VA recognizes Compensated Work Therapy Vocational Rehabilitation Week

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will recognize Compensated Work Therapy (CWT) Rehabilitation Week, October 18-23, honoring more than 1,000 VA CWT vocational rehabilitation counselors, managers and peer support specialists who provide services to more than 63,000 Veterans each year within the VA healthcare system.

VA’s CWT services are integrated with clinical care to assist Veterans with mental health or physical health challenges, including serious mental illness, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, polytrauma and traumatic brain injury, substance use disorder, homelessness, and other psychological issues that may interfere with them securing gainful employment.

“The CWT Program is a valuable asset to a Veteran’s recovery. This program allows Veterans an opportunity to address various mental health and/or physical challenges; while providing important vocational services to assist with obtaining competitive employment. Securing employment improves a Veteran’s self-esteem, sense of self-worth and independence; all of which are vital to the overall health and well-being of our Veterans,” stated Dr. Barbara Bates, Medical Center Director.

CWT Vocational Rehabilitation Recognition Week Timeline:

  • Monday, Oct. 19: Recognition of the men and women who provide CWT services to Veterans at CWT program locations and those who serve as CWT Managers.
  • Tuesday, Oct. 20: Recognition of the providers who appreciate the value of meaningful work to good physical and mental health and who refer Veterans for CWT services.
  • Wednesday, Oct. 21: Recognition of the VHA and community staff who serve as work site placement supervisors for CWT Transitional Work Veterans.
  • Thursday, Oct. 22: Recognition of the employers who hire CWT Veterans.
  • Friday, Oct. 23: Recognition of the Veterans who graduate CWT Programs returning to successful careers.

CWT programs are located at all VA medical facilities and aim to provide evidence-based and evidence-informed vocational rehabilitation services to Veterans while developing partnerships with local, regional and national businesses, industry and government agencies that provide Veteran candidates for employment.
For more information about the Aleda E Lutz VAMC CWT program, contact Carly Huffman, LMSW, CCFC, MSHAL (Homeless Program Coordinator/CWT Program Manager) at 989-497-2500, Extension 11694.