact a Veterans Representative at your local NM Workforce Connection office to help you . If you feel you have the necessary qualifications for one or more of the occupations, you can begin searching for a job . Steps 2 through 8 of the job search outline the process .

But, what if you’ve identified comparable civilian occupations and are not interested in those occupations? What if you would like to enter a career that is completely different from what you did during active duty service and are unsure what to do? The NM Workforce Connection website has several other tools beyond occupation and skills matching to help with career exploration. Two key career exploration tools on the site—the Interest Profiler and Work Importance Locator assessments—help you identify your interests and work values and translate those into career choices .

Interest ProfilerThe Interest Profiler asks you to answer questions that represent six interest areas . Knowing your work interests can

What if I’m Thinking about Working Outside of New Mexico?

If you’re looking for a job in New Mexico, your key resource is www.jobs.state.nm.us.

If you think you might be looking for work outside of the state, a great national resource is www.careeronestop.org.

CareerOneStop offers most of the services provided by New Mexico’s Workforce Connection website but also allows you to search for jobs in other states.

CareerOneStop also has information and tools specific to veterans through the Veterans Reemployment section of the website.

Just like New Mexico’s website, CareerOneStop has resume and cover letter tools and other resources to help you in your job search.

CareerOneStops career exploration tool is called MyNextMove and works like the tools on the Workforce Connection website.

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help you decide what kinds of jobs and careers you want to explore .

Work Importance LocatorThe Work Importance Locator asks you to rank different aspects of work that represent six important work values . This assessment helps you learn more about your work val-ues and determine what is important to you in a job .

These are just two of many tools available to assist in your career exploration as you enter the civilian workforce . The NM Workforce Connection website has career tips, other options for researching your skills and matching them to civilian occupations, and many options to research the labor market and specific jobs . To navigate to these two tools in the NM Workforce Connection website, first sign into the website . Select the “Career Services” tab under the left-hand navigation menu . Select the “Career Explorer” link and then select the “Match Your Interests and Work Values” link to be directed to both tools .

Step 2: Finding the Ideal JobOnce you have a better idea of the occupations you are interested in and that match your experience and train-ing, it’s time to start looking for job openings . There is a wide variety of online resources for job postings . NMDWS has a job search engine that eliminates the need for you to visit every job hunting website out there. Through the NM Workforce Connection website, you can search for jobs in New Mexico . What may be the best part about the NM Workforce Connection job search engine is that it “spiders” to almost every other search engine website, including Monster, Indeed, USAJobs, and CareerBuilder . There are many options to set parameters for your job search from location to wage to experience level . What this means is that you can find job openings from all of these sites in one location . And, because you already have created your free account through

the system, it makes it even easier to track the job openings you’re interested in and those for which you’ve applied . Plus, all of the other tools mentioned in this article are located on the site for you to utilize through your job search process . Log in to www .jobs .state .nm .us to begin your job search now .

Step 3: Preparing Your ResumeOne-on-one personal interaction with a potential employer is the best bet to making a good impression and receiving a job offer . In today’s technology-based world, where it seems like everything is done electronically, one-on-one networking is not as common and is not an open avenue for many job seekers . Your first opportunity to sell your abilities, experience, and potential is typically through your resume . This is a tool that you should always have prepared for a potential opportunity . The key goal of your resume is to motivate

“ Your goal is to identify and isolate all of your skills, as they relate to your current career goals, and then present them in a manner (e.g., format, wording, style) that a civilian employer can under-stand. Often, when all of your skills, qualifications and experience are embedded within your “military career,” it becomes difficult for an employer to appreciate them. Your challenge, therefore, is to prominently display those skills without focusing on your record of military service.”

— www .military .com

WorkKeys: An Assessment of Workforce Readiness

WorkKeys is a job skills assessment system that the NM

Workforce Connection utilizes to help employers select,

hire, train, develop, and retain a high-performance

workforce. For the job seeker, WorkKeys is an important

first step to prepare for your career. By taking the

WorkKeys assessments, you can compare your skills

to the skills jobs require. Test questions are based on

situations in the everyday work world. Good WorkKeys

scores can be a marketing tool when you apply for jobs

as you show employers you have the skills they are

looking for. Some employers even use the assessment as

part of their hiring process.

an employer to invite you to an interview and, if interviewed, serves as a primary reference point as you discuss, examine, and evaluate your qualifications and skills.

While it may be fairly simple to list your previous employment, education, and primary skills, it is not always so easy to phrase and compile this information into a resume that is organized, complete, clear, and accurate and that high-lights your greatest strengths and qualifications in a straightforward and precise way . As a veteran, you face the challenge of highlighting your greatest strengths and quali-fications and how they can be used in the position for which you are applying, all while avoiding strict and direct focus on your military experience. What this means is that you should emphasize your skills, with refer-ence to your military career, and avoid simply listing your job titles . Overemphasizing your military career as opposed to your general skills and abilities can even be a detriment because civilian employers do not always understand the types of duties under military occupations or military orga-nizational structure . For example, you may have been a Hospital Corpsman, but you also had additional collateral appointments that expanded your skill set and responsibili-ties . Make sure you mention collateral appointments, what they entailed, and how they serve as an example of your pro-gression in your military career . Another example might be a Gunner’s Mate . It is possible the employer has little idea of the tasks and skills required for such a position so drawing attention to skills and abilities is particularly important .

5 Key Tips to a Successful Resume:Tip 1: Tailor your resume to the position for which you are applying . Include skills and activities that are most relevant, how you can contribute to the position, and even use key words from the job posting . Some employers actually use software that grades your resume on how it uses keywords and phrases from the job posting .Tip 2: Limit your resume to no longer than 2 pages . Tip 3: Avoid misrepresentation of your abilities . Tip 4: Provide examples of challenges you faced and prob-lems you solved . Emphasize the positive and quantify your achievements .

Tip 5: Make your resume easy to read and make sure you proofread your resume several times and have others review it . The NM Workforce Connection website provides a Resume Builder tool that can assist you in preparing your resume so that it is focused and structured . LVER/DVOP special-ists in your local NM Workforce Connection office can assist in building your resume . It is use-ful to also utilize veteran resources such as TAP workshops, NMDVS and USVA resources, transition services provided by military branches, and websites such as www .CareerOneStop .com and www .military .com (among others) that

provide examples of veteran resumes and a wide variety of information on the job search and application process .

Step 4: Writing Your Cover LetterA cover letter should always accompany your resume when applying for a job (unless otherwise specified) . In general, a cover letter is your introduction and should be drafted to draw the employer into looking at your resume . Cover letters vary in style awnd content more than resumes, but there are certain guidelines you should follow in developing your cover letter .

5 Key Tips to a Successful Cover Letter:Tip 1: Your cover letter should be typed, addressed to a specific individual or department, and closed with your sig-nature .Tip 2: While your resume sticks to information on your skills and experience, your cover letter can convey some of your personality .Tip 3: Keep your cover letter concise, interesting, informa-tive, professional, and courteous . Your cover letter should not repeat details provided in your resume, but outline high-level abilities and skills in context with your personality and work ethic . Tip 4: Much like your resume, your cover letter should be tailored to the specific position and employer .

THE JOB SEARCH continued

16 17

Tip 5: Keep you cover letter brief . Your letter should be less than one page, and don’t forget to proofread!

The NM Workforce Connection website provides a Letter Builder tool similar to the Resume Builder . The site also provides numerous sample cover letters for you to better understand appropriate tone and content . Finally, the site can help you develop a list of “action words” that you can use to draw atten-tion to your cover letter . And, as always, your local Veterans Representative can assist you in preparing your job applica-tion materials .

Step 5: Contacting Your ReferencesNearly every job you apply for will require references at some point in the hiring process . It is very important that you contact your references prior to providing their infor-

mation to a potential employer and that these references are fully capable of portraying you and your capabilities . You should not provide personal references unless required to do so . References are typically contacted via phone, but let-ters of recommendation can also be provided . Also, make sure that you avoid placing your reference information on your resume or cover letter . You should provide references by request through separate communication with your poten-tial employer .

As a veteran, it is important to remember that some of your key references may not be easily accessible if they are still on active duty . You may first want to contact active duty references and identify alternative contact information . You should also identify references that can be used in case oth-ers are not available . You may need additional time to contact references, so contacting them at the beginning of your job search to let them know you may be using them as a refer-ence is a good idea .

Step 6: Preparing for the Interview and InterviewingWhile the purpose of your resume is to get an interview, the purpose of the interview is to get a job offer . Preparing for an interview is incredibly important because if you take the time to thoroughly prepare the employer will notice . The interview is a key opportunity for you to present yourself as organized, punctual, and professional. You want to be able to discuss your qualifications in more detail and with specific examples based on the information you provided in your cover letter and resume . The interview is also an opportunity for you to ask specific questions about the position and employer to ensure that the opportunity is the right fit for you . o

5 Steps to Prepare for your Interview:re

Step 1: Gather work samples, whether they be writing samples, a portfolio of design or construction work, or let-ters from former employers and news articles highlighting your work. Not all jobs require samples, but this can be an excellent way to show your preparation and quantify your accomplishments.

Step 2: Think about questions you will probably be asked and prepare answers prior to the interview as best you can . Talk to friends and family about their interview experiences and the questions they were asked . The interviewer may request that you “Tell me about yourself ” or ask, “Why do you think you are the best candidate for this position?” Have your responses prepared and ready to be tailored once actual questions are asked in the interview .

Step 3: Learn as much as you can about the employer, including an understanding of their website and employment structure . Step 4: Prepare a list of detailed questions you would like to ask to show your interest and get additional information on the position and employer . Avoid questions regarding com-pensation until the employer mentions the topic .Step 5: Make sure you have an accurate set of directions to the interview location, and if you require special access in any way, ask about access and mobility factors . Make sure you always have a telephone contact . Arrive at the interview location early (no more than 20 minutes but no less than 5) dressed appropriately, with copies of your resume, work samples, and references .

Now that you’re prepared for the interview, you will hopefully be feeling more comfortable and less anxious about presenting yourself, your qualifications, and your abilities in a way that will make you stand out amongst other interviewees . Even with preparation, however, the interview can still induce some anxiety . It’s important to enter the interview with “active confidence.” What this means is that you are not acting too confident, or being passive by only responding to the employer’s questions, but that you are contributing to the conversation of the interview. The interview is a two-way street where you ask questions and broach topics along with the employer . It’s a conversation where both players are asking questions and actively listening .

5 Key Interview Tips:Step 1: Identify and discuss ways in which your military experience relates to the position . Mention unique strengths you gained through your military experience that other candidates may not possess .Step 2: Ask questions you’ve previously prepared throughout the interview and adjust those questions based on the flow of the conversation . Take a notebook and write down interviewer names and answers to your questions .Step 3: Display your best external qualities—for example maintain eye contact, maintain active posture, and use the names of interviewers when appropriate to show you are engaged .Step 4: Make sure to show some of your best internal qualities when discussing your qualifications—for example, positive experiences working in teams, leading groups, adapting to a changing environment, and motivation .Step 5: Use your common sense to determine the best times to ask questions or make comments about your qualifications, the position, or the employer .

Reaching out to Fellow Veterans

Once you begin working at your new job, think about the successes and failures you faced throughout your job search. Could other veterans benefit and learn from your experiences? What resources did you use that were most beneficial? If you come in contact with other veterans looking for work, share your experiences and lessons learned. No one should face the job search alone, and the assistance and advice you can provide could be the best resource to other vets!

THE JOB SEARCH continued

The Career Exploration and Job Search:The Process and Steps to Take as You Look Towards the Future of Your Career

18 19

Don’t forget that the interview is an excellent opportunity to elaborate on success stories, additional skills and abilities gained through collateral appointments, the progression of previous positions to include additional responsibilities, and, maybe most important of all, leadership skills developed through your active duty service .

Step 7: Following Up with EmployersNot following up with an employer after an interview is a mistake many people make . It is imperative that you follow up with an employer quickly after an interview, regardless of how you feel the interview went. You should send the employer a follow-up letter and make sure to include any ideas or remarks that you may have forgotten to discuss, provide information the employer requested during the interview, briefly remind the employer of the high points of the interview, thank the employer for his/her time and consideration, and invite him/her to contact you with additional questions or to schedule another meeting . The NM Workforce Connection website provides a Letter Builder tool that helps you construct a good follow-up letter . Sample follow-up letters and a list of action words are available .

