MEASURE DIRECTS THE VA TO EXPAND JOB OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE ON ITS WEBSITE
 

Washington, Sep 15, 2010 -

“Our men and women in the armed forces face danger overseas every day, and as veterans they return to a slow economy with limited job opportunities,” stated Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-FL), Vice Republican Leader on the House Veterans Affairs Committee.  “Finding employment is essential to resuming a civilian life for these veterans, and I want to ensure that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) employs the latest technology and applications to help these veterans find meaningful employment.”

The House VA Committee today approved H.R. 3685, the VET JOBS Act, offered by Stearns to require the VA to add a drop-down menu titled “Veterans Employment” on its homepage.  The drop-down menu would have links to VetSuccess, USA Jobs, Job Central, and other appropriate employment websites.  Added Stearns, “It also would require the VA Secretary to advertise and promote the VetSuccess website and require direct outreach to those returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.”

“Among my goals is instilling a commitment to customer service and usability at the VA in helping veterans find employment,” explained Stearns.  “I went on the VA homepage and found ‘Federal Jobs for Veterans,’ but private sector jobs are not listed.   For those private jobs, you have to go to another menu and navigate 28 possible links on the VA website.  In addition, when I entered my zip code I got a list of 64 jobs in my area.  However, I found 237 jobs listed on Monster.com. VetSuccess must be more like Monster.com and other sites in providing quick and simple access to employment opportunities for our veterans in a specific area.”