WELCOME TO THE TRANSITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM What

WELCOME TO THE TRANSITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

What is TAP? A Partnership of: ü Dept of Defense ü Dept of Labor ü Dept of Veterans Affairs ü Dept of Homeland Security Goal: To ease the transition for Service members from a military career back to the civilian sector by connecting them to necessary services and resources. ü Pre-separation Counseling ü TAP Employment Workshops ü VA Benefits Brief ü Disabled Transition Assistance Program (DTAP) T-I-2

DOL TAP Employment Workshop DOL Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS) exists to assure that Veterans succeed in the 21 st Century Workforce. VETS has provided TAP Employment Workshops to separating and retiring military members and their spouses since 1990. Employment Workshops ü 2 ½ Days ü Professionally trained facilitators ü Focus on resumes, interviewing & job searches ü Provide skills assessment & Labor Market Information

Workshop Overview This 2 ½ day Workshop covers six core topics: 1. Personal Appraisal ü ü Identify Strengths & Analyze Skills ü 2. Anticipate & Deal with Stress Determine Work Preferences & Work-Related Values Career Exploration ü Career Research ü Assess Financial Needs T-I-3

Workshop Overview (continued) 3. Strategies for an Effective Job Search ü ü Researching Companies ü Job Search Assistance & Employment Opportunities ü 4. Set Goals & Get Organized Creating Effective Resumes Interviews ü Interview Process ü Handling Questions & Answers ü Body Language & “Dressing for Success”

Workshop Overview (continued) 5. Reviewing Job Offers ü ü Negotiate Job Offers ü 6. Evaluate Job Offers Communicating Your Decision Support and Assistance ü Dept of Defense ü Dept of Labor ü Dept of Veterans Affairs ü Small Business Administration ü Federal Student Aid

Workshop Standards and Expectations • You will complete a hand-written DRAFT resume. • You will understand how to use the Key to Career Success Cards and know the resources available to you at a One-Stop Career Center. www. servicelocator. org

Workshop Standards and Expectations (continued) • You will conduct a Mock Interview and receive feedback you can use. • You will be familiar with the DVOP/LVER positions and how to contact a representative in the area you will be residing or searching for employment. • You will be expected to attend each day of this workshop.

Workshop Administration • Breaks • Meals • Dress • Participation • Attendance T-I-2

SECTION 1. 1 Objective: • Recognize the importance of developing a stress reduction plan T-1. 1 -1

What is Stress? “A mismatch between the demands in our lives, and the resources we have available to deal with those demands. ” T-1. 1 -2

Stress as a Part of Living • Is a normal part of our lives • It may be positive or negative • We can’t avoid stress Stress is any change that you must adjust to. . . T-1. 1 -3

Coping With Stress • Develop and maintain a plan to manage the effects of stress • Seek professional assistance if needed T-1. 1 -4

Homelessness Among Veterans • VA estimates that as many as 200, 000 veterans are homeless on any given night. * • More than twice that many experience homelessness over the course of a year. * *US Department of Veterans Affairs - 2005

Why Are Veterans Homeless? • Male veterans are twice as likely to become homeless, and female veterans are four times more likely to be homeless as their non-veteran counterparts. • A large number live with post traumatic stress disorders and addictions acquired during or exacerbated by their military service. • Lack of family and social networks due to lengthy periods away from their communities of origin. • Government money is limited and serves only one in 5 of homeless veterans in need.

Prevention of Homelessness Among Veterans • Military service separation process – Participate in “pre-separation” counseling process – Participate in Transition Assistance Program (TAP) Employment Workshop – Know about your VA Benefits • Obtain income • Seek early assistance for mental health and substance abuse issues

U. S. DOL – VETS Homeless Veterans’ Reintegration Program • This program provides employment, training, and supportive services to assist in reintegrating homeless veterans into meaningful employment within the labor force.

U. S. DOL – VETS Veterans’ Workforce Investment Program • VWIP provides employment, training, and supportive services to assist in reintegrating eligible veterans into meaningful employment within the labor force.

SECTIONS 1. 2 -1. 4 Objectives: • Gather the information and records you need in order to create a resume, fill out a job application, and prepare for a job interview • Deal effectively with the strengths and challenges arising from military experience • Identify your transferable skills that can be used in a variety of jobs T-1. 2 -1

Types of Records MILITARY SERVICE WORK EXPERIENCE • Separation Papers – DD Form 214 (certified copy or copy 4) • Training Record • Honors and Awards • DD FORM 2586 Verification of Military Experience and Training • Service Record • Medical Record • Benefits • Work History (job titles, employers, duties, accomplishments) • Work Samples • Honors and Citations • Community Activities • Salary History • Licenses • Certifications PERSONAL IDENTIFICATION EDUCATION AND TRAINING • Birth Certificate (copy) • Transcripts • Diplomas/Certificates • Honors • Activities List • Proof of Citizenship • Social Security Card • Passport (current) T-1. 2 -2

Master Application • Personal Information • Education and Training • Special Skills • Military Service • Work Experience • Other Information T-1. 2 -3

Veteran’s Employment STRENGTHS • Leadership • Discipline • Training • Accountability / Recordkeeping • Teamwork • Work with Diverse Groups • Work Under Pressure T-1. 3 -1

Veteran’s Employment STRENGTHS • Plan Systematically • Safety • Follow Directions • Drug Free • Maturity • Security Clearance T-1. 3 -2

Veteran’s Employment CHALLENGES • Communications • Stereotypes • Unrealistic Expectations • Credentials T-1. 3 -3

SECTIONS 1. 5 -1. 6 Objectives: • Identify your work-related values • Determine your personal preferences • Explain why your work-related values and preferences are important in making job decisions T-1. 5 -1