Step 8: Negotiating a Job OfferSuccess! You have a job offer . Your work, however, is not done . You should carefully consider the offer that is made and really evaluate whether the position meets your own criteria of what you’re looking to get out of the job . Think about your response before you receive the offer . And even if you feel confident that the position is right for you, remember that both you and the employer have needs and that there is almost always room for negotiation . Both you and the employer should be willing to search together for mutual agreement on the terms and conditions of your working relationship .

The best possible situation is that the employer offers terms, conditions, and salary that you are happy with . If you some-what disagree with the offer, don’t just accept it because you want to “take what you can get .” Again, negotiating is often expected by the employer . They want to reach an agreement where both parties are happy and both see they are making a positive investment—the employer is investing in you and you are investing in the employer . While it may feel like negotiat-ing is risky, it is an important process for which to prepare .

When Should I Disclose a Disability?

If you have a service- or non-service-related disability, you

may be wondering when it is best to disclose this disability

to a potential employer. It is recommended that you never

disclose a disability in a resume or cover letter. The only

exception is if the position is specifically geared towards

someone with a disability. If you have an employment gap

(typically of more than two years) due to a disability, try to

fill that gap with other activities such as volunteer work or

education.

When it comes to the interview, you might consider

disclosing your disability to an employer prior to the

interview only if the disability is visible, such as noticeable

impairments to speech, hearing, sight, or mobility, to avoid

any surprise or shock. Otherwise, use your judgment as to

the need to discuss any disabilities in the interview. Once

you discuss your disability, you may want to mention the

Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) opportunities

available to the employer when hiring a veteran with a

disability (for more information on WOTC, see the

Employment and Education Services section of this publi-

cation).

Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA)

makes it unlawful for an employer to discriminate against

a qualified applicant or employee with a disability. The

ADA applies to private employers with 15 or more employ-

ees and to state and local government employers. The

US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)

enforces the employment provisions of the ADA. In

general, an applicant with a disability is responsible for let-

ting the employer know that an accommodation is needed.

You do not have to request an accommodation in writing,

but it is strongly recommended in order to keep records.

One of the best resources for understanding your rights

under the ADA and to find information on applying for jobs

with a disability is the Job Accommodation Network (JAN).

JAN is a service of DOL Office of Disability Employment

Policy (ODEP) and provides expert and confidential

guidance on workplace accommodations and disability

employment issues. You can find detailed information on

the ADA, EEOC, requesting accommodations, and much

more at http://www.askjan.org.

THE JOB SEARCH continued Four Key Websites for Your Job SearchNM Workforce

Connection WebsiteCareerOneStop & Veterans’

ReemploymentMilitary.Com

Web Address www.jobs.state.nm.us www.careeronestop.com www.military.com

Job Postings YES But does have a link to the NM Workforce Connection Website

YES

Job Application YESYou can apply for jobs through the Workforce Connection

NO YESThrough Monster.com

Career Exploration! Skills matching tools for veteransOccupation data (wages, job openings, education requirements) Assessments – Interest Profiler & Work Importance Locater

YESSkills matching tools for veteransOccupation data (wages, job openings, education requirements) Assessments – MyNextMove

Resume and Cover Letter Tips & Tools

YES YES YES

Interview and Other Job Search Tips & Tools

YES YES YES

Information on Education & Training Resources

YES YES YES

“ Spiders” jobs from other job posting websites such as Monster.com and Indeed.com so that you only need to search through one online website for your next job.

Includes the Veterans Reemployment site, specially designed to assist veteransService Locator – Find your nearest local NM Workforce Connection office

Federal Jobswww.usajobs.gov

CAREER EXPLORATION ASSESSMENTS Applying through the NM Workforce Connection Website

MyNextMove NM Workforce Connection Create an account and apply for jobs through the website. Your resume and other documents and application history is saved along with contact information of employers.

As a veteran, you receive preference in applying for federal jobs. Your LVER/DVOP can assist you to make sure you receive preference when applying.

Find occupations you're interested in based on job title or industry.

The Interest Profiler, similar to that at MyNextMove, identifies your interests to help you decide which jobs and careers want to explore.

The Work Importance Locator has you rank different aspects of work to identify your work values and what you’re looking for from your job overall (wages, flexibility, recognition)

21

Making Job Fairs Work for YouHow to get the most out of networking and job search

Job fairs are an excellent way to develop your professional network and seek job opportunities because you have the chance to meet and network with so many employers under one roof at one

time . The large number of employers and brief conver-sations that are part of the nature of job fairs can make some people uneasy . It’s almost like having an inter-view before you apply for a job . But, job fairs are also a unique opportunity to highlight and sell your skills, experience, and overall professional self face-to-face instead of having to develop interest solely through a resume and cover letter. There are several tips on how to prepare for and present yourself that will help make the task of discussing yourself and your qualifications in person not just less unnerving, but the best opportunity

you have in your job search .Before you start preparing for job fairs, you must first

find out where and when job fairs will be held in your area . A simple search through an Internet search engine will produce information on upcoming job fairs . Many job fairs are organized by business associations, education institutions, and government entities (cities, counties, and states) . Also keep in mind that many organizations and institutions host recurring job fairs, oftentimes annually .

Get PreparedThe best way to make job fairs work for you is to be as pre-pared as possible . There are several steps you should take to be ready to network and sell your skills and abilities the

moment you walk in the door . If you follow these tips, you’ll be in a much better position to walk out the door with solid job prospects .

Tip 1: Gather information on the job fair and register to attend in advance .

Many job fairs have websites that post logistical informa-tion and a listing of the employers that will be in attendance . Once you’ve identified a job fair you would like to attend, visit the job fair website and make sure you are clear on the specifics of the job fair location and operating hours . If the job fair does not have a website, make sure you gather logistical information from fliers or other sources prior to the event . If at all possible, register before attending the event . This enables you to hit the ground running once you arrive .

Tip 2: Identify employers that will be in attendance, research those employers, and list how you might contribute to their business .

It’s usually possible to obtain a list of employers that will be participating in the job fair ahead of time . Gathering information on employers and assessing how you might contribute to their business is one of the most important steps to prepare for a job fair and is a step that will likely pay off . Spend time researching each business, including their main business operations, their organization and different departments, open job opportunities posted on their website or other job sites, and how you might contribute to their business. Focus on collect ing information on the business similar to the information you would collect for a job interview . You will not have a lot of time to make an impression on employers, so if you can eliminate time learning about their company you will not only impress the business representatives, but you will also gain additional time to discuss why you would be a fit for their company . Also, keep an open mind . Researching employers that you aren’t familiar with can be just as rewarding and can broaden your perspective on opportunities that are available to you . Demonstrating you took the time to prepare and familiarize yourself with various aspects of the business will highlight your interest and your ability to be organized and professional . If there is an opening you want to apply for, APPLY! Keep notes on the positions for which you submitted an application so that you can refer to openings when you meet the employer at the job fair .

Tip 3: Prepare several versions of your resume and have hard and electronic copies ready to take with you .

Once you’ve researched the employers participating in the job fair you can begin to tailor your resume based on the types of employers that you are interested in speaking with . Use your general resume, but also prepare a few different versions that highlight different skills, abilities, or objectives based on the employer . The resumes you prepare should be brief and no more than one page . While two-page resumes are acceptable in general, it is important to keep a shorter, easy to read resume for job fairs . Employers receive many resumes so keeping it brief and to the point will be appreciated .

Print copies of each resume to distribute as appropriate at the job fair . The number of copies will depend on the size of the event . You may also want to have a copy of your resume on a portable drive (thumb/flash drive) . Some job fairs have com-puters available if you’d

like to customize and print your resume on site . Still, the best method is to have various hard copies ready prior to the fair .

You can also prepare copies of your cover letter to accom-pany your resume . While this is often a benefit, cover letters are not necessary . Your employer research should help you determine how to customize your cover letter .

Tip 4: Prepare a very brief summary of yourself and your strengths to pitch to employers .

You’ve put in the time to research the job fair’s participat-ing employers and have customized your resume, so don’t get stuck just handing out resumes . This is your opportunity to make a lasting impression, and the ball is in your court . When you hand your resume to an employer, be ready to expand upon the major points your resume outlines . Share some basic history on your skills and experience and discuss your

Job Fairs in NM

To find job fairs in New Mexico, visit the Job Fairs link at ww.dws.state.nm.us

The link will also list job fairs specfically for veterans.

Job Hunting Business CardsA great way to market yourself ad display professionalism is to create a job hunting business card with your name, contact information and 3 to 5 of your main skills. There are several affordable options for print it yourself or online printing sevices. This may be the right tool to help that employer remember you!

20

22 23

career interests . Your “pitch” should be very brief (1 to 2 min-utes) . Providing this information will engage the employer, enabling you to learn more about job opportunities and what the employer is looking for while identifying and elaborating on how you might contribute to their business/organization .

You’re at the Job Fair–Making ConnectionsHow you present yourself and your ability to make connections with employers are keys to your success at a job fair . Make sure that you are dressed at least business casual and that you’re ready to be forward and to interact with employers . Introducing yourself and asking questions of employers can be intimidating . While doing your homework and being prepared should help you shake any nerves, it’s important that you stay positive, be forward in introducing and talking about yourself, and keep your energy up . Remember to show confidence and a genuine interest in the person with whom you’re speaking . If you are attending the job fair with others, make sure you interact with employers on your own so that you can make an individual impression . You’ll also want to attend the job fair in its earlier hours . Some employers leave early due to travel .

You will be meeting a lot of employer representatives at the job fair . Always ask for the business card of the representative you are speaking with so that you can follow up once you leave . Carry a notepad with you to take down any contact

information if employers do not have business cards and to make notes from your conversations . This will be useful in following up with key employers after the job fair .

Following Up With Your ConnectionsHopefully, by the time you’ve left the job fair, you have at least a few promising contacts and potential opportunities . Job fairs by nature do not allow for extensive interaction . This is why it’s so important to follow up with the connec-tions you make . It is recommended that you email or mail a follow-up note within 24 hours of the job fair, much like you would after an interview . Also, if you come away with infor-mation on specific positions available, alter your resume to better fit the position and send the updated and customized

version to the business representative .One key thing to remember

throughout the job fair process is that even if an employer does not have an immediate job opening that you qualify for or are interested in, that doesn’t mean a position will not be open in the future . Making connections, even without a specific job opening available, strengthens your overall network and can greatly improve your chances in finding a position with that employer or other related employers in the future . If a specific position is not available, stay in contact with the employer representative you spoke with . Email once a month to demonstrate your continued interest and to see if new positions are available .

What is a Virtual Career Fair?Virtual career fairs are job fairs that are held online as opposed to in person. From your computer, you are able communicate and engage with employers in a virtual environment. As long as you have Internet access you are able to participate.

When searching for job fairs, keep virtual fairs in mind. With the same preparation as traditional fairs, “Atten-dance” at one of these fairs can really pay off!

MAKING JOB FAIRS WORK FOR YOU continued

24 25

Transferring Your SkillsHow to use your military experience to identify opportunities in the civilian labor force

If you’ve been reading this publication from the begin-ning, you probably know by now that one of the first things you need to do before you begin your job search is to identify how your military occupation and related

skills transfer to different civilian occupations . This is actu-ally a task that every job seeker should undertake . First, there is not always an obvious match between military and civil-ian occupations . You may be aware of a few occupations for which you are qualified, but it’s likely there are a few that you haven’t even thought of in beginning your civilian career . In

addition, you may not want to pursue a career in a civilian occupation that is similar to what you did in the military . If you’re looking to start something new and different, looking at how your military occupation transfers to civilian occupa-tions is a first step in identifying similar, and not so similar, civilian occupations .

The best tool available that will match your previous occupation with civilian occupations that have corresponding duties and KSAs is the “Match Your Occupation” tool through the NM Workforce Connection website . Similar tools are

CONTRACTING MANAGER / Air Force g Purchasing Agent

available through www .CareerOneStop .com and www .military .com . The following charts provide examples of the information you can gain from using the “Match Your Occupation” tool . They also give examples of a handful of common military occupations and potentially transferable civilian occupations . You can visit www .jobs .state .nm .us and www .

CareerOneStop .com to use other matching tools as

well (such as the “Match Your Skills” tool) .

Purchasing Agent is the best occupation match if you were a contracing agent in the military.

