VHA WORKFORCE RECRUITMENT
and Retention Service
Providing the best in Federal sector customer-focused recruitment, placement and retention solutions to enable the delivery of care to Veterans.
THE BEST RESOURCES
LEAD TO THE BEST CARE
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Workforce Recruitment and Retention Service (WRRS) programs and resources strengthen VHA workforce and enhance Veterans’ whole health through talent acquisition solutions, technology, best practices, and exceptional service. WRRS focuses on filling VHA’s mission critical and hard- to-fill clinical and leadership vacancies through targeted recruitment, sourcing, marketing, scholarships and loan repayment. WRRS serves as VHA’s in-house search operation, offering a portfolio of programs and consultative services for successful recruitment. WRRS utilizes innovative outreach and custom recruitments tools based on local needs and market research to provide a pipeline of highly desirable candidates. National marketing and advertising efforts focus on large- scale initiatives that establish VHA as an attractive employer of choice in the health care market, as well as local and occupation-specific campaigns designed to pinpoint candidates for facilities with established recruitment challenges. WRRS also serves as a training resource for field-level human resources employees and recruiters, developing and hosting trainings that prepare VHA to be competitive in the recruitment market by encouraging expanded use of private sector-style best practices.
VHA WORKFORCE RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION SERVICE
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Did You Know WRRS can help you effectively market VA positions to candidates and meet your workforce planning goals.
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THE BEST TOOLS
BRING YOU THE BEST TALENT
WRRS uses a variety of channels to help recruit top quality professionals, including:
VA CAREERS WEBSITE
HEALTH CARE RECRUITER’S TOOLKIT
ONLINE ADVERTISING
Provides detailed information about all VA positions, giving job seekers the opportunity to ask questions through a live chat feature and apply online. When an applicant responds to a job posting, recruiters are notified via email. In addition, current VA employees can utilize VA Vacancy, an internal jobsite, to pursue positions open for national recruitment.
Provides a unique, virtual online management program that coordinates national and local recruitment efforts for top talent. The Toolkit also creates an online community for recruiters to order displays for events, print VA flyers and brochures, and download and use VA logos and web banners.
Promotes VA job ‘opportunities’ versus ‘postings’ on commercial employment sites as well as various websites affiliated with health care associations. We accomplish this using social media platforms or networks versus social networking sites.
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PRINT ADVERTISING
TV COMMERCIALS
PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS
Utilizing both local, direct classified advertising, and national employment branding to promote specific positions as well as provide ongoing exposure of VA messaging to potential hires— establishing VA as a leader in health care and the employer of choice.
15- and 30-second spots encouraging medical professionals to consider a career with VA by promoting our superior quality of care, advanced technology, system of interconnected facilities, medical research and overall medical excellence.
Used to promote the “preferred health care employer” image of VA on TV and radio; educate the public on the importance of VA’s mission; and emphasize the importance and advantages of careers with VA.
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THE BEST RECRUITERS
DELIVER THE BEST RESULTS
The National Recruitment Service provides national healthcare recruitment consultants who assist VHA program offices, Veterans Integrated Service Networks (VISN) and VA Medical Centers (VAMC) by providing consultative services and recruitment support that leverages private sector best practices. Recruitment consultants work directly with key stakeholders in the recruitment, hiring, and retention life cycle and develop tailored strategies that solve unique challenges reducing Time-2-Hire while improving retention rates and the size and quality of the talent pool.
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VA RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION
INCENTIVE PROGRAMS
To ensure VA attracts and retains the best health care professionals available, VA promotes several incentive programs. VA employees have access to an extensive array of educational incentives, scholarships and loan repayment programs that keep employees at the top of their game. This includes one of the most comprehensive education support programs in the nation.
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Did You Know Provides education incentives and scholarship programs as well as student loan repayment services to not only recruit highly qualified health care professionals but retain them as well.
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SCHOLARSHIPS & CLINICAL
EDUCATION (S&CE)
The S&CE office provides funding for employees and non-employees pursuing degrees or training in critical health care occupations for which recruitment and retention of qualified personnel is difficult. The various scholarship and clinical programs help alleviate the VA health care workforce shortages by requiring recipients to complete a service obligation at a VA health care facility after graduation and licensure/certification. The Scholarships & Clinical Education program office administers and provides oversight of various scholarship programs which include:
NATIONAL NURSING EDUCATIONAL INCENTIVE (NNEI)
VA NATIONAL EDUCATION FOR EMPLOYEES PROGRAM (VANEEP)
EMPLOYEE INCENTIVE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM (EISP)
This scholarship is awarded to permanent full- and part-time VA registered nurses seeking bachelors and advanced nursing degrees from an authorized, accredited program.
Choose a career that lets you stay on firm financial footing as you pursue first-time clinical licensure.
Authorizes VA to award scholarships to permanent full- and part-time employees pursuing degrees or training in health care disciplines for which recruitment and retention are difficult.
