The PIA Special Emphasis Programs are created to improve the recruitment, job retention, and advancement opportunities of minorities, women and people with disabilities in the workplace. These Special Emphasis Programs promote fairness and equity in the delivery of programs to our customers. They also help to educate our workforce about diversity among various races, genders, ethnic, and cultural groups so everyone has a better understanding and appreciation of our differences. Veterans are just one of many groups that are served by these special emphasis programs.
Veterans Special Emphasis Program (VSEP)
The Veterans Special Emphasis Program is directed at assuring that all veterans, particularly Vietnam Era and disabled veterans have the full measure of employment in the Federal service. The legal basis for the program include the Veterans Preference Act of 1944 (5 USC 2108); 5 USC 3114 (non-competitive appointing authority for 30 percent or more disabled veterans); Veterans Readjustment Appointment (EO 11521); and the Vietnam Era Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974 (38 USC 2104). The Veterans Special Emphasis Program Manager (VSEPM) is responsible in assisting leadership in the recruitment and retention of qualified veterans, particularly Vietnam Era, and disabled veterans. The VSEPM also assists veterans in understanding their rights and opportunities regarding Federal employment.
USAJOBS Help Center for Veterans - Federal employment opportunities including information on Veterans preference and special hiring authorities available to Veterans.
Our Military Kids, Inc. - A non-profit awarding grants to children of deployed National Guard, Reserves and wounded warriors for extracurricular activities and tutoring to sustain them during parent’s absence.
Women Veterans Interactive - Created to address the unique and often unrecognized challenges facing our nation’s 1.8 million woman veterans as they return to civilian life.