Civilian Occupations

Occupation Definition Education Requirements**

Experience Requirements** Average Wage

8 BEST MATCH! Purchasing Agent Except Wholesale,

Retail and Farm

Purchase machinery, equipment, tools, parts, supplies, or services necessary for the operation of an establishment. Purchase raw or semi-finished materials for manufacturing.

Bachelor’s degree 1 or 2 years of training w/ OJT experience & informal training w/ experienced workers.

$60,634

8� Insurance Adjuster, Examiner or Investigator

Investigate, analyze, and determine the extent of insurance company’s liability concerning personal, casualty, or property loss or damages, and attempt to effect settlement with claimants. Correspond with or interview medical specialists, agents, witnesses, or claimants to compile information. Calculate benefit payments and approve payment of claims within a certain monetary limit.

Long-term OJT 1 or 2 years of training w/ OJT experience & informal training w/ experienced workers.

$53,309

Insurance Appraiser, Auto Damage

Appraise automobile or other vehicle damage to determine cost of repair for insurance claim settlement and seek agreement with automotive repair shop on cost of repair. Prepare insurance forms to indicate repair cost or cost estimates and recommendations.

Work experience, related occupation

1 or 2 years of training w/ OJT experience & informal training w/ experienced workers.

$53,309

8 Cost Estimator Prepare cost estimates for product manufacturing, construction projects, or services to aid management in bidding on or determining price of product or service. May specialize according to particular service performed or type of product manufactured.

Bachelor’s degree Several years work-related experience, OJT, and/or vocational training.

$58,182

8�Credit Analyst Analyze current credit data and financial statements of individuals or firms to determine the degree of risk involved in extending credit or lending money. Prepare reports with this credit information for use in decision-making.


$53,679

Procurement Clerk Compile information and records to draw up purchase orders for procurement of materials and services.

Short-term OJT 1 or 2 years of training w/ OJT experience & informal training w/ experienced workers.

$34,984

8��Customer Service Representative

Interact with customers to provide information in response to inquiries about products and services and to handle and resolve complaints.

Moderate-term OJT

A few months to 1 year working with experienced employee

$28,999

Source: New Mexico Workforce Connection Website. www.jobs.state.nm.us as of March 30, 2012** Represents usual minimum requirements but requirements can change by employer and position.8Represents jobs that have a bright outlook nationally in regards to job growth.

2626

DAMAGE CONTROLMAN / Navy g Municipal Firefighter

Municipal firefighter is the best occupation match if you were in damage control in the military.

27




8 BEST MATCH! Municipal Firefighter

Control and extinguish municipal fires, protect life and property and conduct rescue efforts.

Long-term OJT Several years work-related experience, OJT, and/or vocational training

$35,405

8� Municipal Fire Fighting & Prevention Supervisors

Supervise fire fighters who control and extinguish municipal fires, protect life and prroperty, and conduct rescue efforts.


1 or 2 years of training with OJT experience & informal training with experienced workers.

$53,917

8� Forest Fire Fighting & Prevention Supervisors

Supervise fire fighters who control and suppress fires in forests or vacant public land



$53,917

8� Forest Fire Fighters Control and suppress fires in forests or vacant public land

Long-term OJT A few months to 1 year working with experienced employees.

$35,405

Fire Inspectors Inspect buildings and equipment to detect fire hazards and enforce state and local regulations



$53,847

Forest Fire Inspectors & Prevention Specialists

Enforce fire regulations and inspect for forest fire hazards. Report forest fires and weather conditions



Not Available

Fish & Game Wardens Patrol assigned area to prevent fish and game law violations. Investigate reports of damage to crops or property by wildlife. Compile biological data.

Long-term OJT Several years work-related experience, OJT, and/or vocational training.

Not Available

Transit & Railroad Police Protect and police railroad and transit property, employees, or passengers.

Long-term OJT 1 or 2 years of training with OJT experience & informal training with experienced workers.

Not Available

8� Security Guards Patrol assigned area to prevent fish and game law violations. Investigate reports of damage to crops or property by wildlife. Compile biological data

Long-term OJT A few months to 1 year working with experienced employees.

$26,927

8� Lifeguards, Ski Patrol & Other Recreational Protective Service

Monitor recreational areas, such as pools, beaches, or ski s lopes to provide assistance and protection to participants.

Not Available A few days to a few months of training with an experienced worker could show you how to do the job.

$19,901

8� Truck Drivers, Heavy and Tractor-Trailer

Drive a tractor-trailer combinatin or truck with capacity of at least 26,000 GVW, to transport and deliver goods, livestock, or materials in liquid, loose, or packaged form. May be required to unload truck. May require use of automated lifting equipment. Requires commercial driver’s license.

Moderate-term OJT A few months to 1 year working with experienced employees.

$37,095

Source: New Mexico Workforce Connection Website. www.jobs.state.nm.us as of March 30, 2012 **Represents usual minimum requirements. But requirements can change by employer and position.8Represents jobs that have a bright outlook nationally in regards to job growth.

28

COMBAT ENGINEER / Navy g Civil Engineer

Civil Engineer is the best occupation match if you were a combat engineer in the military. The Big-I in Albuquerque is an example of a civil engineering project.

29

Civilian Occupation


Experience Requirements**

Average Wage

8 BEST MATCH! Civil Engineer

Control and extinguish municipal fires, protect life and property and conduct rescue efforts.


$88,420

Landscape Architect Supervise fire fighters who control and extinguish municipal fires, protect life and prroperty, and conduct rescue efforts.


Not Available

8�Aerospace Engineer Supervise fire fighters who control and suppress fires in forests or vacant public land


$104,208

Industrial Safety & Health Engineer

Control and suppress fires in forests or vacant public land


$92,926

Marine Architect Inspect buildings and equipment to detect fire hazards and enforce state and local regulations

Bachelor’s degree Several years work-related experience, OJT, nd/or vocational training.

Not Available

Materials Engineer Enforce fire regulations and inspect for forest fire hazards. Report forest fires and weather conditions


$88,000

Mining & Geological Engineer, Including Mining Safety

Patrol assigned area to prevent fish and game law violations. Investigate reports of damage to crops or property by wildlife. Compile biological data.


$78,480

Petroleum Engineer Protect and police railroad and transit property, employees, or passengers.

Bachelor's degree Several years work-related experience, OJT, and/or vocational training.

$106,398

8�Electrical Drafter Develop specifications and instructions for installation of voltage transformers, overhead or underground cables, and related electrical equipment used to conduct electrical energy from transmission lines or high-voltage distribution lines to consumers.

Post-secondary vocational training


$50,636

8�Mechanical Drafter Prepare detailed working diagrams of machinery and mechanical devices,including dimensions, fastening methods, and other engineering information.



$53,035

8��Civil Engineering Technician

Apply theory and principles of civil engineerin in planning, designing, and overseeing construction and maintenance of structures and facilities under the direction of engineering staff or physical scientists.

Associate degree 1 or 2 years of training w/ OJT experience & informal training w/ experienced workers.

$41,401

Source: New Mexico Workforce Connection Website. www.jobs.state.nm.us as of March 30, 2012 ** Represents usual minimum requirements. But requirements can change by employer and position.8�Represents jobs that have a bright outlook nationally in regards to job growth.

MISSILE & SPACE SYSTEMS MAINTENANCE JOURNEYMAN/ Marine Corpsg Electrical & Electronics Repairer,

Commercial & Industrial Equipment

Electrical/electronics repairer, of commerical and industrial equipment is the best ocupation match if you were a missle and space systemes maintenance journeyman in the military.




8 BEST MATCH! Electrical & Electronics Repairer, Commercial & Industrial Equipment

Repair, test, adjust, or install electronic equipment, such as industrial controls, transmitters, and antennas.



$55,928

8 Computer Support Specialist

Provide technical assistance to computer system users. Answer ques-tions or resolve computer problems for clients in person, via telephone or from remote location. May provide assistance concerning the use of computer hardware and software, including printing, installation, word processing, electronic mail, and operating systems.


$48,657

8 Network Systems & Data Communications Analyst

Analyze, design, test, and evaluate network systems, such as local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), Internet, intranet, and other data communications systems. Perform network modeling, analysis, and planning. Research and recommend network and data communications hardware and software. Includes telecommunications specialists who deal with the interfacing of computer and communications equipment. May supervise computer programmers.

Bachelor's degree 1 or 2 years of training w/ OJT experience & informal training w/ experienced workers.

$72,082

8 Electronics Engineering Technician

Lay out, build, test, troubleshoot, repair, and modify developmental and production electronic components, parts, equipment, and systems, such as computer equipment, missile control instrumentation, electron tubes, test equipment, and machine tool numerical controls, applying principles and theories of electronics, electrical circuitry, engineering mathematics, electronic and electrical testing, and physics. Usually work under direction of engineering staff.


$57,814

8 Computer, Automated Teller & Office Machine Repairer

Repair, maintain, or install computers, word processing systems, automated teller machines, and electronic office machines, such as duplicating and fax machines



$34,647

Telecommunications Equipment Installer & Repairer, Except Line Installer

Set-up, rearrange, or remove switching and dialing equipment used in central offices. Service or repair telephones and other communication equipment on customers' property. May install equipment in new locations or install wiring and telephone jacks in buildings under construction.



$47,243

Electrical & Electronics Repairer, Powerhouse, Substation & Relayer

Inspect, test, repair, or maintain electrical equipment in generating stations, substations, and in-service relays.



$51,126

Electronic Home Entertainment Equipment Installer & Repairer

Repair, adjust, or install audio or television receivers, stereo systems, camcorders, video systems, or other electronic home entertainment equipment.



$25,491

3130

Source: New Mexico Workforce Connection Website. www.jobs.state.nm.us as of March 30, 2012 **Represents usual minimum requirements. But requirements can change by employer and position.8Represents jobs that have a bright outlook nationally in regards to job growth.




8 BEST MATCH! Computer Progammer

Convert project specifications and statements of problems and procedures to detailed logical flow charts for coding into computer language. Develop and write computer programs to store, locate, and retrieve specific documents, data, and information. May program web sites.


$79,512

8 Computer & Information Systems Manager

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis, and computer programming.


$103,371

8 Computer Support Specialist

Provide technical assistance to computer system users. Answer questions or resolve computer problems for clients in person, via telephone or from remote location. May provide assistance concerning the use of computer hardware and software, including printing, installation, word processing, electronic mail, and operating systems.

Long-term OJT 1 or 2 years of training w/ OJT experience & informal training with experienced workers.

$48,657

8 Computer Systems Analyst

Analyze science, engineering, business, and all other data processing problems for application to electronic data processing systems. Analyze user requirements, procedures, and problems to automate or improve existing systems and review computer system capabilities, workflow, and scheduling limitations. May analyze or recommend commercially available software. May supervise computer programmers.


1 or 2 years of training w/ OJT experience & informal training with experienced workers.

$79,713

8 Operations Research Analyst

Formulate and apply mathematical modeling and other optimizing methods using a computer to develop and interpret information that assists management with decision making, policy formulation, or other managerial functions. May develop related software, service, or products. Frequently concentrates on collecting and analyzing data and developing decision support software. May develop and supply optimal time, cost, or logistics networks for program evaluation, review, or implementation.

Master’s degree Some OJT but assumed person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.

$78,175

Computer Science Teacher, Postsecondary

Teach courses in computer science. May specialize in a field of computer science, such as the design and function of computers or operations and research analysis.

Doctorate degree Some OJT but assumed person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.

$62,701

Computer Operator Monitor and control electronic computer and peripheral electronic data processing equipment to process business, scientific, engineering, and other data according to operating instructions. May enter commands at a computer terminal and set controls on computer and peripheral devices. Monitor and respond to operating and error messages.

Moderate-term OJT


$35,324

8��Computer, Automated Teller & Office Machine Repairer

Repair, maintain, or install computers, word processing systems, automated teller machines, and electronic office machines, such as duplicating and fax machines.

Short-term OJT 1 or 2 years of training w/ OJT experience & informal training w/ experienced workers.

$34,674

��Numerical Tool & Process Control Programmer

Develop programs to control machining or processing of parts by automatic machine tools, equipment, or systems.

Long-term OJT 1 or 2 years of training w/ OJT experience & informal training w/ experienced workers.

$57, 988

Source: New Mexico Workforce Connection Website. www.jobs.state.nm.us as of March 30, 2012 **Represents usual minimum requirements. But requirements can change by employer and position.�8Represents jobs that have a bright outlook nationally in regards to job growth.

