Attention A T users. To access the menus on this page please perform the following steps. 1. Please switch auto forms mode to off. 2. Hit enter to expand a main menu option (Health, Benefits, etc). 3. To enter and activate the submenu links, hit the down arrow. You will now be able to tab or arrow up or down through the submenu options to access/activate the submenu links.

VA Capitol Health Care Network

 

Vocational Services


Veterans Industries is a vocational rehabilitation program of the Department of Veterans Affairs authorized under Title 38 U.S.C. Veterans Industries provides clinical and residential support skills training, job readiness, money management, independent living skills, and vocational counseling to Veterans with employment barriers which may include homelessness, recovery from substance abuse, or a psychiatric or physical illness. The four basic programs of Veterans Industries include:

  • Compensated Work Therapy (CWT)

    Compensated Work Therapy reinforces, modifies, and develops established motivational principles, attitudes, habits, skills, and behaviors essential to retain social, psychological, and physical adjustment by creating a realistic non-institutional working environment.

  • Transitional Work Experience (TWE)

    Transitional Work Experience develops therapeutic work assignments in community businesses or government contracts, enhancing participants' opportunity for community reintegration. Direct supervision is provided by employees of the industry.

  • Supported Employment (SE)

    Supported Employment provides job support services for Veterans to retain competitive employment. Follow-along support continues based on the individual's progress, rather than terminating at a set point. Services are provided in the community, rather than in mental health treatment or rehabilitation settings.

  • Compensated Work Therapy/Transitional Residences (CWT/TR)

    The Compensated Work Therapy/Transitional Residences program incorporates community-based supervised living with therapeutic work. Transitional Residences foster the development of environments where substance abuse and/or homeless Veterans with serious mental illness can develop and practice independent living skills.

 

Locations

There are three Veterans Industries programs in VISN 5:

  • Martinsburg
  • VA Maryland Health Care Systems (Perry Point and Baltimore)
  • Washington DC

Each are integrated with their local VA Medical Center and are active partners in providing seamless continuum of care.

Eligibility

Veterans must be eligible for VA services and enrolled at the local VA Medical Center. Referrals are accepted from VA hospital and community resources. Work Therapy assignments within Veterans Industries are made with the Veteran's input and based on elements of the following:

  1. Evaluation and/or test results.
  2. Vocational objectives.
  3. Specific vocational skills and/or aptitudes necessary to the completion of a task.
  4. Past education, training, work history.
  5. Medical/Psychiatric diagnosis.

 

Benefits

  • Veterans Industries is paid work experience.
  • Veterans Industries places the participant in a realistic work setting.
  • Veterans Industries can assist Veterans who are in receipt of disability pensions and are attempting to return to competitive employment or volunteer work, where possible.
  • Earnings from Compensated Work Therapy have no impact on VA service-connected compensated disabilities or service-connected pensions.
  • Veterans on Social Security may also participate, based on transitional provisions and on a case-by-case basis.

 

Contacts

  • Barbara Bowman
    CWT/TR Coordinator
    Perry Point VA Medical Center
    (410) 642-2411 x6068
  • Nancy Hamilton
    Coordinator, Veterans Industry
    Martinsburg VA Medical Center
    (304) 263-0811 x4554
  • Tim Landis
    Lead Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist
    VA Maryland Health Care System
    Toll Free 1-800-949-1003 x5725
  • Dale E. Smith
    Clinical Manager Residential Programs
    Director, Domiciliary Care Program
    VA Maryland Health Care System
    (410) 642-2411 x6516
  • Coniece Washington
    CWT Program Manager
    Washington DC VA Medical Center
    (202) 745-8000 x5274

 

Accreditations/Awards

2003 Olin Teague Award Recipients.

All programs are CARF* and The Joint Commission* accredited.


 

VA Resources

 

Additional Resources

 

*Please note: You are now leaving the Department of Veterans Affairs Website. VA does not endorse and is not responsible for the content of the linked website.