Toolkit Connecting Veterans to Work: An Employment Toolkit for Housing and Behavioral Health Providers

Employment is a critical element of a comprehensive approach to housing stability for many Veterans with
serious mental illness (SMI) or substance use disorder (SUD). Employment provides income that can increase
housing access. Evidence-based employment models are not only effective short-term interventions but also
reduce dependence on mental health services over time.

For providers whose expertise is in either behavioral health or housing, helping a Veteran navigate the
employment process and access appropriate resources may seem daunting. This toolkit provides these
professionals with information about the importance of work and a practical approach to connecting the Veterans
they serve with employment services. While this toolkit focuses on employment for Veterans with SMI, SUD, or
co-occurring disorders, most of the information and strategies presented are universal and can be applied to
non Veterans as well. A short guide that can be shared directly with participants is included as an appendix.