33

SMALL COMPUTER SYSTEMS OPERATOR/PROGRAMMER / Marine Corps g Computer Progammer

32

Computer programmer is the best match for your skills if you were a small computer systems operator/programmer in the military.

34 35

A Snapshot – Businesses and Industries Actively Recruiting VetsIdentifying some of the best employment opportunities

There are several national programs that work to encourage businesses to hire veter-ans . Just one example is Hire Heroes USA—a non-profit organization that provides personalized employment training to veterans and their spouses and engages busi-nesses and corporations in the hiring process . One of the best resources to use in

finding businesses that actively recruit veterans is your local NM Workforce Connection Office . LVER and DVOP specialists work with businesses in their local communities to encourage the hiring of veterans and to match individual veterans to known job openings . There are also federal benefits provided to employers to incentivize hiring veterans . WOTC, discussed in more detail in the Employment & Education Program & Services article of this publication, provides a federal tax credit to private-sector businesses that hire veterans .

National and local programs and incentives are invaluable and undertake the mission of assisting veterans in finding civilian work . There are, however, many businesses that actively recruit vets simply because they recognize the value veterans bring to the job and the workplace . Maybe the business owner is a veteran or is close with someone who is . It could be that they have employed veterans previously and have experienced firsthand the benefits of such employees . Or it may be that they simply are aware of the sacrifice of military service members and would like to personally recognize that sacrifice by offering employment opportunities . Whatever the reason, these businesses are creating opportunities, and it is important to be aware of what they offer .

So what types of businesses are actively recruiting or hiring veterans? There are many types of businesses and industries, and they vary by city and state . Here are some better known indus-tries and businesses that traditionally provide opportunities to veterans both in New Mexico and nationally .

Federal, State and Local Employment — Your Best BetPublic-sector employment with federal, state, and local governments and businesses that contract with these entities is one of your best opportunities as a veteran . First, as a veteran, you are entitled to preference in hiring for competitive positions within the federal Government over other applicants . As discussed in detail in the Employment & Education Program & Services article of this publication (and at www .fedshirevets .gov), while veterans preference does not guarantee a job, it positions eligible veterans to better compete . This is one reason so many veterans are employed with the federal government and its contractors . The US Forest Service and US Border Patrol are just two examples of federal departments that actively recruit veterans. For example, the US Forest Service, in partnership with the US Department of the Interior/Bureau of Land Management and Veterans Green Jobs have created a Veterans Fire Corps . The program provides training opportunities and on-the-

36 37

job experience for veterans interested in entering careers in natural resource management and wildland firefighting . New Mexico also has many federal contractors . Los Alamos National Laboratory and Sandia National Laboratories bring in a significant number of federal contracts . Other businesses with a significant amount in contracts include Applied Research Associates, Honeywell International, USF Holding Corp ., SAIC, Inc ., and the University of New Mexico .

Many veterans also work in state and local government . The State of New Mexico, like the federal government, also provides hiring preference to veterans . State hiring preference is discussed in further detail and web links are provided in the Employment & Education Program & Services section of this publication . Some local jurisdictions may also provide hiring preference, and you should visit city or county websites to identify individual preference programs . Police and fire departments are just two entities at the local level that actively recruit veterans based on comparable training and skills gained from active duty service .

What About the Private Sector?Public entities are a great place to start when looking for job opportunities . But what about the private sector? Here is a list of the “35 most valuable employers for military” from www .military .com . This list was com-piled by Civilian Job News . Companies that operate in New Mexico are designated with ** (20 out of 35) .

Amazon: Retailers of books, media, electronics and other goods .

The Exchange: The Army & Air Force Exchange Service .

**BNSF Railway: Operates more than 1,000 trains a day on one of the largest freight rail transportation networks in North America .

CACI International Inc: Provides professional services and IT solutions needed to prevail in the areas of defense, intel-

ligence, homeland security, and IT modernization and government transformation . Capstone Corporation: Custom-izes the delivery of services and solutions for military and civil operations, enterprise technical requirements, and organization and mission support services .

CenterPoint Energy: Operates in electric transmission and distribu-tion, natural gas distribution, in-terstate natural gas pipelines, field services, and competitive natural gas sales and services .

**Chesapeake Energy Corporation: Focuses on discov-ering, acquiring, and developing conventional and unconventional natural gas and oil fields onshore in the U .S .

**Cintas: Designs, manufactures and implements corporate identity, uniform programs, and also provides promotional and first-aid-safety materials to more than 800,000 businesses .

Concurrent Technologies Corporation (CTC): Independent, nonprofit, applied scientific re search and development professional services organization provides innovative management and technology-based solutions .

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR VETS continued

Veterans Green CorpsVeterans Green Corps is a collaborative initiative of Veterans Green Jobs and conservation corps organizations throughout the U.S. The program assists with the transition to civilian life of recently returning veterans by leveraging their leader-ship experience, strong work ethic, and team approach to meet conservation needs on public lands. Veterans Green

Corps supplies the gear and the training, while vets supply the human power and dedication needed to protect and preserve the nation’s public lands. Veterans Green Corps is a program of Veterans Green Jobs. For more information, visit http://veteransgreenjobs.org/veteransgreencorps

CSX Transportation: Operates transportation network of about 21,000 route miles of track in 23 states, the District of Columbia and the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Quebec .

**DaVita, Inc.: Delivers dialysis services in more than 1,500 outpatient clinics .

**Dollar General: The nation’s largest small-box discount retailer, with 9,200 stores in 35 states and nine distribution centers, representing 87,904 employees .

Fluor Corporation: Fortune 500 com-pany delivers engineering, procurement, construction, maintenance, and project management to governments and clients in diverse industries around the world .

**G4S Secure Solutions (USA): Leading international security solutions group has more than 50,000 employees across the United States and Canada .

**General Electric: Employs more than 10,000 U .S . veterans, and one in 14 GE employees is a veteran .

Halfaker and Associates, LLC: Specializes in information technology, organization and strategy, intelligence and operations, and supply and logistics .

ManTech International Corporation: Provides technologies and solutions for mission-critical national security programs .

**Navy Federal Credit Union: Armed forces bank serves the Navy, Army, Marine Corps, Air Force, Veterans, and DoD .

**Northrop Grumman: Global security company provides innovative systems, products, and solu-tions in aerospace, electronics, information systems, and technical services to government and commercial custom-ers worldwide .

**Paychex, Inc.: Provides outsourcing services payroll processing, retirement services, insurance, and human resources .

**Progressive Insurance Company: Auto insurance provider .

Puget Sound Energy: A regulated utility providing electric and natural gas service to the Puget Sound region .

SAYtr: For officers or senior NCOs who have a back-ground/interest in civil engineering, facilities management, Base Realignment and Closure, Force Realignment and Beddown, and similar transitional leadership type work .

**Schlumberger: Oilfield services company supplying technology, information solutions, and integrated project management that optimize reservoir performance for customers working in the oil and gas industry .

Schneider National, Inc.: Specializes in truck driving jobs, and maintenance, ware-house, and office careers .

**Sears Holdings Corporation: The merger of Kmart and and Sears has resulted in this company, which manages both stores .

Southern Company: Electricity providers service both regulated and competitive mar-kets across the southeastern United States .

**Sprint: High-profile wireline and wireless service provider .

Transocean: Handles offshore drilling, from world water-depth and well-depth drilling records to facilitating revolutionary subsea completions .

**United Rentals, Inc.: Equipment rental company has an integrated network of more than 550 rental locations in 48 states and 10 Canadian provinces .

**University of Phoenix: Provides local and long-distance education options .

**URS, Federal Services: Engineering, con-struction and technical services organization .

**USAA: Provider of insurance, investments, and banking products to members of the U .S . military and their families .

**Verizon Communications Inc.: Wireless communica-tions, IP networks, and information and entertainment provider .

**Waste Management, Inc.: Partners with customers and communities to manage and reduce waste from collection to disposal while recovering valuable resources and creating clean, renewable energy .

38 39

While all job seekers look to answer these questions and many resources are available, resources exist that are targeted solely towards veterans and the unique challenges

and opportunities they face . Whether it’s a program that helps you look for work, educational opportunities through the GI Bill, or services geared towards homeless vets, there is a program out there that can assist you in your transition into civilian life and the civilian workforce .

Veterans’ Transition Assistance Program (TAP)The TAP offers job-search assistance, employment and training information, and related services to separating service members within 180 days of separation or retirement . The TAP program aims to address barriers to success and alleviate employment

related difficulties that veterans face after separation .TAP consists of comprehensive three-day workshops at

selected military installations nationwide . Professionally trained workshop facilitators from the State Employment Services, military family support services, DOL contractors, or VETS staff present the workshops . Workshop attend-ees learn about job searches, career decision-making, cur-rent occupational and labor market conditions, resumeand cover letter preparation, and interviewing techniques . Par-ticipants are also provided with an evaluation of their em-ployability relative to the job market and receive information on the most current veterans benefits .

There is also the (DTAP) program for veterans with service-connected disabilities . DTAP includes the normal three-day TAP workshop plus additional hours of individual instruction to help determine job readiness and address the special needs of disabled veterans .

How do I get

additional training?

How do I identify all of the

steps I need to take to prepare for entering the

workforce?

What are some tips to help market

myself to employers?

What are the challenges you

may face as a veteran

transitioning into the civilian

workforce? An independent evaluation of the Veterans’ TAP Program estimated that service members who had participated in TAP, on average, found their first post-military job

three weeks sooner than those who did not participate in TAP!

Employment Programs & Services Resources to help you look for work, market yourself, and successfully apply for jobs. Cannon AFB Holloman AFB Kirtland AFB

Transition Assistance Program200 W . Terminal AvenueCannon AFB NM 88103575 .784 .4228575 .784 .6765 (f)www .cannon .af .mil

Transition Assistance Program749 New Mexico AvenueBldg . 788Holloman AFB, NM 88330575 .572 .7754575 .572 .7757 (f)

Transition Assistance Program1451 4th Street, Bldg . 20245Kirtland AFB, NM 87117505 .846 .0741 or 505 .846 .0751505 .846 .9889 (f)Fax (DSN) 312 .246 .9889www .kirtlandforcesupport .com

What recources

are available to help

me look for work?

The services offered by TAP are provided through a partnership between the Departments of Defense, Veterans Affairs, Transportation and the VETS . The TAP website—www .turbotap .org—is an excellent resource to find infor-

mation on TAP services and to register for workshops near you . For more information about TAP or to apply for this program, visit the TAP website, contact your local LVER/DVOP Specialist, or contact any of the following TAP offices:

VA Compensated Work Therapy (CWT) ProgramThe Compensated Work Therapy (CWT) is a rehabilitation program through the VA that endeavors to match and support work-ready veterans in competitive jobs and to consult with business and industry regarding their specific employment needs . CWT programs develop an individual rehabilitation plan for each veteran . New Mexico’s CWT program is located at the Raymond G . Murphy VA Medical Center in Albuquerque . The program provides:

n Vocational rehabilitation services

n Job matching and employment support

n Vocational case management

n Work site and job analysis

n Consultation regarding assistive technology

n Reasonable accommodation

n Guidance in addressing ADA regulations compliance

Specific programs within CWT include pre-employment programs that match veterans with employment opportuni-ties, programs that provide competitive employment with therapeutic supports integrated into the treatment, and a resi-dential rehabilitation treatment program . The CWT program also assists employers through work site and job assessment, staff training and consultation services, employee assessment and screening, and job matching and follow-up services .

For more information, visit www .cwt .va .gov or contact the CWT Program Coordinator at Raymond G . Murphy VA Medical Center .

Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) VetSuccess ProgramThe Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) VetSuccess Program, often referred to as the Chapter 31 program, assists veterans with service-connected disabilities to prepare for, find, and keep suitable jobs . For veterans with service-connected disabilities so severe that they cannot immediately consider work, VetSuccess offers services to improve their ability to live as independently as possible . VetSuccess offers many services including:

New Mexico VA Health Care System Raymond G. Murphy VA Medical CenterCWT Program1501 San Pedro SEAlbuquerque, NM 87108505-265-1711 ext . 2356505-991-4673

Bill Armstrong

40 41

n Comprehensive rehabilitation evaluations;n Vocational counseling and rehabilitation planningn Employment services such as job-training, jobs-seeking

skills, and resume development;n Assistance finding and keep a job including the use of

special employer incentives;n On-the-job training, apprenticeships, and non-paid work

experiences;n Post-secondary training;n Supportive rehabilitation services including case

management, counseling, and medical referrals; andn Independent living services for veterans unable to work

due to their disabilities .An assessment of the Veteran’s interests, aptitudes, and abilities is completed along with an assessment of service connected disabilities and establishment of vocational exploration and goal development once eligibility is established .

