Employee Spotlight
December 1, 2023
Steven B. Brown, BSB, MSPC, CSSBB
Vocational Development Specialist/Community Employment Coordinator (VDS/CEC)
Healthcare for Homeless Veterans (HCHV)
Q: How long have you worked for VA?
A: I have had the privilege of working at Veteran Affairs for a duration of five years and seven months.
Q: What led you to your position at VA?
A: My journey to VA began in 2015 when I was selected for the work study program during my separation from the Army. Having been medically boarded out, I found myself with a deep sense of purpose to continue serving and caring for soldiers — both in terms of their mental and physical well-being.
Through the work study program, I had the opportunity to gain firsthand experience and witness the incredible impact VA has on the lives of Veterans. Working alongside dedicated healthcare professionals, counselors, and support staff, I saw the comprehensive care and services provided to Veterans, ranging from medical treatment to mental health support and beyond.
During this period, I realized that my passion for supporting and advocating for Veterans extended beyond my own personal experiences. I recognized the importance of helping fellow service members navigate the complex transition from military to civilian life, particularly when facing medical challenges.
Joining the VA became the natural next step for me. It offered an opportunity to combine my military background, firsthand understanding of the transition process, and a deep sense of empathy and commitment to serving Veterans in need.
Q: What did you do before coming to VA?
A: Before joining the VA, I had the privilege of serving in the United States Army for an incredible tenure of 31 years and nine months. Throughout my distinguished military career, I achieved significant milestones and held positions of great responsibility. Specifically, I had the honor of serving as a Senior Enlisted Advisor to Senior Commanders for a remarkable 14 years.
As a Senior Enlisted Advisor, I was entrusted with the critical role of providing guidance, support, and mentorship to senior leaders, contributing to the success of various military operations and missions. The extensive experience I gained in the Army, particularly in my role as a Senior Enlisted Advisor, provided me with valuable insights into the unique needs and challenges faced by Veterans transitioning into civilian life. It deepened my understanding of the importance of meaningful employment and the crucial role it plays in supporting Veterans' successful reintegration into society.
It is my honor to leverage the experiences and skills gained during my tenure as a Senior Enlisted Advisor to Senior Commanders to serve and empower Veterans as they transition into the next chapter of their lives.
Q: Why is employment so important to ending Veteran homelessness?
A: Employment plays a crucial role in addressing the issue of Veteran homelessness by offering stability, security, and a pathway to self-sufficiency. When Veterans have access to stable employment, they are better equipped to secure and maintain housing, therefore reducing their risk of homelessness.
To effectively combat Veteran homelessness, it is essential to focus on providing targeted employment assistance and supportive services. This can include job training programs, resume building workshops, vocational rehabilitation services, and partnerships with employers who are committed to hiring Veterans. Additionally, comprehensive support systems should be in place to address any underlying challenges that Veterans may face, such as mental health issues, substance abuse, or disabilities, which may hinder their ability to obtain and maintain employment.
By recognizing the pivotal role of employment in addressing Veteran homelessness and implementing comprehensive support measures, society can make significant strides in ensuring that Veterans have the stability, security, and opportunities they need to thrive and avoid the devastating experience of homelessness.
Q: As an employment specialist, how do you help Veterans get employment?
A: In my role as an employment specialist, my primary focus is on assisting Veterans in their pursuit of competitive employment. I understand that transitioning from military service to the civilian workforce can be challenging, and I am here to provide the necessary support and guidance.
Together, we work towards securing competitive employment by building effective resumes, mastering interview skills, conducting successful job searches, and fostering valuable networking connections. My ultimate goal is to support Veterans in their transition to civilian employment and contribute to their long-term career success.
Q: What do you want Veterans who are looking for work to know about the help you provide?
A: Veterans who are seeking employment can take solace in knowing that VA is dedicated to their well-being and success. VA provides a wide range of services and resources aimed at supporting Veterans in their pursuit of meaningful employment.
VA prioritizes the best interests of Veterans and collaborates with them to find suitable employment opportunities through employment assistance programs like Veterans' Employment and Training Service (VETS), transition and career counseling, vocational rehabilitation and employment (VR&E) services, federal hiring preferences, collaboration with employers, and by providing ongoing support and follow-up.
Q: What’s your why for the work you do?
A: My "why" for this work stems from embracing the ICARE/WECARE model, which represents my core values:
- Integrity: I uphold the highest moral principles and adhere to professional standards, maintaining the trust and confidence of all I engage with.
- Commitment: I am dedicated to diligently serving Veterans and other beneficiaries, driven by a sincere belief in VA's mission and fulfilling both individual and organizational responsibilities.
- Advocacy: I prioritize being truly Veteran-centric by identifying and advocating for the interests of Veterans and other beneficiaries.
- Respect: I treat all those I work with and serve with dignity and respect, understanding that respect is earned through my actions.
- Excellence: I strive for the highest quality and continuous improvement. As a leader, I make thoughtful and decisive decisions, taking accountability for my actions, admitting mistakes, and diligently working towards correction and improvement.
