Getting Back to Work with VA Compensated Work Therapy
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has programs to help veterans adjust to life after service. One of these is the Compensated Work Therapy (CWT) program, designed to help veterans with disabilities find their way back into the workforce. This program isn’t just about getting any job available; it’s about using work as a way to heal and grow.
CWT helps bridge the gap between military life and civilian jobs, giving veterans a structured path back to working. CWT has different parts, offering various work experiences tailored to what each veteran needs and can do. These include:
- Short-term, paid work at a VA facility or a private company. It’s meant to be a first step, helping veterans get used to working again and learn important job skills. The focus is on building stamina, getting back into good work habits, and regaining confidence.
- Supported jobs focus on helping veterans with disabilities get and keep competitive jobs in the community. It includes ongoing support from job coaches who provide personalized help with job searching, training, and on-the-job support.
- Career advice, skills testing, job development, and job placement help. Counselors work with veterans to figure out their job goals and create a plan to reach them.
- Long-term, paid work in a structured, supportive setting, often in a VA-run workshop or community rehabilitation program. It’s for veterans who might not be ready for regular jobs but can benefit from a work environment’s routine and social interaction.
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Who is Eligible for VA Compensated Work Therapy?
To be eligible for CWT, you must be a veteran with a disability, either physical or mental, that makes it hard to find or keep a job. This disability doesn’t have to be related to your military service. Veterans with disabilities that developed after leaving the military can also apply.
VA.gov says, “To be considered for participation in the CWT program, a Veteran must be eligible to receive VA healthcare services, have a goal of a return to competitive employment, and have barriers to obtaining and/or retaining employment that require the intensive support provided by one of the CWT service components.”
How to Sign Up for CWT
Start by contacting the CWT program coordinator at your nearest VA medical center. You can find contact information on the VA website or by calling the VA’s main information line.Schedule an evaluate on with a CWT counselor. This evaluation will look at your job needs, work history, skills, and interests. Be ready to talk about your disability and how it affects your ability to work.
Based on the evaluation, you and your counselor will create a personalized job plan. This plan will outline your job goals, the CWT services that would help you most, and the steps you’ll take to achieve your goals.
Once you have a plan, you’ll start participating in the chosen CWT activities, like temporary work, supported jobs, job help, or structured work.
Throughout your time in CWT, your counselor will support you. They’ll check your progress, give advice and encouragement, and help you with any challenges you face.
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Making the Most of CWT
To get the most out of CWT:
- Talk regularly with your counselor, share your needs and worries, and be open to trying new things.
- Set job goals that fit your skills and abilities. Don’t be afraid to start with a less demanding job or a temporary position while you gain experience and confidence.
- Finding the right job and getting used to working can take time. Be patient with yourself and the process, and don’t get discouraged by setbacks.
- Take advantage of all the resources CWT offers, including career counseling, job training, and placement.
- Connect with other veterans and professionals in your field. Networking can lead to new opportunities and provide valuable support.
- Be your own advocate. Communicate your needs clearly and assertively, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.
The Power of Work
CWT focuses on work therapy because meaningful employment can be a useful tool for healing and recovery. Work provides structure, purpose, and social interaction, and all of these may help to improve mental and physical health. For veterans with disabilities, the chance to work can be especially important for regaining a sense of normalcy and independence.
By offering a range of different services, CWT helps veterans overcome barriers to employment and achieve their job goals. While it’s not a quick fix, CWT, along with a veteran’s own drive and proactive approach, can be a big step toward a successful and fulfilling civilian career. Contact your local VA medical center to get started and learn more about CWT opportunities in your area.
What to Know About VA Compensated Work Therapy
According to the VA official site, CWT programs operate in all VA medical centers. VA.gov advises, “Review the CWT Locations page to find site specifics. Many of our CWT programs are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) – an independent accrediting body of health and human service providers. ”
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About the author
Editor-in-Chief Joe Wallace is a 13-year veteran of the United States Air Force and a former reporter/editor for Air Force Television News and the Pentagon Channel. His freelance work includes contract work for Motorola, VALoans.com, and Credit Karma. He is co-founder of Dim Art House in Springfield, Illinois, and spends his non-writing time as an abstract painter, independent publisher, and occasional filmmaker.
