news VA to slow hiring pace after adding tens of thousands of workers

[Veterans News]

After a year of frenzied hiring to fill jobs created by new legislation and chronic understaffing, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs said it now has the overall personnel it needs and the pace of hiring will ease as medical centers top out.

The Veterans Health Administration reached more than 400,000 staff for the first time in history last year, and brought in more than 61,000 external hires, said VA Press Secretary Terrence Hayes. The department said now it won’t be hiring at the same pace, though it will continue to bring on candidates in mental health care and locations with increasing numbers of patients.

Hiring surges combined with better retention have resulted in a 2% growth rate so far in the first quarter of 2024, and the department estimates its separation rate will continue to stay below average.

Throughout this surge, the department has been working with its regional care centers, called Veterans Integrated Services Network, to determine staffing needs. Though VA sets the agenda for recruitment, each also has each has management and budget authority.

Read more at: https://www.federaltimes.com/manage...ter-adding-tens-of-thousands-of-jobs-in-2023/