Strategies for Improving Employment Outcomes of Veterans Diagnosed With Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) has been connected to loss of employment, social withdrawal or isolation, impaired occupational functioning, development of a co-existing psychiatric disorder, suicidal ideations, self-harming behaviors, and potential for substance abuse problems (Hughes, Lusk, & Strause, 2016). Resnick and Rosenheck’s (2020) research found that the rate of competitive employment at discharge from a Compensated Work Therapy program (program funded with Department of Veteran Affairs) was 30% for Veterans with PTSD compared to 36% for Veterans without PTSD. Another study found that of post-9/11 Veterans surveyed in Los Angeles, 65% stated that they needed meaningful help finding a job (Zogas, 2017). The purpose of this pap~r is to (1) provide information related to how to assess and improve psychological readiness for Veterans with PTSD, (2) identify reasonable accommodations for Veterans with PTSD, and (3) other vocational intervention strategies to increase employability/ placeability of Veterans with PTSD.