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HEALTH PROFESSIONAL SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM (HPSP) Awards scholarships to students receiving education/training in a health care services discipline. Awards will be offered on a competitive basis and are exempt from Federal taxation. In exchange for the award, scholarship program participants agree to a minimum service obligation in a VA health care facility.
VHA WORKFORCE RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION SERVICE
VISUAL IMPAIRMENT AND ORIENTATION AND MOBILITY PROFESSIONALS SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM (VIOMPSP) Awards scholarships to students seeking a degree or certificate in visual impairment or orientation and mobility. Awards are offered on a competitive basis, provide for the payment of tuition and required fees, and are exempt from Federal taxation. In exchange for the award, scholarship program participants agree to a 3-year service obligation in a VA health care facility.
VA LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES RESIDENCY (VALOR) Allows nursing, pharmacy and medical technology students (who have completed their junior year in an accredited clinical program) to gain experience at a local VA facility.
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EDUCATION LOAN REPAYMENT
SERVICES (ELRS)
VHA WORKFORCE RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION SERVICE
ELRS assists VHA with filling the critical healthcare positions required to deliver premier patient care services to our nation’s Veterans. The ELRS provides program guidance and optimal distribution of program resources:
EDUCATION DEBT REDUCTION PLAN (EDRP)
STUDENT LOAN REPAYMENT PROGRAM (SLRP)
SPECIALTY EDUCATION LOAN REPAYMENT PROGRAM (SELRP)
EDRP authorizes VA to provide student loan repayment versus reduction to employees with qualifying loans and who provide direct patient care in clinical specialties that are considered hard to recruit or retain.
Through the SLRP, employees in certain occupations may be eligible to receive up to $10,000 per year (with a lifetime maximum of $60,000) to help repay student loans. Request more information on the availability of the SLRP when submitting your employment application.
The SELRP allows the VA to recruit physicians starting or currently completing residency training, in medical specialties that the VA has identified as hard to fill, or to meet forecasted workforce vacancy projections. Selected participants may receive up to $40,000 in education loan repayment for each year in training up to four years. SELRP recipients agree to a minimum service obligation as a full-time patient care provider at a VA health care facility. 11
To care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow, and his orphan. –Abraham Lincoln
These words became the motto of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and are inscribed on the front of our headquarters.
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KEY TALKING POINTS
FOR POTENTIAL EMPLOYEES
Remember to emphasize these critical points about working at VA when speaking with potential employees.
WHEN YOU PROVIDE THE BEST CARE, YOU DESERVE THE BEST BENEFITS Paid vacation/personal time: 36 - 49 days of paid time off per year that includes paid vacation, paid sick leave, and 10 paid federal holidays. Voluntary Leave Transfer Program allows you to receive donated days off from other employees in times of medical emergencies. Group health insurance plans, including dental, vision, and long-term care, with the majority of premiums paid by the Federal Government. Insurance may become effective as soon as the first, full pay period after beginning duty. Term life insurance, with family and additional coverage options available. VHA WORKFORCE RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION SERVICE
Health care and dependent care Flexible Spending Accounts. Liability protection: Employees are protected by the Federal Tort Claims Act, which provides immunity from personal liability for damages arising from medical malpractice or negligence. The Federal Employees’ Retirement System (FERS): a three-tier retirement plan composed of Social Security, FERS basic benefits (traditional pension), and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). Tuition reimbursement for full-time VHA employees and education loan repayment services for some job seekers and employees (conditions apply).
Parental Leave Act benefit of 12 weeks paid absence for births, adoptions and fostering. The Family and Medical Leave Act and The Family Friendly Leave Act allow employees to balance their work and family lives by taking reasonable amounts of leave for medical reasons; for the birth or adoption/foster care of a child; and for the care of a child, spouse or parent who has a serious health problem.
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WORK ANYWHERE—AND TAKE YOUR BENEFITS WITH YOU Mobility is one of the great advantages of being part of VHA. You can work in any of our advanced facilities in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, and the Philippines. Best of all: when you transfer to a location where there is an available position, you won’t lose any benefits, vacation accrual, or—in most cases—your current salary rate. Some VHA facilities are even authorized to pay relocation if there is a high need to fill a position. Whether you want to enjoy living by the beach, near the countryside, or in a bustling metropolis, chances are you’ll find a VHA facility nearby.
PERKS AT VHA FACILITIES
VHA WORKFORCE RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION SERVICE
A smoke/drug-free workplace Child care at some locations A child care subsidy program Free parking at most locations Transit subsidy programs at most locations Workforce and leadership development programs Credit unions Dining options and a tax-free retail store
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Find the best talent to join us in helping those who have helped our country.
vacareers.va.gov (844) 456-5208 ď‚Š Veterans looking for career assistance outside VA can visit www.vets.gov or www.fedshirevets.gov.
vacareers@va.gov