DISABLED VETERANS OUTREACH PROGRAM

Contact: Chip Kormas
Employment Security Department
P.O. Box 9046
Olympia, WA 98507-9046
Telephone: 360.486.5944
E-mail: ckormas@esd.wa.gov

State Website: http://www.esd.wa.gov/findajob/specialprograms/veterans-services.php

Participation: The Disabled Veterans’ Outreach Program (DVOP) served 8,878 veterans during July 1, 2006-June 30, 2007.

Who is Served: The program serves disabled and other eligible veterans with a priority given to disabled veterans.

Program Description: DVOP specialists provide intensive services to veterans with special employment and training needs. Staff target services to “Special Disabled” veterans, disabled veterans, economically or educationally disadvantaged veterans, and veterans with other barriers to employment, especially homeless veterans. As an integral part of the state’s labor exchange system, DVOP provides a full range of employment and training services to veterans.

Other Program Characteristics: DVOP staff are also stationed at approved locations such as the Veterans’ Affairs Hospital, the Veterans’ Affairs Regional Office, and military installations.

Program History: DVOP was initially established by executive order in 1977 and later authorized by the Veteran’s Rehabilitation and Education Amendments of 1980. Although DVOP personnel are employees of this state, their positions are funded annually by U.S. Department of Labor grants.

Planning Cycle: Federal fiscal year.

Outcome Measures: The measures used to determine the program’s success are:

• Entered employment rate.

• Employment retention rate at six months.

Funding and Regional Division: The Employment Security Department administers veteran activities via the 12 local WorkSource center directors. Funds are allocated to support specialists in designated WorkSource centers.

State Funding: None.

Federal Funding: $1,107,000 (October 1, 2006-September 30, 2007) Veterans’ Employment and Training Service, U.S. Department of Labor.

Statutory Authority: Federal - Title 38, USC, Chapter 41, Section 4103A, as amended by the Job or Veterans Act of 2002, Public Law 107-288, enacted November 7, 2002. Administered by the Employment Security Department.