Free Employment Services for Veterans with PTSD and Disabilities

Acclimating to life after service can be a difficult adjustment for many military veterans.  Returning to routines combined with feelings of having to start anew is understandably challenging.  Many veterans are also dealing with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) upon their return home. PTSD is defined as a mental health disorder that is developed due to seeing or experiencing a traumatic event.  According to the VA, the number of veterans diagnosed with PTSD varies by service era, ranging from 11% to 30%.  

Recognizing symptoms of PTSD isn’t always easy.  Especially since there is a broad range of symptoms that vary in intensity. Generally, PTSD symptoms are grouped into four different types. These types are avoidance, intrusive memories, negative changes in thinking and mood, and changes in physical and emotional reactions. Symptoms vary from person to person and may include flashbacks, lack of interests in activities once enjoyed, trouble sleeping or concentrating, and issues with memory. 

The addition of PTSD and the symptoms that stem from it can make the already difficult task of finding work even more challenging. Fortunately, there are free employment resources available to veterans who live with PTSD or have been diagnosed with other disabilities. Through Vocational Rehabilitation (VR), veterans are able to choose a vendor to help them with their employment needs, free of cost. 

As a vendor, employU offers a variety of services to veterans seeking employment.  These services range from finding the right possible career paths for each individual all the way to job placement and coaching.  All of our services aim to assist veterans on their journey to a fulfilling, sustainable career after their military service. These free employment services available to veterans through VR and employU include: 

Psychological and Vocational Evaluations: Available at select locations in-person or anywhere in the state of Florida through our virtual services, Psychological and Vocational Evaluations work together to provide a clear, detailed picture of the best career path for each client.  

Administered by a State of Florida Licensed Psychologist, Psychological Evaluations can identify strengths and weaknesses in the areas of cognitive, behavioral, and social/emotional/developmental functioning to help guide recommendations for appropriate academic goals and/or work settings. Additionally, these evaluations identify any emotional or mental health issues which may pose a barrier to employment. 

Vocational Evaluations utilize work, either real or simulated, as the focal point for the assessment. This individualized approach assists a person seeking employment in identifying and developing employment goals. In addition, the assessment incorporates medical, psychological, social, cultural, and economic information to assist individuals in developing their vocational pursuits.  

Pre-Employment Training: Also available virtually, this interactive 20-hour program is designed to prepare participants with the practical skills needed to enter or re-enter the workforce. During the course, participants create a professional resume, learn how to “sell themselves” to a potential employer, master the art of interviewing, and learn how to overcome today’s challenges with applications and personality assessments – all from the comfort of their own home. employU’s Pre-Employment Training helps participants become confident job-seekers and feel fully prepared when entering the job market. 

Job Placement: Each customer is assigned an Employment Specialist that proactively customizes and tailors the job search experience to each individual. Our team strives to provide every customer multiple opportunities to interview at companies that match their career goals. They work one-on-one to ensure every customer has the greatest chance of success. 

Certified Work Incentive Practitioners to assist individuals: Designed by Social Security as way to decrease the reliance on Social Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Income (SSDI), this program was specifically created to increase financial and independent well-being of program recipients.  This program allows participants to keep their benefits as they explore employment and gain work experience. Highlights of this risk-free program include: 

• No limits on the amount a beneficiary can earn for the first 12 months of employment, allowing them to continue to receive their SSDI benefits.  
• Beneficiaries continue to receive Medicare for at least 93 months after the last Ticket to Work Program month has been used. 
• SSI recipients continue to receive Medicaid after they stop receiving SSI cash benefits due to working full-time, up to very generous income levels determined by the state. 
• Recipients do not need to worry about reapplying for benefits if they find they are unable to sustain full-time work. 

At employU, we aim to provide the best service possible to our veterans as they transition to civilian life. Getting back into the workforce after serving isn’t something one has to face alone. Our staff stands with our customers each step of the way and provides customized solutions for every individual.  

For more information on employU’s free employment services for veterans visit https://employu.org/adult-employment-services/