Innovations Group -Meaningful, Successful Rehabilitation&Job Retraining for Veterans

The Department of Veteran Affairs, Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Division (VA/VRE) Support

Innovations piloted the return to work program for VA/VRE which is now the model for all other programs nationwide. This comprehensive program for U.S. veterans provides vocational rehabilitation services to eligible veterans who have employment handicaps.

The Innovations program also led to positive changes in the Code of Federal Regulations for Chapter 31.

Once a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor's determines that a veteran meets Chapter 31 entitlement criteria, an individual rehabilitation program is developed in a joint meeting with the veteran. Most commonly, these programs are structured toward veterans gaining employment. In other cases, the plan goal may be related to meeting the veteran’s independent living needs.

This proven and highly effective approach has lead to the return to work of over more than 4000 veterans thus far.

The Innovations VA/VRE program incorporates expertise and doctrine from the American Psychological Association (APA); the participation of an expert team of Certified Rehabilitation Counselors; and unique Career Management Tools.

Operate word processing center

Provide full administrative assistance at the executive level

Maintain master calendars and schedules, appointments and conferences to avoid scheduling conflicts

Review of safety management systems

Arrange for conferences, including space, time, contacting attendees, assemble background materials, etc.

Document preparation, editing and review and finalization to assure that format, grammar, spelling, punctuation, signatures, and enclosures comply with established correspondence procedures and standards in accordance with the Federal Correspondence Handbook

Document retrieval from databases similar to Controlled Document Information System: Correspondence Control System; Records Information System; etc.

Maintain and update office filing system for all applicable information

Provide logistic and supplies to manage mailrooms of any size or volume as well as sorting correspondence, shipments, receipts, etc.

Assist the staff in adherence with the procedural aspects of expediting the work of the office

Enter, assign and track action items to completion including database tracking