This topic relates to section 3.1 of the VVRS Instrument [3].
Certain veterans - who are not in receipt of disability compensation payment at the special or intermediate rate, or invalidity service pension - may participate in a Veterans' Vocational Rehabilitation Scheme (VVRS) rehabilitation program, whether they are in receipt of a pension or not.
VVRS rehabilitation programs under Chapter 3 in the VVRS Instrument [3] may assist veterans:
It provides the rules for their participation and the criteria by which applications and programs are assessed.
Note: Personnel who are separating from the ADF but who do not have eligibility as a veteran (i.e. as per s115A of the VEA [4]) are not entitled to VVRS assistance. Therefore, ADF personnel requesting services from the VVRS should have their eligibility checked accordingly.
This topic relates to section 3.2 of the VVRS Instrument [3].
The VVRS provides assistance to veterans who require it to retain employment that is at risk. The Scheme is not intended to remove the normal obligations people have to keep themselves up to date in their field of employment.
Where a veteran is having difficulty at work, he or she should be advised to attempt to resolve the difficulties through the mechanisms that exist in their workplace. For example, many employees have rights, and access, to grievance procedures, occupational health and safety mechanisms or internal counselling services. Veterans should utilise these in the first instance. Unsuccessful attempts to utilise these services may require the Rehabilitation Service Provider to act in an advocacy role to ensure that veterans receive the services to which they are entitled. The VVRS is not intended to duplicate other services to which veterans are entitled.
As VAN and VVCS staff will generally be the first point of contact with veterans who are having difficulties as a result of their employment, they are expected to explore the options available to the veteran prior to discussing assistance through the VVRS.
A veteran feels vulnerable in his job in a competitive environment. He won the job from a large number of other applicants only through purchasing expensive new text books and as a result of doing his own study over many years. He is seeking assistance to undertake training to keep up-to-date to retain his job.
In approaching this case, an assessment would be needed that the veteran's continued employment is at risk.
If the Rehabilitation Service Provider determines that the veteran's employment is at risk, an assessment will be needed to identify assistance which could usefully be provided. For instance, the veteran may need assistance in dealing with the effects of the stress of the situation. Other options for assistance could include assistance with training. It may be possible to make this assessment at the same time as the assessment of the security of employment.
If assistance with training costs is being examined as an option, factors to be considered include:
** Be aware that there is a difference between 'maintaining credentials as part of day to day work requirements' and the need to 'retrain due to a new rule change'.
Examples of the difference between 'maintaining credentials as part of day to day work requirements' and the need to 'retrain due to a new rule change' are:
Scenario (1.) is an example of a 'requirement to maintain credentials', while scenario (2.) is an example of an 'unexpected rule change'.
Examples of items generally not included in an approved program:
Medical management and psychosocial services may be included in a rehabilitation program under s3.2.2A if the services are reasonably required to:
a) assist the veteran to achieve or retain suitable paid employment; or
b) address an identified rehabilitation barrier as part of the process of assisting the veteran to achieve or retain suitable paid employment.
Further information can be found in 12.4 ‘Psychosocial rehabilitation’ [6].
Grounds for cessation of a veteran's participation in the VVRS may include continually failing to attend appointments with Rehabilitation Service Providers.
If the Rehabilitation Service Provider is to recommend to the VVRS Coordinator to determine that a veteran is no longer participating in, or undertaking, a vocational program because:
the Rehabilitation Service Provider will prepare a recommendation to the VVRS Coordinator giving reasons for the termination or non-acceptance onto the Scheme.
Links
[1] https://clik.dva.gov.au/user/login?destination=comment/reply/21066%23comment-form
[2] https://clik.dva.gov.au/user/login?destination=comment/reply/21075%23comment-form
[3] https://www.legislation.gov.au/Series/F2015L01263
[4] https://www.legislation.gov.au/Series/C2004A03268
[5] https://clik.dva.gov.au/user/login?destination=comment/reply/21063%23comment-form
[6] https://clik.dva.gov.au/rehabilitation-policy-library/12-veterans-vocational-rehabilitation-scheme-guidelines/124-psychosocial-rehabilitation-under-vvrs