Boise Employers and HR Professionals invited to free workshop on PTSD and Veterans sponsored by Army OneSource, Idaho Department of Labor and Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce

BOISE, Idaho, Sept. 24, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Boise area employers and human resources professionals are invited to attend a free workshop on October 10^th to learn the facts and expose the myths related to hiring and accommodating veterans with PTSD.  Interested individuals should register by October 7^th at www.boisechamber.org, under Chamber Events.

In August 2013 the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the national, post 9/11 veteran unemployment rate at 10.0% compared to 7.2% for non-veterans.  And while this represents a decrease in the civilian unemployment rate from the 2012 average of 8.1%, the veteran unemployment rate has stayed about the same. 

In 2012, a study from the Society for Human Resource Management revealed that over 30% of HR professionals cited PTSD or other mental health issues as "challenges" to hiring veterans.  Further, the Center for a New American Security, found executives from more than half of the leading companies surveyed had negative stereotypes about veterans because of concerns about combat stress.

As our war veterans reintegrate into local communities, one critical step to their success is finding gainful employment in the community in which they live.   If the stigma associated with PTSD is in fact preventing employers from hiring post 9/11 veterans, what will be the impact as thousands more return to communities over the next 6 to 9 months? 

In Idaho, an alliance made up of state government, military and non-profit organizations is working to overcome this stigma and help build a stronger workforce in the state.  Through a free workshop, titled: "Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Veterans: Employer Facts and Myths," the alliance will provide local employers with education and resources to help them recruit, hire and accommodate local Idaho veterans.  The workshop will take place on Thursday, October 10^th from 8:00am to 10:00 am at Gown Field, Building 440, Joint Forces Headquarters, Boise, ID.  The workshop will be followed by an optional tour of Gowen Field and lunch.

"Educating employers about PTSD is critical to building a strong veteran workforce.  When an employer doesn't understand PTSD, their view of the candidate may change when they learn about his or her military background, tours in Iraq, or combat wounds.  We don't want a candidate who has all of the skills and abilities needed to fill a position, to be passed over because they might have PTSD," said Randy Wilde, Veterans Representative for the Boise Local Office of the Idaho Department of Labor.  "Having a better understanding of PTSD empowers employers to make informed hiring decisions when it comes to our highly desirable veteran population."

The event will focus on helping employers understand the veteran workforce and debunk the myths surrounding PTSD.  Topics include the benefits of hiring a veteran, an overview of PTSD and TBI, how PTSD/TBI is likely to affect work performance, warning signs and symptoms, a "what to do" checklist, and reasonable accommodations an employer can make for employees suffering from PTSD.  Guest speakers include Randy Wilde, with the Idaho Department of Labor as well as representatives from the Vet Center and Veterans Affairs Medical Center.  

All Boise area employers and HR professionals are invited to attend the free event.  Space is limited, so interested individuals are encouraged to visit www.boisechamber.org, and click on Chamber Events to register.   The deadline to register is October 7^th.

The workshop is being put on by the Idaho Department of Labor, Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce, Army OneSource, Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, Ada County Employer Association, Human Resource Association, Treasure Valley, Boise VA Health Care, Boise Vet Center, Hero 2 Hired, Idaho Military Behavioral Health Alliance, Transition Assistant Advisor and the Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program.

For more information and registration visit www.boisechamber.org or contact Caroline Merritt at [email protected] or 208.472.5221.  Act now, space is limited.

SOURCE Army OneSource