VA outlines hiring and retention programs for military spouses

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs said it offers programs, hiring authorities, resources and retention flexibilities intended to help military spouses build and continue federal careers, including during Permanent Change of Station (PCS) moves that require families to relocate.

According to the VA, it became the first federal agency to sign the 4+1 Commitment in 2024, which focuses on recruiting, hiring and retaining military spouses. The department said it supports military spouses in four main ways. First, it has retention procedures for eligible employees who must relocate because of a service member's PCS, first considering whether they can keep their current position. Second, eligible military spouses working under approved remote arrangements are exempt from VA's return-to-in-person requirements. Third, workplace flexibilities may be available depending on the position. Fourth, eligible employees may receive up to five days of administrative leave for a qualifying PCS relocation.

The VA said its Veteran and Military Spouse Talent Engagement Program (VMSTEP) provides employment resources, federal application education and connections with VA recruiting teams, and helps current military spouse employees during PCS-related transitions.

The department said military spouses can find eligible openings on USAJOBS by selecting the "Military spouses" hiring path filter. Current VA openings include certified nurse anesthetist, psychology technician and dental laboratory technician positions, according to the release.

Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Originally published by True News: https://truenews.bagleyenterprises.net/stories/289