P&P October 2015

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Policy&PracticeOctober 2015 26
The 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
locally speaking
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
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
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.
James Bolden is a public information
officer at the County of Los Angeles
Department of Public Social Services.
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