P&P October 2015

locally speaking

By James Bolden

Putting United States Veterans First County of Los Angeles Veteran Internship Program Gives Vets an Opportunity to Compete for Full-Time Employment

T he Veteran Internship Program (VIP) was initially launched by the Los Angeles County Department of Human Resources on May 16, 2007 to provide paid internships to quali- fied veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces (USAF). This program offers veterans practical job assignments that provide training and on-the-job experience needed to compete for open positions within county departments. Since implementing the VIP at the Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) in July 2013, the department has led the way with a total of 120 veterans that have participated in the program. Serving in clerical support and eligibility worker positions at

terms with great benefits,” said Army veteran Joshua Parker, who is assigned to the DPSS Accounts Receivable Section. Former Air Force veteran Jose Portillo, also assigned to the DPSS Accounts Receivable Section, agreed. “I can see that DPSS is really com- mitted to the success of the veterans because leaders from different levels show up to express their support.” Portillo said. Former Marine Corps veteran Alejandro Garcia, assigned to the DPSS Human Resource Division, is thrilled that he is able to benefit from his time served in the U.S. military.

various DPSS offices, 29 veterans were promoted to permanent positions both within DPSS and outside the department. Other than being a veteran, no expe- rience is required. However, applicants must have been discharged from the USAF under honorable conditions and possess either a valid DD-214 Certificate of Discharge, Separation from Active Duty, or other official doc- uments issued by their military branch of service. In addition to the VIP, DPSS offers a veterans and U.S. military resources web page at http://www.ladpss.org/ dpss/veterans/default.cfm , which connects military veterans and their families with needed services. “DPSS has provided us with an opportunity to enter the incredibly competitive public workforce on good

James Bolden is a public information officer at the County of Los Angeles Department of Public Social Services.

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