Louisiana Department Veteran Affairs

Article X of the Louisiana Constitution provides a five-point hiring preference to honorably discharged wartime veterans who served in the United States Armed forces between the following dates:

Apr 6, 1917, through Nov 11, 1918

Sep 27, 1940, through Jul 25, 1947

Jun 25 1950, through Jan 31, 1955

Jul 1, 1958, through May 7, 1975

Aug 2, 1990, through date to be determined

Service requires appropriate campaign medals

 

A ten point hiring preference is accorded to each honorably discharged veteran (peacetime or wartime) who has one or more service connected disabilities, as established by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.  In certain circumstances, the ten point hiring preference can be utilized by the disabled veteran’s spouse, widow, or parent.  See a parish service officer for details.

The veterans preference also extends to layoffs over other non-veteran employees with equal lengths of service and efficiency ratings.

Federal law also grants a 5-point and 10-point preference to veterans applying for federal jobs.  The requirements are similar to the state requirements above.  For specific information, refer to the federal Office of Personnel Management Web site at: http://www.opm.gov/veterans/html/vetguide.asp#2, or call  202) 606-1800.

 

 

www.laworks.net; 608-266-3132

 

Many veterans leave the military with the skills and knowledge employers and trade unions are seeking.

 

The Louisiana Workforce Commission, Apprenticeship Division, provides information on Louisiana apprenticeship programs.  Interested parties should call 225-342-3111 or visit http://www.laworks.net/ApprenticeshiAPP_MainMenu.asp .

 

 

 

www.laworks.net; 1-800-259-5154

 

The Louisiana Workforce Commission operates local business and career solution centers to assist veterans in finding employment and making career choices. For a complete listing of centers, go to www.laworks.net.  For a complete listing of veterans services and staff, go to:http://www.laworks.net/WorkforceDev/VeteransServices/Vet_Main.asp.

 

 

www.vetbiz.gov; 1-866-584-2344

 

VA’s Center for Veterans Enterprise helps veterans interested in forming or expanding small businesses and helps VA contracting offices identify veteran-owned small businesses. For more information, write to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (CVE), 810 Vermont Ave, N.W., Washington, DC 20420-0001; call toll free 

at 1-866-584-2344; or visit http://www.vetbiz.gov.

 

 

LDVA; 225-922-0500

 

This new LDVA program is aimed at providing a clearinghouse of information for Louisiana veteran-owned and disabled veteran-owned small businesses through the above Web site.  Currently, any small business could receive special consideration regarding state procurement and other public contracts through the Hudson Initiative, a program administered by the Louisiana Department of Economic Development (LED).  To become certified for the program, contact LED at 1-800-450-8115 and fill out the online certification at: http://www.ledlouisiana.com/opportunities/incentives--programs/hudson-initiative.aspx

 

 

www.vba.va.gov/bln/vre/vrs.htm;  1-888-442-4551

 

The Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program helps veterans with service-connected disabilities to prepare for, find, and keep suitable jobs. For veterans with service-connected disabilities so severe that they cannot immediately consider work, the program offers services to improve their ability to live as independently as possible.

 

·    Service-connected disabilities—Federal VA:         www.va.gov

·    Service-connected or non-military disabling condition(s)—Contact the local veterans employment representative (LVER) or disabled veterans out-reach specialist (DVOP).

 

 See http://www.lwc.la.gov (veterans services) or  http://www.laworks.net/Downloads/WFD/Vet_StaffLocations.pdf for locations.

 

 Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act

 

www..dol.gov/vets/programs/userra

 

Phone: 225-389-0339

 

FAX (225) 342-3152

 

The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) is a federal statute that provides job protections and employment rights to military service personnel who serve on military duty.

 

Veterans Employment and Training Service (VETS) staff provides technical assistance to veterans, National Guard members, and Reservists who experience conflicts between their military commitments and civilian employment. VETS staff also assist employers by providing information about the USERRA statute and explaining employer and employee responsibilities as well as military leave policies. In addition, the statute also covers discrimination in hiring due to the service member's military obligation.

 

When an alleged violation of the USERRA statute exists, a complaint may be filed with VETS.  An investigation is conducted, and mediation is attempted in an effort to formally resolve the issue.

 

To qualify for a claim, the uniformed service member must:

 

·    Provide advance notice of his military leave of absence to his employer  and meet the duration of military service requirements

·      Serve in the military under honorable conditions

·    Request reinstatement within the prescribed time limit

 

For more information regarding USERRA, please visit the following Web site: www.dol.gov/vets/programs/userra.

 

Assistance can be provided by the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserves at 1-800-336-4590 or the U.S. Department of Labor’s Veterans Employment and Training Service (VETS), located in the Louisiana Workforce Commission Administration Building, Room 184, at 1001 North 23rd Street, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70802.  Phone: 225-389-0339; fax: 225– 342-3152