172 COUNSELORS HIRED
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program recently began the process of reducing the average counselor-to-caseload ratio, to one to 125 or below, through the hiring of 172 vocational rehabilitation counselors.
The hiring effort, which began early this summer, will help improve service to veterans with service-connected disabilities and employment barriers, as well as help provide them with expedited services to improve their ability to transition to the civilian workforce.
VA is committed to ensuring its counselors have manageable caseloads and the resources needed to ensure veterans are receiving thorough, quality services.
Currently, 941 counselors are working across VA’s 56 regional offices, as well as in out-based and satellite locations.
Once hiring is complete for the additional 172 counselors, a total of 1,113 VRCs will be deployed in the field to serve veterans. This includes 905 VRCs at regional and out-based offices, 132 Integrated Disability Evaluation System counselors at 71 military installations and 76 Veteran Success on Campus counselors at 105 institutions of higher learning.
Since 2014, more than 56,000 veterans have either completed a rehabilitation plan, are employed or have achieved a greater independence in living through VR&E assistance. The VR&E program has more than 123,000 participants. For more information about VR&E, visit https://www.benefits.va.gov/vocrehab/.
SPANISH HEALTH CARE BENEFIT APPLICATION AVAILABLE
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs recently released the Spanish version of the application for health benefits, as part of VA’s effort to simplify and improve the health care enrollment process for veterans.
The new language version implements the VA Advisory Committee on Minority Veterans’ recommendation to provide Spanish versions of the application and instructions.
“Our veteran population is made up of an increasingly diverse group of people,” said VA Secretary Robert Wilkie. “Our nation appreciates the service and sacrifice of all veterans, including Hispanic and Latino veterans. It’s our duty to expand the ways we communicate with all veterans, so they’re properly informed about the benefits they’ve earned.”
Nearly 1.5 million living veterans identify as Hispanic or Latino as of Sept. 30, 2017, according to the National Center for Veterans Analysis and Statistics. More than half a million veterans already enrolled in the VA health care system self-identify as Hispanic or Latino.
The form is available at VA medical facilities and online at https://vaww.va.gov/vaforms/medical/pdf/10-10EZ_Spanish.pdf.
Veterans can apply for VA health care benefits online at https://www.vets.gov/health-care/apply/; by calling 877-222-8387 8 a.m.-8 p.m. (EST) Monday-Friday; at a VA health care facility; or by completing a hard copy of the form and mailing it to Health Eligibility Center, 2957 Clairmont Road, Suite 200, Atlanta, Georgia 30329-1647.
VA HOSTS COUPLES WORKSHOP
Tennessee Valley Healthcare System will host a couples workshop for veterans and their intimate partners Sept. 15 at the Veterans Recovery Center, 260 Glenis Drive, Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
The workshop will focus on improving communication to build stronger bonds and is appropriate for couples who have been in a relationship for at least six months.
“Every couple can learn something about communication to build a stronger relationship,” said Landra Orr, TVHS social worker and event organizer. “This workshop will give veterans and their partners ideas for doing that, no matter how long they’ve been together.”
Workshop topics will include recognizing strengths, managing and appreciating individual differences, handling emotional sensitivities from the past and managing stress as a team.
Check-in will begin at 8 a.m. and the workshop should conclude by 5 p.m. Lunch will be provided. Seating is limited for this free event. Register at http://bit.ly/tvhscouples before Sept. 13.