SECTION 1.1

Objective:

Recognize the importance of

developing a stress reduction plan

1.1-1Page 2

TAP Manual

Deal with Stress

FO&D

What is Stress?

“A mismatch between the demands in our lives, and the resources we have available to deal with those demands.”

Deal with Stress

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...

Deal with Stress

1.1-3

Coping With Stress

Develop and maintain a plan to manage the

effects of stress

Seek professional assistance if needed

Deal with Stress

1.1-4Page 3

TAP Manual

Homelessness Among Veterans

VA estimates that as many as 136,000 veterans are

homeless on any given night.*

Veterans are overrepresented among the homeless

population. Veterans make up 8% of the total

U.S. population, but account for 12% of the

homeless population.*

www.va.gov/homeless

Deal with Stress

1.1-5

*U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

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 1-in-5 of homeless veterans in need.

Deal with Stress

1.1-6

Prevention of Homelessness Among Veterans

Military service separation process

Participate in “preseparation” 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

Deal with Stress

1.1-7

U.S. DOL – VETSHomeless Veterans’ Reintegration Program

This program provides employment, training, and

supportive services to assist in reintegrating

homeless veterans into meaningful employment

within the labor force.

HVRP

Deal with Stress

1.1-8

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.

VWIP

Deal with Stress

1.1-9

Helpful Contacts• U.S. Department of Labor, Veterans’ Employment & Training

Service – www.dol.gov/vets– DVOP / LVER Representatives

• Department of Veterans Affairs – www.va.gov/homeless– Medical Center Homeless Coordinator

– Benefits Administration Regional Office Homeless Coordinator

– VETS Center Staff

• State Office of Veterans Affairs – www.nasdva.net

• National Coalition for Homeless Veterans – www.nchv.org 1-800-VET-HELP

Deal with Stress

1.1-10

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

Create a Career Catalog

1.2-1

Types of Records

MILITARY SERVICE• DD Form 214 – Separation

Papers• Training Record• Honors and Awards• Military Transcripts• Service Record and Security

Clearance• Medical and Dental Records

(2-3 copies)• Benefits Information

WORK EXPERIENCE• Work History (job titles, employers, dates,

supervisors, duties and accomplishments)

• Work Samples• Honors and Citations• Community Activities• Salary History• Licenses• Certifications

Page 5TAP Manual

Create a Career Catalog

1.2-2FO&D

Types of Records

PERSONAL IDENTIFICATION• Birth Certificate (copy)• Proof of Citizenship• Social Security Card (www.ssa.gov)• Driving Record• Passport (current)• 10 Years of Personal Addresses • Car Insurance Proof

EDUCATION AND TRAINING• Transcripts (sealed)• Diplomas / Certificates• Honors and Awards• Outstanding Achievements• Activities List• CLEP Test or other results

Create a Career Catalog

1.2-3

Men Under Age 26

If you will be under 26 years old at your

separation you MUST check with the

Selective Service to assure you are properly

registered.

www.sss.gov

Failure to register can affect Veteran Benefits

Create a Career Catalog

1.2-4

Master Application

• Personal Information

• Education and Training

• Special Skills

• Military Service

• Work Experience

• Other Information

Page 7TAP Manual

Create a Career Catalog

1.2-5

Veterans’ Employment

Page 14TAP Manual

Identify Strengths and Challenges

1.3-1

Veterans’ Employment

Identify Strengths and Challenges

1.3-2

Veterans’ Employment

Page 16TAP Manual

Identify Strengths and Challenges

1.3-3

Your Accomplishments

Improved Safety

Improved Processing Time

Increased Performance

Improved Service Delivery

Improved Administration

Solved Long-Term Problems

Created a Program

Increased Retention

Reengineered Equipment

Reduced Management

Page 17TAP Manual

Analyze Your Skills

1.4-1

Truck Mechanic

GOOD – Basic skill / Task description

Repaired and maintained trucks.

BETTER – More details Performed 90% of all truck repairs within 24 hours to

assure maximum availability.

Supervised 15 mechanics who repaired and maintained a 30 truck fleet.

BEST – Accomplishment / Outstanding result Saved $30,000 annually by re-designing a truck part that had a

high failure rate.

Reduced motor pool service turnaround time 25% by creating a “fast track” team for easy repair jobs and routine services.

Analyze Your Skills

1.4-2

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

Work Preferences

1.5-1

Preferences / Values

What are Your Priorities?

How do they direct your transition?

Page 23TAP Manual

Work Preferences

1.5-2