For more information on the VetSuccess Program visit www .vba .va .gov/bln/vre .

Veterans’ Preference – Federal HiringDid you know that as a veteran, you are entitled to preference over others in hiring for competitive positions within the fed-eral government? Veterans who are disabled or who served on active duty in the Armed Forces during certain specified time periods or in military campaigns are entitled to prefer-ence over others in hiring from competitive lists of eligible applicants and also in retention during reductions in force . Preference applies in hiring for virtually all jobs, whether in the competitive or excepted service . However, the veterans preference laws do not guarantee veterans a job, nor do they give veterans preference in internal agency actions such as promotion, transfer, reassignment, and reinstatement .

There are many requirements for eligibility for preference .For more specific information on veterans preference, you can review the VetGuide at www .fedshirevets .gov . This guide explains how the federal employment system works and how veterans preference and the special appointing authorities for veterans operate within the system . First and foremost,

to claim preference on a federal job application, you must complete Standard Form 15, Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, and submit the requested documenta-tion . Standard Form 15 form can be found at www .opm .gov/forms .

Veterans’ Preference – State of New Mexico HiringVeterans of the United States Armed Forces or applicants currently serving in the National Guard are given some degree of preference in applications to New Mexico State Government jobs . Preference recognizes the economic loss suffered by citizens who have served their country in uni-form, restores veterans to a favorable competitive position for government employment, and acknowledges the larger obli-gation owed to disabled veterans and current members of the National Guard . To be entitled to preference, a United States veteran must meet the eligibility requirements in accordance with the provisions of Section 10-1-13 .2 and Section 20-4-9, NMSA 1978 . This means that the veteran had:

You can find a listing of federal jobs at www.usajobs.gov

OR at New Mexico’s own job portal:

www.jobs.state.nm.us

Helmets to Hardhats and Troops to Teachers (TTT) ProgramsHelmets to Hardhats and Troops to Teachers (TTT) are two programs offered by the federal government to assist veterans in entering the construction and education fields.

Helmets to Hardhats is an effort of the Center for Military Recruitment, Assessment and Veterans’ Employment (CMRAVE, a nonprofit organization) that helps you build your professional profile, search and apply for jobs, and connect with other veterans in construction. TTT is a program under the Department of Defense (DoD) Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES). TTT assists eligible military personal to transition to a new career as a public school teacher in targeted schools. A network of state TTT offices has been established to pro-vide participants with counseling and assistance regarding certification requirements, routes to state certification, and employment leads. Financial assistance may be provided to individuals to help pay for teacher certifica-tion costs and bonuses to teach in schools serving a higher percentage of low-income family students.

For more information on Helmets to Hardhats, visit http://helmetstohardhats.org.

F or more information on Troops to Teachers, visit http://dantes.doded.mil/Sub%20Pages/TTT/TTT_Main.html

EMPLOYMENT PROGRAMS & SERVICES continued

n An honorable or general discharge from the United States Armed Forces;

n An honorable discharge with a service-connected dis-ability from the United States Armed Forces; or

n Is currently serving in the National Guard .

When applying for New Mexico State government jobs, eligible veterans and/or National Guard members should claim preference on their resumes . Applicants claiming preference must submit appropriate documentation with their application . For more information on eligibility requirements and how to apply for hiring preference, visit www .spo .state .nm .us/Veterans_and_NG_Eligibility_Guide .aspx .

For more information on Troops to Teachers, visit www .dantes .doded .mil/Sub%20Pages/TTT/TTT_Main .

Programs for Veteran Business OwnersVA Center for Veterans Enterprise (CVE)VA has created the Center for Veterans Enterprise (CVE), which is solely dedicated to assisting veterans in starting and building businesses . The CVE is part of the VA’s Office of Small Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU) . They maintain a website that serves as the federal government portal for veteran-owned businesses known as VETBIZ.GOV. CVE’s website provides many links to sites providing assistance to veteran entrepreneurs . The principal purposes of this site are to provide information about the VIP verification process, to assist veteran business owners in registering their business in the secretary’s database of veteran-owned small

businesses (VOSBs), and to enable VA contracting officers to easily identify service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses (SDVOSBs) and VOSBs eligible for procurement opportunities . The website also provides information on the US Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Office of Veterans Business Development and its Veterans Business Outreach Centers (VBOCs) nationwide . For more information, visit www .va .gov/osdbu/veteran .

US Small Business Administration (SBA)—Office of Veterans Business DevelopmentThe Veterans Business Outreach Program (VBOP) is designed to provide entrepreneurial development services such as business training, counseling and mentoring, and referrals for eligible veterans owning or considering starting a small business . The office is also responsible for liaison with the veteran business community; for policy analysis and reporting; for acting as an Ombudsman for veterans in SBA programs; for providing business training, counseling,

One of the many programs available to returning veterans is Helmets to Hardhats.

There are a myriad of business development and loan assistance available to veteran business owners. To get more information on what’s available to you, contact:

NM Veterans Business Outreach Center & NM Veterans Enterprise Training Program

300 San Mateo Blvd. NE, Suite 106 Albuquerque, NM 87108 505-841-4783 http://nmvboc.org

42 43

and assistance; and for overseeing the federal procurement programs for VOSBs and SDVOSBs . The SBA has 16 organizations participating in this cooperative agreement and serving as VBOCs .

These centers provide:

n Pre-business plan workshopsn Concept assessmentsn Business plan preparationsn Comprehensive feasibility analysisn Entrepreneurial training and counselingn Mentorshipn Other business development related services (Internet

marketing, accounting, int’l trade)

For more information, visit http://archive .sba .gov/aboutsba/sbaprograms/ovbd .

Programs for Businesses Hiring VeteransWork Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC)WOTC is a federal tax credit incentive that Congress provides to private-sector businesses for hiring individuals from eleven target groups who have consistently faced significant barriers to employment . One of these groups is veterans . While the WOTC does not provide direct support to veterans looking for work, it does provide an incentive and is one of many selling points for businesses to hire veterans . Businesses are compensated by having their federal income tax liability reduced . For more information on the WOTC, visit www .doleta .gov/business/incentives/opptax or the NMDWS website: www .dws .state .nm .us/dws-TaxCreditOp .html .

US Department of Labor America’s Heroes at Work—Hiring Veterans ToolkitIf you own a business and are interested in developing or enhancing a veterans hiring initiative for your company, but don’t know where to begin, a new toolkit is available to help . The Hiring Veterans Toolkit through America’s Heroes at Work is designed to assist and educate employers who have made the proactive decision to include transitioning service members, veterans, and wounded warriors in their recruit-ment and hiring initiatives . The Toolkit was developed to simplify the process and pinpoint helpful tools and outline some important steps to take when designing a veterans hir-ing initiative that works for your particular business . Visit www .afcommunity .af .mil for more information .

The guide allows you to select from promising practices and other resources that employers are using to successfully welcome talented and skilled veterans into their companies . For more information on the Toolkit, visit www .americash-eroesatwork .gov/forEmployers/HiringToolkit .

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR)Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) is a DoD organization that promotes cooperation and understanding between Reserve component members and their civilian employers and assists in the resolution of conflicts arising from an employee’s military commitment . ESGR provides services to employers and Reserve service members . ESGR provides service members with samples of military leave absence forms, sample letters, service policies, and tips to help avoid employment changes . ESGR also educates service members and their civilian employers regarding their rights and responsibilities under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployent Rights Act (USERRA) . For more information, you can visit www .esgr .mil for national information, www .nmesgr .mil for the New Mexico ESGR office, or contact one of the following New Mexico ESGR staff .

Ernest RodriguezAdmin Support Technician505-271-7118ernest .d .rodriguez2@us .army .mil

William ShuertProgram Support Specialist505-271-7122Bill .shuert@us .army .mil

Gary KaiserProgram Support Manager505-271-7117gary .kaiser@us .army .mil

New Mexico ESGR600 Wyoming Boulevard NE Suite 100Albuquerque, NM 87123505-271-7117

Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA)The USERRA clarifies and strengthens the Veterans’ Reemployment Rights (VRR) Statute and, through many directives, essentially protects civilian job rights and benefits

for veterans and members of Reserve components . While the USERRA is not necessarily a program for businesses hiring vets, it is an invaluable resource for businesses seeking to understand and comply with the rights of veterans and Reserve members on their staff . The VETS program provides assistance to all persons having claims under USERRA and assists employers in understanding the provisions of the act . The main functions of USERRA include:

n Protecting civilian job rights and benefits for veterans and members of Reserve components .

n Making major improvements in protecting service member rights and benefits by clarifying the law, improving enforcement mechanisms, and adding federal government employees to those employees already eligible to receive Department of Labor assistance in processing claims .

n Establishing the cumulative length of time that an individual may be absent from work for military duty and retain reemployment rights to five years (there are some exception) and clearly establishing that reemployment protection does not depend on the timing, frequency, duration, or nature of an

individual’s service as long as the basic eligibility criteria are met .

n Providing protection for disabled veterans, requiring employers to make reasonable efforts to accommodate the disability .

n Providing that returning service members are reemployed in the job that they would have attained had they not been absent for military service, with the same seniority, status and pay, as well as other rights and benefits determined by seniority .

n Requiring that reasonable efforts (such as training or retraining) be made to enable returning service members to refresh or upgrade their skills to help them qualify for reemployment .

n Providing health and pension plan coverage for service members .

n Requiring that service members provide advance written or verbal notice to their employers for all military duty unless giving notice is impossible, unreasonable, or precluded by military necessity .

For more information on the USERRA, visit www .dol .gov/vets/programs/userra or contact a New Mexico Workforce Connection office and LVER/DVOP specialist .

The National Resource DirectoryYour Source for Comprehensive Information on All Veterans Benefits & Resources

The National Resource Directory (www.nationalresourcedi-rectory.gov) is one of the best overall resources for veterans. While the NM Workforce Connection website is an essential tool in your job search and entry into the civilian labor force (for those veterans recently separated), the National Resource Directly provides information on all of the benefits available to veterans from employment to education to housing, health, and homeless assistance. Information is organized into the following subjects:

n Benefits and Compensation n Homeless Assistance

n Education & Training n Housing

n Employment n Transportation & Travel

n Family & Caregiver Support n Volunteer Opportunities

n Health n Other Services & Resources

EMPLOYMENT PROGRAMS & SERVICES continued

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Education Programs & ServicesResources to help you get the education & training you need to follow your civilian career path

The Post-9/11 and Montgomery GI Bills

The GI Bill is arguably one of the most beneficial education programs provided to veterans with honorable discharge . There are two GI Bills–the Montgomery GI Bill and the Post-9/11 GI Bill . The New Mexico Department of Higher Education (NM HED) Veteran Education & Training (VET) Division contracts with VA to approve schools and facilities in New Mexico for providing educational benefits through the GI Bills . Visit www .hed .state .nm .us/VetEdTrain .aspx for

more information on the VET Division and what they do .

The Post-9/11 GI Bill provides financial support for edu-cation and housing to individuals with at least 90 days of aggregate service after September 10, 2001, or individuals discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days . The Bill pays full tuition and fees for all public school in-state students for up to 36 months . The Bill also pays tuition and fees at private or foreign schools (fees are capped) . The Bill also provides a monthly housing allowance and an annual books and supplies stipend . Associate’s, bachelor’s, or

graduate degree programs along with on-the-job training, apprenticeship, flight training, other professional training, and non-college degree training are all covered under the Post-9/11 GI Bill . For certain service members, Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits can also be transferred to dependents .

The Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) includes the Montgomery GI Bill—Active Duty (Chapter 30) and the Montgomery GI Bill—Selected Reserve (Chapter 1606) . Chapter 30 provides up to 36 months of education benefits for degree and certificate programs, flight training, appren-ticeship/on-the-job training, correspondence courses, entrepreneurship training, and certain entrance examina-tions . Remedial, deficiency, and refresher courses may be approved under certain circumstances . Generally, benefits are payable for 10 years following your release from active duty . Under Chapter 30, active duty members enroll and pay $100 per month for 12 months and are then entitled to receive a monthly education benefit once they have completed a minimum service obligation . Some service members may contribute up to an additional $600 to the GI Bill to receive increased monthly benefits . There are several eligibility requirements . For more information, visit www .gibill .va .gov/benefits/montgomery_gibill/index .html .

