VA Official Pressed on Staffing Losses and Recruitment Incentives

VA Staffing and Attrition

• 🎯 Dr. Elliott, a pharmacist and caregiver, testified about a lack of clarity regarding the use of 3R incentives at the Hampton VA facility.
• 🔑 She noted that a former process for identifying hard-to-recruit and hard-to-fill positions has not been heard of for several years, especially since HR decentralization.
• ⚠️ In 35 years, Dr. Elliott has never seen a relocation bonus for frontline staff, with these typically reserved for top management.

Veteran Services and Staffing Numbers

• 🏥 A veteran shared that despite having a primary care appointment at North Battlefield Clinic, they still have to drive to Hampton for ancillary services like X-rays, highlighting a logistical problem.
• 📉 Mr. E stated that approximately 20,000 VA employees have separated (voluntarily and involuntarily) since the beginning of the year.
• ❓ He could not immediately provide a breakdown of how many of these separations were in veteran-facing roles, requiring further follow-up.

Recruitment and Retention Challenges

• 📌 A note on the VA workforce dashboard from June 2024 indicated that delays or termination in the use of PACT Act Title 9 authorities would negatively impact recruitment and retention.
• 💡 These authorities include recruitment and retention incentives and other bonuses.
• ❓ When asked if delays in using these authorities are negatively impacting recruitment and retention, the official stated that at this moment, they are able to post and fill vacated direct care positions.
• ✅ The official confirmed they are not yet noticing a negative impact on recruitment and retention.