Sensitivity and Awareness of the Mental Health Needs of Employee

Veterans

Christopher Watson, Ph.D.

12/6/11

Mission and Vision

Mission: Honor America’s Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being.

Vision: To be the benchmark of excellence and value in health care and benefits by providing exemplary services that are both patient-centered and evidence-based.

VA Core Values and Characteristics

• VA Core Values:  Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, Excellence (“I CARE”)

• VA Core Characteristics:  Trustworthy, Accessible, Quality, Innovative, Agile, Integrated

The Importance of Diversity

The Diversity and Inclusion Strategic Plan for FY 2009-2013 states the following as one of its main objectives:

Objective 2B

Support the retention and full participation of employees in order to provide high-quality service to Veterans and their families.

Strategies to Increase Diversity

Strategies to meet the objective include:• Analyze Federal Human Capital Survey (FHCS) and

Annual Employee Survey (AES) data to identify trends with regard to diversity and inclusion.

• Coordinate with national selective placement services to place applicants/employees with disabilities.

• Implement accurate reasonable accommodation tracking system to report national data.

• Establish and train selective placement coordinators for placement of people with disabilities utilizing Schedule A Hiring Authorities.

Targeted Disability

What is a targeted disability?– The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

(EEOC) defines targeted disabilities as deafness, blindness, missing extremities, partial paralysis, complete paralysis, convulsive disorders, mental retardation, mental illness and genetic or physical conditions affecting the limbs and/or spine.

Facility performance measure goals for targeted disabilities:

– 2% of the workforce– 2% of new hires

Reasonable Accommodation

What is a reasonable accommodation?

"A reasonable accommodation is any modification or adjustment to a job or the work environment that will enable a qualified applicant or employee with a disability to participate in the application process or to perform essential job functions. Reasonable accommodation also includes adjustments to assure that a qualified individual with a disability has rights and privileges in employment equal to those of employees without disabilities." USDOJ (Department of Justice)

Reasonable Accommodation

In order to be entitled to a reasonable accommodation, one must:

• Have a disability that impacts a major life activity• Have written medical documentation as evidence• Perform essential functions of the position without

endangering the health and safety of self and others

Mental Health Symptoms and Behavioral Manifestations

PTSD, Depression, and Bipolar Disorder:• Anxiety, tension, and easily stressed or startled• Altered perception due to re-experiencing of trauma

and/or other past events• Depressed and irritable mood or mood shifts• Fluctuating energy level• Communication/interpersonal difficulties due to mood

changes• Often have issues with trust

Considerations

• May be more sensitive to constructive feedback or any feedback

• May need more transition time when working in fast-paced environments

• May need to repeat instructions to ensure understanding• May need to give them more personal space in order for

them to feel more comfortable

Helpful Hints

• Be sensitive about privacy and confidentiality• Treat their concerns and need for annual and sick leave as you

would any other medical condition• Make sure they are aware of your local Employee Assistance

Program, but understand and respect that they may elect to seek mental health services at their station, at another VA, or in the community

• Be supportive and understanding, but be careful to refrain from attempting to provide mental health treatment (including advice)

• Follow their lead, listen more than you talk, do not make promises unless you can keep them, and be open in your communication

• Ask questions to promote understanding and clarity, and provide follow up in a timely manner

Questions/Answers

Contact information:

Christopher Watson, Ph.D., VHA-CM

Acting Coordinator, Specialized Inpatient PTSD Unit (SIPU) and PTSD Clinical Team (PCT)

Interim Customer Service Manager

Salisbury VAMC

Christopher.Watson@va.gov