Posted on Sep 12, 2015
Development Project at Work need help with Ideas!
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I am part of a program at work that I have to come up with a pilot program that will bring about change in the VA. This is what I have so far, I am starting to feel like I may have bitten off more than I can chew... but being this is something I feel passionate about; I don't want to pick something else:
I want to set up a local pilot program for my VA that is along the ideas of DoD's Operations Warfighter Program- but not an internship like OWP. I want to set up a program that would allow for the VA and local bases transitioning centers as Service Members are getting out will have an opportunity to transition into a career in the VA.
Right now of the many VA's use VRA and 30%+ Veterans appointments into positions like food services or housekeeping aid positions. It sickens me that this is what we see as a "best opportunity" to get veterans into the workforce. So my goal is to get them into positions that relate to veterans care. Because for me, I would rather have a veteran who knows the VA struggles, answering the scheduling lines or a clinic MSA. Or in be case scenarios in positions that relate to their military occupations- if that is possible.
This is going to be a though sale for me. There are some hiring managers with in the VA. That don't like the idea of direct hires authorities, because they feel it takes away their options for "best candidate". Also many of them only focus on internal candidates for merit promotions, that they forget that they have outside options, like veterans.
Anyways I would like feedback and ideas. PLEASE. What would you guys think of this idea? I have to give a presentation about how I plan to do this.
I want to set up a local pilot program for my VA that is along the ideas of DoD's Operations Warfighter Program- but not an internship like OWP. I want to set up a program that would allow for the VA and local bases transitioning centers as Service Members are getting out will have an opportunity to transition into a career in the VA.
Right now of the many VA's use VRA and 30%+ Veterans appointments into positions like food services or housekeeping aid positions. It sickens me that this is what we see as a "best opportunity" to get veterans into the workforce. So my goal is to get them into positions that relate to veterans care. Because for me, I would rather have a veteran who knows the VA struggles, answering the scheduling lines or a clinic MSA. Or in be case scenarios in positions that relate to their military occupations- if that is possible.
This is going to be a though sale for me. There are some hiring managers with in the VA. That don't like the idea of direct hires authorities, because they feel it takes away their options for "best candidate". Also many of them only focus on internal candidates for merit promotions, that they forget that they have outside options, like veterans.
Anyways I would like feedback and ideas. PLEASE. What would you guys think of this idea? I have to give a presentation about how I plan to do this.
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Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
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Posted 10 y ago
Responses: 4
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How about a veterans advisory committee to have oversight and make recommendations to the facility administration
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It is a great idea, but the VA is similar to big Army...those with connections get hired/promoted, everyone else is just a cog in the wheel of bureaucracy. I can't even catch an actual open slot in which to apply for because "it is already being filled from within". Most jobs posted are already filled positions, but law requires them to post it. Anyway, it is a great idea, wishing you great success in seeing this through.
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The VA should be a service for us by us. If the VA transferred the services of non-commissioned officers, soldiers, the spouses of soldiers hurt in combat, and veterans from prior conflicts into a work force, it would then be a service for veterans by veterans that care for the people and the serviced they provide
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Some veterans will be suited by training and experience to relate to other veterans care; but, many won't SPC (Join to see).
The idea as merit; but, expect pushback from bureaucrats who want to maintain the status quo. Hopefully there will be some managers who are interested in improving and willing to try out new ideas.
The development of good screening of applicants is important. Personal screening by counselors is much better than screening completed assessments.
Linking military training and experience to VA MC positions outside of medical, physical therapy, food service and construction would be difficult. Construction, engineering as in plant engineers, computer and technology skills could be very useful in areas of the VA which are developing, remodeling, or other construction, projects. Some sates have union laws while other are right to work. Getting veterans who are not union members into positions in construction fields can be difficult.
The idea as merit; but, expect pushback from bureaucrats who want to maintain the status quo. Hopefully there will be some managers who are interested in improving and willing to try out new ideas.
The development of good screening of applicants is important. Personal screening by counselors is much better than screening completed assessments.
Linking military training and experience to VA MC positions outside of medical, physical therapy, food service and construction would be difficult. Construction, engineering as in plant engineers, computer and technology skills could be very useful in areas of the VA which are developing, remodeling, or other construction, projects. Some sates have union laws while other are right to work. Getting veterans who are not union members into positions in construction fields can be difficult.
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LTC Stephen F.
SPC (Join to see) - My VAMC at Martinsburg, WV is very proactive as is my primary care physician. I have a good relationship with my primary care physician in part because I have been closely following my specialist care for 20 years and cross-pollinating information.
Within the VA system as was the case with the DoD systems is compartmentalized. If VAMC's could share information better within the overall network that would be a significant improvement for veteran care when we move or our care providers move. I am not a big fan of cloud technology [server farm]; but, the ability to access medical information in real time will be a great improvement.
Additionally with the advent of the VA Choice Program, letting VA MC doctors interface with Civilian Doctors in the program could be a great step forward. AS it is I had to ask my Choice Program's dermatologist office to email my results to my VA MC primacy care physician since there was not a method to do so within the system.
Within the VA system as was the case with the DoD systems is compartmentalized. If VAMC's could share information better within the overall network that would be a significant improvement for veteran care when we move or our care providers move. I am not a big fan of cloud technology [server farm]; but, the ability to access medical information in real time will be a great improvement.
Additionally with the advent of the VA Choice Program, letting VA MC doctors interface with Civilian Doctors in the program could be a great step forward. AS it is I had to ask my Choice Program's dermatologist office to email my results to my VA MC primacy care physician since there was not a method to do so within the system.
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LTC Stephen F.
SPC (Join to see) - Knowledge and training are more important than having somebody who understands the frustrations of dealing with the system. Caring is good; but, I have seen too many people wallowing in problems and those who are more focused on commiserating with veterans going through problems than actually working to correct them systemically as well as on an individual basis. Hopefully you will be able to come up with a way to screen out the people focusing on commiserating from those focused on solving problems and help VA to hire the latter.
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SPC (Join to see)
LTC Stephen F. I am not a huge fan of the server farms either. But for the VA to operate as one. and get the care we need. I think its the only way to go. Last year when I was in Oregon for 6 months, it drove me insane that the VAMC didn't have access to some of the records that my VA here in PA had, because they were in a different VISN. My VA in Lebanon is amazing- the Staff is amazing, my Dr. is amazing, they have done wonders to the facility to get it updated to where it needs to be for medical care tech wise... but I know this not the case in many other people cases. I think places like Martinsburg, Lebanon, are Perry Point, MD are the hidden gold mines of the VA system. They are beyond the standards for excellent care, and are getting apart of the bad rap with the the bigger hospitals that do have issues.
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SGT John W Lugo
Maybe once you get this project under way you can work on the process of obtaining your personal records quicker. Nothing can be just requested at your local VA clinic, you have to send off 50 forms to NPRC WEB for blacked out copies from a fax machine.
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