Chapter 1606 is available to members of the Selected Reserve (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard Reserves and the Army and Air National Guards) . Chapter 1606 provides 36 months of education benefits for degree programs, certificate or correspondence courses, cooperative training, independent study programs, appren-ticeship/on-the-job training, and vocational flight training programs . Remedial, refresher, and deficiency training are available under certain circumstances . To be eligible you must be a reservist who is actively drilling and has a 6-year obligation in the Selected Reserve, signed after June 20, 1985 . You also must have completed your initial active duty for training (IADT) and have received your high school diploma or equivalent prior to that completion . Finally, you must have remained in good standing while serving in an active Selected Reserve unit . Your eligibility ends on the day you leave the Selected Reserve (unless you were mobilized, in which case your eligibility may be extended) .

The Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP)REAP is a benefit providing educational assistance to members of the reserve components—Selected Reserve and Individual Ready Reserve (IRR)—who are called or ordered to active service in response to a war or national emergency,

as declared by the President or Congress . The “reserve components” consist of Army Reserve, Naval Reserve, Air Force Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve, Coast Guard Reserve, and the Army National Guard, Air National Guard, Army IRR, Air Force IRR, Navy IRR, and Marine Corps IRR .

“Active Service” is service on active duty or full-time National Guard duty . REAP education benefits are provided for up to 36 months and include receipt of a percentage of the Montgomery GI Bill-Active Duty payment rate based on the number of continuous days served on active duty . Eligible reserve component members include those who served on active duty on or after September 11, 2011, for at least 90 consecutive days under a contingency operation (current Iraq or Afghanistan operations) . National Guard members are eligible if their active service extended for 90 consecutive days or more and their service was authorized under Section 502(f), title 32, U .S .C, authorized by the President or Secretary of Defense for a national emergency, and are supported by federal funds . For more information, visit www .gibill .va .gov/benefits/other_programs/reap .html .

Veterans Education Assistance Program (VEAP)VEAP is an educational assistance program available to service members who elected to make contributions from their military pay to participate in the program . Under VEAP, a service member’s contributions to the program are matched on a two-to-one basis by the government . Education benefits are available for up to 36 months and can be used for degree, certificate, correspondence, apprenticeship/on-the-job, and vocational flight training programs . In certain circumstances, remedial, deficiency, and refresher training may also be available . To be eligible, you must have:

n Entered service between January 1, 1977, and June 30, 1985;

n Opened an account prior to April 1, 1987;n Contributed $25 to $2,700; n Completed your first period of service, and

n Been discharged under conditions other than dishonorable .

Job Corps Demonstration ProjectThe VETS and DOL’s Employment and Training Administration (ETA) Job Corps are partnering in a demonstration project that will provide Job Corps’ comprehensive array of career development services to eligible veterans 20 to 24 years old to prepare them for successful careers . This is a fully-Courtesy of Cannon Air Force Base

46 47

funded, all-expense-paid demonstration project that is free for veterans . The program includes transportation to and from the Job Corps center, housing, meals, basic medical services, academic and career technical training, bi-weekly living allowance, and job placement and post-graduation support . Job Corp and ETA have created an accelerated, customized program developed specifically for veterans . Veterans accepted into the demonstration project will be living among non-veterans and other veterans who are also transitioning from the military to civilian life . One of the Job Corps program’s key benefits is its post-graduate support . When veterans are ready to begin transitioning into their career, Job Corps staff will assist them in job searching, resume drafting, and job interviewing skills .

The enrollment will be open and continuous until a center enrolls 100 veterans . It is expected that veteran participants will be enrolling and graduating at various rates . Although Job Corps has set aside 300 slots for the demonstration project, actual participation during the year may exceed

that number due to continuous enrollment . For more information and to sign-up for the demonstration program, visit www .recruiting .jobcorps .gov/en/vets .aspx . You can find New Mexico Job Corp Centers listed at:

Albuquerque Roswell1500 Indian School Rd NW P .O . Box 5970Albuquerque, NM 87104 57 G Street505-222-4243 575-347-5414505-346-2769 (f) 575-347-2243 (f)http://albuquerque .jobcorps .gov http://Roswell .jobcorps .gov

VA Work-Study ProgramDid you know that if you participate in the Post-9/11 or Montgomery GI Bill, REAP, VEAP, the VR&E Program, or the National Call to Service program (incentives to serve), you have the opportunity to participate in the Work-Study Program under the VA? The VA work-study allowance is available to persons training on a full-time or three-quarter-time basis under any of these programs or for those who are eligible dependents . The student may work at his/her school veterans office, VA medical facilities, the VA regional office, a DoD Facility, or at approved State employment offices . Work-study students are paid either the State or federal minimum wage, whichever is greater, and work 25 hours a week . Within the Work-Study Program, veterans with service-connected disabilities of at least 30 percent may be given priority consideration . To learn more about the VA Work-Study Program and download a copy of the application form, visit the following link or contact your local LVER/DVOP specialist . http://gibill .va .gov/resources/education_resources/programs/work_study_program

On-The-Job (OJT) & Apprenticeship TrainingOn the Job (OJT) and Apprenticeship training ar both opportunities for veterans to learn silled occupations while performing performing job functions in a work environment under skilled worker supervision . For both OJT and Apprenticeship training, employers apply for approval with NM HED to create positions and must meet minimum requirements . For example, to create an OJT position, an employer must meet minimum requirements related to wages, level of skill developed, and reasonable certainty that a job will exist for the veteran once OJT is complete . Virtually any job can receive approval for veterans benefits . OJT consists of at least 6 months of training, but no more than 24 months . Upon completion of OJT, the participant receives a certificate of completion . Apprenticeship programs normally run two to four years . An occupation eligible for apprenticeship instruction requires a minimum of 2,000 hours of on-the-

job training to learn the necessary manual, mechanical, or technical skills, in addition to a recommended 144 hours per year instruction to supplement the on-the-job training . For more information on OJT and Apprenticeship opportunities and a listing of approved programs, visit www .hed .state .nm .us/OntheJob or contact your local Veterans Representative .

Vietnam Veterans ScholarshipThe Vietnam Veterans Scholarship Program was created to provide aid for Vietnam veterans who are undergradu-ate and graduate students attending public post-secondary institutions or select private colleges in New Mexico (pri-vate colleges include St . John’s College and College of the Southwest) . The scholarship can be used to pay for tuition, required fees, and required books . The scholarship is renew-able if the student maintains satisfactory progress . To be eligible, the veteran must be an undergraduate or graduate student who was honorably discharged, be a resident at the original time of entry into the armed forces or have lived in New Mexico for ten years or more, and have been awarded a Vietnam combat medal for services during the Vietnam conflict . For more information on the scholarship and instructions to apply, visit www .hed .state .nm .us/vet .aspx .

Vietnam Veterans Centers and Services at New Mexico’s Higher Education InstitutionsThe following is a listing of veterans resources at three of New Mexico’s higher education institutions . To find veterans

resources at an institution that is not on this list, please visit the institution website . Web addresses for all New Mexico’s higher education institutions can be found at www .jobs .state .nm .us under Training Providers and Schools, under the Education Services link .

Veterans Resource Center (VRC) at the University of New MexicoThe Veterans Resource Center (VRC) department at UNM is run by veterans for veterans . The UNM VRC is a central-ized resource hub, easily accessible and widely available to all veterans and their families . VRC staff will help you navigate through the challenges of transitioning from the military to a civilian/academic environment . One of the key aspects of the VRC is that it is not just a resource for UNM veterans but a resource for veterans at all higher education learning institutions in New Mexico .

VRC services are available to all veterans—active duty, reserve, guard, separated, and retired—and their dependents who would like to explore the possibility of attending UNM and/or any other New Mexico accredited higher education institution . The VRC provides education, administrative services, and job advisement to student veterans and their families, as well as outreach to military communities at large . The goals of the VRC are:

n To make UNM known as the premier veteran-friendly institution in a veteran-friendly state .

n To increase the admission, retention, and graduation rates of veterans .

What Do I Need to Do to Apply for Chapter 30, Chapter 1606, REAP, or VEAP Educational Benefits?For all benefits, you need to complete the VA Form

22-1990, Application for Education Benefits, and send it to

the VA regional office with jurisdiction over the state where

you will train. Make sure to include a copy of your DD Form

214. If you have already begun your education/training,

you will need to take the complete 22-1990 to your school

or employer and have them complete a VA Form 22-1999.

You will then send both forms to the VA regional office that

oversees the area in which your school/work is located.

Chapter 30: No additional requirements

Chapter 1606: Get your DD 2384-1, Notice of Basic

Eligibility, from your unit and include it in your submittal to

the VA regional office (if in education/training, provide it to

your school or employer for completion of your 22-1999).

REAP: Make sure you print “Chapter 1606” at the top of

your 22-1990.

VEAP: No additional requirements

For more information and to apply electronically, visit www.gibill.va.gov/benefits/other_programs/veap.html OR

contact your LVER/DVOP.

Vietnam-era MC-130E Combat Talon I taxies onto the flightline during an aircraft retirement ceremony at Cannon Air Force Base

June 22, 2012 .

48 49

n To make the VRC an accessible resource to all of New Mexico’s veterans .

n To ensure that the VRC is effectively and efficiently meeting the needs of New Mexico’s veterans and their dependents .

n To increase access to higher education for New Mexico’s veterans and their families .

n To remove social, physical, and psychological barriers through a strong and vibrant network with New Mexico’s

vast veteran services, other higher education institutions, and internal UNM organizations .

Contact Information:University of New MexicoStudent Union Building, Suite 2002505-277-3181 | 505-274-7775 (f)vrc@unm .edu | http://vrc .unm .edu

Mailing Address:MSC03 22151 University of New MexicoAlbuquerque, NM 87131

Marilyn Melendez Dykman, MADirectorLionel St . Pierre, MACertifying Official

New Mexico State University (NMSU) Office of Veterans ProgramsThe function of the NMSU Office of Veterans Programs is to serve as the liaison between NMSU students and the VA . Duties of the office include:n Certifying students for required courses which apply to a

Bachelors, Masters or Doctoral degree program (courses meeting requirements for minors are not certifiable);

n Working with students to ensure that overpayments are not created; and

n Reporting adjustments of students’ credit hours .

NMSU Office of Veterans ProgramsGarcia Annex, Room 144 (Map)MSC 4740 P .O . Box 30001 Las Cruces, NM 88003-8001575-646-4524 | 575-646-1113 (f)va@nmsu .edu | www .nmsu .edu/~va

Northern New Mexico College (NNMC) Student Veterans OfficeAt the NNMC Student Veterans Office, veterans can register for classes and get certified to use the GI Bill, including the Post-9/11 GI Bill . Students can also find out about all veterans services offered at NNMC .http://site .nnmc .edu/page/student-veterans-office

Pamela MontroseVA Certifying Official Student Veterans Office, Advisement Center921 N . Paseo de Oñate Española, NM 87532Pam@nnmc .edu | http://nnmc .edu/505-747-2151

EDUCATION PROGRAMS & SERVICES continued

Weblinks for Educational & Employment ProgramsEmployment Programs & ServicesVeterans’ Transition Assistance Program (TAP) . . . . . . . . . . www.turbotap.org

VA Compensated Work Therapy Program (CWT) . . . . . . . . www.cwt.va.gov

VocationalRehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) Vet Success Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.vba.va.gov/bln/vre

Recovery & Employment Assistance Lifelines . . . . . . . . . . . www.dol.gov/vets/programs/Real-life(REALifelines)

Veterans’ Preference—Federal Hiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.fedshirevets.gov and www.opm.gov/forms (for SF 15)

Veterans’ Preference—State Hiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.spo.state.nm.us/Veterans_and_NG_Eligibility_Guide.aspx

Helmets to Hardhats Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . http://helmetstohardhats.org

Troops to Teachers (TTT) Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . http://www.dantes.doded.mil/Sub%20Pages/TTT/TTT_Main.html

Programs for Veteran Business OwnersVA Center for Veterans Enterprise (CVE) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.va.gov/osdbu/veteran

US Small Business Administration (SBA)— . . . . . . . . . . . . . http://archive.sba.gov/aboutsba/sbaprograms/ovbd Office of Veterans Business Development (VBOP)

Programs for Businesses Hiring VeteransWork Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.doleta.gov/business/incentives/opptax

US DOL Hiring Veterans Toolkit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.americasheroesatwork.gov/forEmployers/HiringToolkit

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) . . . . . www.esgr.mil

Uniformed Service Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.dol.gov/vets/programs/userra

Education Programs & ServicesPost-9/11 GI Bill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.gibill.va.gov Montgomery GI Bill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.gibill.va.gov/benefits/montgomery_gibill/index.html

Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP) . . . . . . . . www.gibill.va.gov/benefits/other_programs/reap.html

Veterans Education Assistance Program (VEAP) . . . . . . . . . www.gibill.va.gov/benefits/other_programs/veap.html

Job Corps Demonstration Project . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.recruiting.jobcorps.gov/en/vets.aspx

VA Work-Study Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . http://gibill.va.gov/resources/education_resources/programs/work_study_program.html

On-The-Job & Apprenticeship Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.hed.state.nm.us/OntheJob.aspx

Vietnam Veterans Scholarship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.hed.state.nm.us/vet.aspx

Veterans Retraining Assistance Program (VRAP) . . . . . . . . . http://www.gibill.va.gov/benefits/other_programs/vrap.html

UNM Veterans’ Resource Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . http://vrc.unm.edu

NMSU Office of Veterans’ Affairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.nmsu.edu/~va/

NNMC Student Veterans’ Office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . http://site.nnmc.edu/page/student-veterans-office

OtherThe National Resource Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.nationalresourcedirectory.gov

Veterans Retraining Assistance Program (VRAP)

The Veterans Retraining Assistance Program (VRAP) is a

joint program between DOL and VA. The main goal of VRAP

is to provide retraining for veterans hardest hit by current

economic conditions. The program offers 12 months of

training assistance to unemployed veterans at the full-time

payment rate under the Montgomery GI Bill—Active Duty

program. Participation in the program is limited to 45,000

participants during fiscal year 2012, and then to 54,000

participants from October 1, 2012, through March 31, 2014.

