Veterans CARE Research Project - VA Central Western Massachusetts Healthcare System
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VA Central Western Massachusetts Healthcare System

 

Veterans CARE Research Project

Veterans Coordinated Approach to Recovery and Employment (Veterans CARE) is a VA initiative to help Veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder find and keep good jobs. Hear from the Veterans CARE team and participating Veterans.

WHAT IS VETERANS CARE?

Veterans CARE supports unemployed or underemployed Veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in attaining competitive, compatible employment. The program provides Individual Placement and Support (IPS), an evidence-based approach to supported employment that emphasizes a rapid job search to match an individual’s needs and preferences with the right job alongside integrated mental health care. IPS Employment Specialists work closely with participants’ mental health care providers to ensure that employment opportunities match their needs.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

  • U.S. Military Veterans
  • Under age 62
  • Service-connected disability with PTSD
  • Unemployed or underemployed
  • Desire to pursue competitive employment

PARTICIPANTS WILL RECEIVE

  • 1:1 support from IPS Employment Specialists to rapidly find competitive employment that matches your interests and skills.
  • On-going support once employed to help with any workplace concerns
  • Frequent in-person and digital communication
  • Integrated mental health care
  • No changes to VA benefits

George

GEORGE'S STORY

George is an Army Veteran who served in Iraq and Afghanistan. He participated in the Veterans CARE project in summer 2018. His IPS Employment Specialist, Anne, helped him find work as a research assistant. “They care about you. They want to see you succeed. They want you to achieve beyond the military. It's just life doesn't stop after the military. There's a lot more that you have to offer society.” — George

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Will I lose my service-connected benefits by participating in this program?
VA benefits cannot be reduced, denied, or discontinued based on participation in this program. IPS Employment Specialists help Veterans obtain personalized, understandable, and accurate information about their VA, Social Security, Medicaid, and other government entitlements.

What if I have PTSD, but not a service connection designation?
While this program is only open to Veterans with service-connected PTSD, if you are ineligible for Veterans CARE, we will be happy to discuss other programs available to you.

Will my participation in this program be disclosed to employers?
Disclosure of PTSD diagnosis to employers would only happen with permission from the Veteran.

INTERESTED? GET IN TOUCH WITH US!

Emily Cooper, Central Western Massachusetts Individual Placement & Support (IPS) Research Coordinator
413-584-4040 ext. 2998

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Contact Info

Location

  • VA Central Western Massachusetts Healthcare System

Contact Number(s)

  • 413-584-4040 Ext. 2998

Hours of Operation

  • Mon-Fri 8:00am-4:30pm