Independence Project

The Independence Project is a study to evaluate the effectiveness of an intensive employment intervention for young veterans with disabilities recently separated from military service. The study is a randomized controlled trial comparing an intensive employment model (National Career Coach Program) to usual community employment services available to unemployed veterans recently separated from active duty (Local Community Resources Program). The investigators will evaluate if people who receive the National Career Coach Program have better employment outcomes and reduced Veterans Disability Compensation participation than people who receive the Local Community Resources Program.

Tens of thousands of veterans with disabilities transition from military service each year, often destined for lives dependent on disability insurance and disengaged from community life. The personal and societal costs of not helping these veterans re-integrate into civilian life are enormous, including suicides, addiction, family problems, and rapidly increasing costs to the Veterans Disability Compensation Program (VDC).

The current project is an evaluation of the National Career Coach Program to assist veterans as they transition to civilian life. Instead of existing veteran services (including the VDC) that emphasize brokenness and pay veterans small amounts based on what they cannot do, this innovative program emphasizes strengths and abilities by front-loading intensive support, motivation, human-capital investment, and incentives to help veterans become permanently engaged in meaningful work, thereby boosting morale, positive identity, and community integration.

The design of this study is a randomized controlled trial comparing an intensive employment model (National Career Coach Program) to usual community employment services available to unemployed veterans recently separated from active duty (Local Community Resources). The investigators will enroll 250 participants over an 12-month period, randomly assigning them to the two conditions and following them over a three-year period. The primary outcome domains are competitive employment and VDC disability benefits.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

* Former or current US Armed Service members.
* Enlisted rank at time of separation.
* Under 45 years old.
* Completed at least six months of active duty.
* Received or will receive honorable or general discharge.
* At time of enrollment, their Expiration of Term of Service is within six months prior to separation or within 12 months post-separation.
* Completed an application for a Veterans Disability Compensation (VDC) rating and waiting determination, or, if the VDC rating has been determined, awarded a disability rating between 30% to 90%.
* If currently on active duty, no intention to reenlist or to accept an existing offer for a permanent job upon separation; if already separated from active duty, currently unemployed (or employed in temporary job).
* Expressed desire to work in a competitive job within 3 months of separation (if on active duty) or within 3 months (if separated from active duty).
* Willing to participate in either of the two employment approaches including attendance at a scheduled introductory class.
* Consent to research procedures.

Exclusion Criteria:

• None