VRAP will be ready for implementation by July 1, 2012.

In order to qualify for this program, a veteran must meet

the following criteria:

n Be between the ages of 35 and 60

n Be unemployed, with special consideration given to

Veterans who have been unemployed for more than 26

weeks

n Have an other than dishonorable discharge

n Not be eligible for any other VA education benefit

program

n Not be in receipt of compensation due to

unemployability

n Not be enrolled in a federal or state job training program

Participants must be enrolled in a VA-approved program

of education offered by a community college or technical

school. The program must lead to an Associate Degree, a

Non-College Degree, or a Certification, and train the

Veteran for a high-demand occupation. If you’d like to

find the most current information about VRAP, visit

www.gibill.va.gov/benefits/other_programs/vrap.html.

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Homeless Veterans Programs & ServicesSometimes your first step is just getting your feet on the ground

Veteran Justice Outreach Initiative (VJO) and Veterans Treatment Court

The Veteran Justice Outreach Initiative (VJO) is a VA initiative that works to avoid the unnecessary criminalization of mental illness and extended incarceration among veterans by ensuring that

eligible justice-involved veterans have timely access to Veterans Health Administration (VHA) mental health and substance abuse services when clinically indicated, and other VA services and benefits as appropriate . Each VA Medical Center has a justice outreach specialist . VJO specialists serve as a link between veterans, the VA, and the local justice system, and provide services to veterans who are in jail or prison, as well as justice-involved veterans who have not been imprisoned . VJO staff also work with the courts to help eligible justice-involved veterans get mental health services . These may include assessment, treatment planning, and referrals to VA services . Specialists inform officers of the court about whether a veteran is complying with VA treatment programs . They may also assist in training law enforcement officers about PTSD or traumatic brain injury . New Mexico’s VJO specialists are located at:

New Mexico VA Health Care System Raymond G. Murphy VA Medical Center1501 San Pedro SEAlbuquerque, NM 87108505-265-1711 or 800-465-8262http://www .albuquerque .va .govAn additional service to veterans involved in the justice system is the Veterans Treatment Court . Each Veterans Treatment Court is part of a community’s justice system . Veterans charged with non-violent crimes and who are in need of mental health or substance abuse treatment may go to treat-ment court, which allows for treatment of mental health issues without incarceration . Veterans who choose treatment court are assessed by a mental health care provider who identifies the veteran’s treatment needs . Most veterans receive treatment through the VA network, and they are allowed to remain in the community . A judge regularly checks on progress while the veteran is in treatment . Veterans are also provided with mentors who are other veteran volunteers who provide fur-ther support for those in the program .

Stand DownsStand Downs are one part of VA’s efforts to provide services to homeless veterans . Stand Downs are typically one to three day events providing services to homeless veterans such as food, shelter, clothing, health screenings, VA and Social Security benefits counseling, and referrals to a variety of other necessary services, such as housing, employment and substance abuse treatment . Stand Downs are collaborative events, coordinated between local VAs, other government agencies (including the Department of Workforce Solutions), and community agencies who serve the homeless .

VA Homeless Veterans AssistanceThe VA provides a variety of assistance to the nation’s homeless

veterans . Assistance is provided through programs such as housing support services, medical and

dental treatment, employment and job training through the CWT, and benefit assistance . For

more information on assistance provided through the VA, visit www .va .gov/HOMELESS or contact your LVER/

DVOP specialist .

New Mexico’s Veterans Treatment Court is part of the 2nd Judicial District Court in Albuquerque. For more information, contact the 2nd Judicial Court at 505-841-5463.

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Veterans Employment Situation ReportQuick facts on veteran employment and unemployment in the U.S. and New Mexico

These are questions that are often asked when assessing the employment outlook for New Mexico’s veterans. There is not much detailed information on veterans and employment for various reasons. Information is more readily available at the national level. Information on statewide employment does exist and provides a high-level outlook on veteran employment.

(continued on next page)

Do veterans have highter unemployment than

nonveterans?

How have veterans been impacted by the recession?

How many veterans are in the labor force?

52 53

Veteran Employment in the U.S.

The most recent data on veteran employment in the U .S . shows that there were approxi-

mately 21 .6 million veterans in the U .S . in 2011 (9 .4 percent of the population 18 and older) . Just over half of those veterans were considered part of the labor force, compared to 67 percent of the nonveteran population . The percentage of veterans that were unemployed—8 .3 percent—was slightly less than that of the general population .

The 2011 Employment Situation of Veterans report provides more detail on veteran employment status, including employment status by age, sex, period of service, ethnicity, occupation, disability, and location of service . The following summarize some of the highlights of the 2011 report . The full report and data can be found at www .bls .gov .

n The unemployment rate of veterans in 2011 (8 .3 percent) was not statistically different from the rate in 2010 (8 .7 percent) . The rate for Gulf War-era II veterans (those who have served on active duty since September 2001) also was little different from a year earlier .

n Young male veterans (those ages 18 to 24) who served during Gulf War era II had an unemployment rate of 29 .1 percent in 2011, higher than that of young male nonveter-ans (17 .6 percent) .

n Among all veterans, those with a service-connected disability had an unemployment rate of 8 .5 percent in August 2011, about the same as the rate for veterans with no disability (7 .9 percent) .

n One in three employed veterans with a service-connected disability worked in the public sector in August 2011, compared with about 1 in 5 veterans with no disability .

n Gulf War-era II veterans who were current or past members of the Reserve or National Guard had an unemployment rate of 9 .1 percent in August 2011, little different than the rate for those veterans who had not been members (11 .0 percent) .

n Gulf War-era II veterans who served in Iraq, Afghanistan, or both had an unemployment rate of 11 .6 percent in August 2011 .

Veteran Employment in New MexicoUsing Census Bureau data for 2010, there were approximately 79,360 veterans in the labor force in New Mexico . This represents about 8 .8 percent of the total labor force between the ages of 16 and 64 . Nearly half of these veterans were between the ages of 35 and 54 (16 percent were between

18 and 34 and 35 percent were between 55 and 64) . Labor force participation of veterans was close to that of the nonveteran population, but the percentage of unemployment was much less—7 .7 percent compared to 9 .6 percent .

Historically, veterans in New Mexico have fared better than the general population with respect to finding employment . Veteran unemployment was as low as 3 .3 percent in 2007, prior to the recession . Just like the general population, veteran employment spiked in 2009 . Unemployment accelerated much more quickly for veterans, increasing from 4 .0 percent to 8 .3 percent . The spike, how-ever, was followed by quicker declines .

The unemployment rate does not always tell the whole story when it comes to how veterans, or any labor force group, have been impacted by the recession . Labor force participation is another indicator of how employment has changed for a specific group within the labor force . Labor force participation of veterans dropped significantly between 2008

and 2009, mirroring the spike in unemployment . Between 2009 and 2010, however, veteran labor force participation increased slightly, while participation in the general population continued to decline . And while veterans have seen improvement in employment after 2009, unemployment is still high and labor fos important to continue to focus on job creation for and hiring of New Mexico veterans in the public and private sectors .

VETERAN EMPLOYMENT IN THE U.S., 2011 Labor Force Statstics for Persons 18 and Older

Non-Veterans Veterans(numbers in thousands)

Total Population 209,278 21,613

Labor Force 140,424 11,320

Labor Force Participation 67.1% 52.4%

Employed 128,140 10,375

Unemployed 12,284 945

Unemployment Rate 8.7% 8.3%

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Table A: Employment status of the civilian noninstitutional population 18 years and over by veteran status, period of service, and sex, 2010-2011 annual averages.

VETERAN EMPLOYMENT IN NEW MEXICO, 2007 - 2010Labor Force Statistics for Persons between 18 and 64

TOTAL 1,263,989 906,873 71.7% 821,403 85,470 9.4% Nonveteran 1,153,584 827,517 71.7% 748,143 79,374 9.6% Veteran 110,405 79,356 71.9% 73,260 6,096 7.7%

Total 1,220,024 902,085 73.9% 822,891 79,194 8.8% Nonveteran 1,119,764 830,595 74.2% 757,318 73,277 8.8% Veteran 100,260 71,490 71.3% 65,573 5,917 8.3%



Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Fact Finder Survey 1-Year estimates, B21005: Age by Veteran Status by Employment Status for the Civilian Population 18 to 64.

LABOR FORCE

Population Number Participation Employed Unemployed Unemployment Rate

VETERAN EMPLOYMENT IN THE U .S . continued

2007

2008

2009

2010

54 55

Veterans Service Organizations & Other ResourcesVeterans OrganizationsAmerican LegionThe American Legion is a nonpartisan not-for-profit organiza-tion that was chartered and incorporated by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veterans organization devoted to mutual helpfulness . It is the nation’s largest veterans service organization, commit-ted to mentoring youth and sponsoring wholesome programs in communities, advocating patriotism and honor, promoting

strong national security, and fostering continued devotion to fellow service members and veterans .

American Veterans (Am-Vets)AM-VETS has a history of assisting veterans and sponsoring numerous programs that serve the country and its citizens . The bulk of the organization’s work is focused on legisla-tion, programs, and services . AM-VETS also has posts and departments organized by state .

Disabled American Veterans (DAV)Since its founding more than 80 years ago, DAV has been dedicated to building better lives for America’s disabled vet-erans and their families . Whether disabled veterans have needed a voice on Capitol Hill, a nationwide service pro-gram, a transportation network, or unique rehabilitation opportunities, DAV has focused its attention and resources to meet those needs .

NM Veterans Integration Center (NMVIC)The mission of the NM Veterans Integration Center is to respond to the needs of veterans, with focus on those who are homeless or experiencing a housing crisis, through the provision of quality employment training, housing,

and supportive services based on a Continuum of Care . The NMVIC is a 501(c)(3) organization, and all donations are tax deductible .

Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA)PVA was founded by a band of service members who came home from World War II with a spinal cord injury . PVA is dedicated to veterans service, medical research and civil rights for people with disabilities . PVA has nation officers and 34 chapters that represent thousands of veterans in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico . With donations and support, PVA provides services free of charge for all vet-erans with disabilities and their families . The Zia Chapter of PVA provides aid and assistance to veterans in New Mexico .

Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH)The MOPH is a community of combat wounded veterans . The MOPH mission is to promote patriotism, service to all veterans, and service to communities through programs and support from dedicated members . Members of MOPH have sustained a wound inflicted by an enemy in combat . MOPH National Service Program, comprised of National Service Officers and support staff, can provide veterans with counseling on benefits from a variety of government sources, assistance in filing claims for disability, and assistance in entering the VA health care system .

Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)The VFW is a membership organization for veterans that have received a campaign medal for overseas service, have served 30 consecutive or 60 non-consecutive days in Korea, or have ever received hostile fire or imminent danger pay . The VFW and its Auxiliary have over 2 .1 million members nationally . The mission of the VFW is to foster camaraderie

Partnered with The Military Order of the Purple Heart, Cowboy Up! is a unique wellness program based in Santa Fe, NM free to veterans and active military who have sustained physical injuries or combat trauma during their time serving our country. www.horsesforheroes.org

Courtesy of Cowboy Up! Horses for Heroes

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located in Truth or Consequences on 12 acres . The New Mexico State Veterans’ Home strives to provide integrated services in an atmosphere that promotes the physical, so-cial, and emotional well-being of every resident . Efforts are made to continuously improve care while safely assisting residents to live as independently as possible and as they choose, thereby assuring dignity and respect at all times . For more information on New Mexico’s Veterans’ Home, visit http://www .nmstateveteranshome .org/ .

City of Albuquerque Veterans Advisory Board

The Veterans and Military Affairs Advisory Board is made up of 12 veterans residing in the County of Bernalillo and serves in an advisory capacity . Members identify issues concerning veterans and their dependents and assist in developing programs to resolve problems, alleviate conditions, and improve the quality of life for our veterans to the extent possible . The Board also serves as a network for the exchange of information relative to veterans activities . For more information on the City’s Veterans Advisory Board, visitwww.cabq.gov/mayors-office-of-veterans-affairs/veterans-military-affairs-advisory-board.

Acronym GlossaryACAP Army Career and Alumni ProgramProgram that provides mandatory preseparation counseling and other transition and employment assistance to Army service members and veterans .

ADA Americans with Disabilities Act Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990

AFRC Airmen and Family Readiness CentersCenters at Air Force bases throughout the country that provide mandatory preseparation counseling and other transition and employment assistance to Air Force service members and veterans .

AM-VETS American Veterans A membership organization of veterans that focus on legislation, programs, and services for America’s veterans .

Chapter 30 Montgomery GI Bill—Active Duty Bill that provides education benefits to veterans .

Chapter 1606Montgomery GI Bill—Selected Reserve Bill that provides education benefits to members of the Selected Reserve .

CMRAVE Center for Military Recruitment, Assessment and Veterans’ EmploymentA nonprofit organization that is in charge of the Helmets to Hardhats program .

CTC Concurrent Technologies Corporation Independent, nonprofit, applied scientific research and development professional services organization listed as one of the 35 top veteran employers .

CVE VA Center for Veterans Enterprise Part of the VA OSDBU that assists veterans in starting and building businesses and maintains the federal government portal for veteran-owned businesses known as VETBIZ .GOV .

CWT VA Compensated Work Therapy ProgramA rehabilitation program through VA that matches and supports work ready veterans in competitive jobs, and consults with business and industry regarding specific employment needs .

DANTES Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support Provides support for off-duty voluntary education programs of the DoD and conducts special projects and developmental activities in support of education-related DoD functions .

DAV Disabled American VeteransMembership organization that provides services and promotes policies to better the lives of disabled veterans and their families .

DTAP Disabled Transition Assistance ProgramProgram that includes the normal three-day TAP workshop plus additional hours of individual instruction to help determine job readiness and address the special needs of disabled veterans .

DVOP Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (and Representatives)As part of the VETS program, DVOPs are state employees that specialize in developing job and training opportunities for veterans with service-connected disabilities .

EEOC United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Commission that enforces the employment provisions of the ADA .

ESGR Employer Support for the Guard and ReserveA DoD organization that promotes cooperation and understanding between Reserve component members and their civilian employers and assists in the resolution of conflicts arising from an employee’s military commitment .

ETA DOL Employment & Training Administration As part of DOL, administers federal government job training and worker dislocation programs, federal grants to states for public employment service programs, and unemployment insurance benefits . Services are primarily provided through state and local workforce development systems .

FFSC Fleet and Family Support CentersCenters at Navy bases that provide mandatory preseparation counseling and other transition and employment assistance to Navy service members and veterans .

IADT Initial Active Duty for Training Authorized training performed by a member of a Reserve Component not on active duty or active duty for training and consisting of regularly scheduled unit training assemblies, additional training assemblies, periods of appropriate duty, or equivalent training .

IDP Individual Development PlanEnhanced service provided under the Gold Card initiative .

IRR Individual Ready Reserve A category of the Ready Reserve of the Reserve Component of the Armed Forces of the United States composed of former active duty or reserve military personnel .

among U .S . veterans of overseas conflicts; serve veterans, the military, and communities; and advocate on behalf of all veterans . The VFW helped establish the VA, create a GI bill for the 20th century, develop the national cemetery sys-tem, and fight for compensation for Vietnam vets exposed to Agent Orange and for veterans diagnosed with Gulf War Syndrome .

Veterans’ Home (Truth or Consequences)The New Mexico State Veterans’ Home is New Mexico’s only nursing facility for veterans . The home is centrally

American Legion Department of New Mexico1215 Mountain RoadAlbuquerque, NM 87102505-247-0400 | 505-247-0478 (f)http://nmlegion .orgAM-VETS, New Mexico500 Gold Avenue SW, #3520Albuquerque, NM 87102505-346-3980

DAV Department of New Mexico2511 Utah Street NEAlbuquerque, NM 87110505-294-6193 | 505-296-8043 (f)nmmail@davfrat .orgwww .davmembersportal .org/nm

NMVIC13032 Central Ave SEAlbuquerque, NM 87123505-265-0512 | 505-266-2609 (f)info@nmvic .orgPVA Zia Chapter833 Gibson Boulevard SEAlbuquerque, NM 87102505-247-4381 | 800-597-5580

PVA National Service Office New Mexico National Service Office1501 San Pablo SEAlbuquerque, NM 87108505-265-1711, ext . 5046505-246-4883 (f)www .pva .org | www .nmvic .org

MOPHDepartment of new Mexicoinfo@nmpurpleheart .orgwww .nmpurpleheart .org

Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Department Of New MexicoP .O . Box 1084Ruidoso Downs, New Mexico 88346575-653-4378 | 575-973-4965575-653-4207 (f)vfwnm@hughes .nethttp://nmvfw .org/

Mayor’s Office of Veterans Affairs400 Marquette NWAlbuquerque, NM 87102505-768-3000mayorberry@cabq .govMailing Address:P .O . Box 1293Albuquerque, NM 87103

VETERANS SERIVCE ORGANIZATIONS continued

Left: Veterans’ Home in Truth or Consequences, NM

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SDVOSB Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses Small businesses owned by service-disabled veterans and who can receive services at VBOCs .

TAMP Transition Assistance Management ProgramProgram that provides transition services and resources to Marine Corp service members and is provided at Marine and Family Services branches at major Marine Corps installations

TAP Transition Assistance Program Program that provides job-search assistance, employment and training information, and related services to separating service members within 180 days of separation or retirement

TTT Troops to Teachers A program under the U .S . DoD DANTES that assists eligible military personal to transition to a new career as a public school teacher in targeted schools .

USERRA Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act Act that clarifies and strengthens the Veterans’ Reemployment Rights Statute and, through many directives, essentially protects civilian job rights and benefits for veterans and members of Reserve components .

VBOC Veterans Business Outreach CenterCenters run by SBA to provide business training, counseling and assistance, and oversight of Federal procurement programs for VOSBs and SDVOSBs .

VBOP Veterans Business Outreach ProgramProgram that provides business development and operation services to VOSBs and SDVOSBs through VBOCs .

VEAP Veterans Education Assistance Program An educational assistance program available to service members who elected to make contributions from their military pay to participate in the program .

VETS Veterans Employment and Training ServicesA program of the U .S . DOL that, in collaboration with each state, offers employment and training services to veterans . The two main programs under VETS are the LVER and DVOP programs .

VFW Veterans of Foreign WarsMembership organization for veterans that have received a campaign medal for overseas service, have served 30 consecutive or 60 non-consecutive days in Korea, or have ever received hostile fire or imminent danger pay .

VHA Veterans Health Administration VHA is the integrated health care system for veterans provided through VA .

VJO Veteran Justice Outreach Initiative VA initiative that works to avoid the unnecessary criminalization of mental illness and extended incarceration among veterans by ensuring eligible justice-involved veterans have access to VHA services when clinically indicated, and other VA services and benefits as appropriate .

VOSB Veteran-Owned Small Businesses Small businesses owned by veterans and who can receive services at VBOCs .

VR&E Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment A program for veterans with service-connected disabilities so severe that they cannot immediately consider work . The program offers services to prepare for, find, and keep suitable jobs .

VRAP Veterans Retraining Assistance Program A joint program between U .S . DOL and VA to provide retraining for veterans hardest hit by current economic conditions .

VRC Veterans Resource Center at the University of New Mexico Center at UNM that provides education, administrative services, and job advisement to student veterans and their families, as well as outreach to military communities at large, for all veterans whether enrolled at UNM or another educational institution .

WOTC Work Opportunity Tax Credit A Federal tax credit incentive that Congress provides to private-sector businesses for hiring individuals from nine target groups who have consistently faced significant barriers to employment, including veterans .

Government Departments/ Educational Institutions BLS Bureau of Labor Statistics DOD United States Department of Defense DOL United States Department of Labor NM HED New Mexico Higher Education Department NMDVS New Mexico Department of Veterans Services NMDWS New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions NMSU New Mexico State University NNMC Northern New Mexico College UNM University of New Mexico VA United States Department of Veterans Affairs

JAN Job Accommodation Network A service provided by the U .S . DOL Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) that provides expert and confidential guidance on workplace accommodations and disability employment issues .

JATA Job Assistance Training Application Online application that provides job assistance training and can be used as a comprehensive review of TAP Workshop concepts and basic job search skills . Provided through ACAP On-line .

JTPA Job Training and Placement AssistanceJob Training Partnership Act of 1982, enacted to establish federal assistance programs to prepare youth and unskilled adults for entry into the labor force and to provide job training to economically disadvantaged and other individuals facing serious barriers to employment .”

KSA Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Refers to any knowledge, skills, and abilities that one has gained through education, training, or work experience .

LVER Local Veterans Employment RepresentativeAs part of the VETS program, LVERs are state employees that provide employment assistance to veterans in local NM Workforce Connection offices .”

MCCS Marine Corps Community ServicesThrough Marine and Family Services Branches at each major installation, provides mandatory preseparation counseling and other transition and employment assistance, through TAMP to Marine Corps service members and veterans .

MGIB Montgomery GI BillBill that provides educational benefits to veterans . Includes Chapter 30 and Chapter 1606 .

MOPH Military Order of the Purple HeartMembership organization of combat wounded veterans that promotes patriotism, service to veterans, and service to communities .”

MOS Military Occupational SpecialtyRefers to a specific military occupation . Each branch of service has MOS codes used to refer to those occupations .

NM HED VET New Mexico Higher Education Department Veterans Employment & TrainingDivision of NM HED that contracts with VA to approve schools and facilities in New Mexico for providing educational benefits through the GI Bills .

NMVIC New Mexico Veterans Integration Center A nonprofit organization that responds to the needs of veterans, with focus on those who are homeless or experiencing a housing crisis, through the provision of quality employment training, housing and supportive services .

ODEP Office of Disability Employment Policy Office within U .S . DOL that develops and influences disability employment-related policies and practices affecting an increase in the employment of people with disabilities . Provides services through JAN .

OJT On-the-Job TrainingTraining that occurs while a person is working at a business or workplace .

OSDBU Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business UtilizationVA office that provides extensive services to veteran business owners including VOSBs and DVOSBs .

PVA Paralyzed Veterans of America Membership organization that seeks to provide services for and supports medical research and civil rights of veterans with disabilities and their families .

REALifelines Recovery and Employment Assistance LifelinesA joint project of U .S . DOL, the Bethesda Naval Medical Center and the former Walter Reed Army Medical Center to ensure that seriously wounded and injured service members who cannot return to active duty are trained for rewarding new careers in the private sector .

REAP Reserve Educational Assistance Program Education benefits providing educational assistance to members of the reserve components - Selected Reserve and IRR - who are called or ordered to active service in response to a war or national emergency, as declared by the President or Congress .

SBA United States Small Business AdministrationFederal administration that provides assistance to small businesses through access to capital, entrepreneurial development, government contracting, and advocacy . Runs the Office of Veterans Business Development & VBOCs .

new mexico vets at work - jobs.state.nm.us · 60 veterans’ employment resource guide. new mexico...

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