What is the name of your state (only U.S. law): Mississippi
I'm an unemployed, 20% VA disabled combat veteran that was passed over for employment by someone that ‘I suspect’ has no military/combat service. So these are the details I can provide as my 3 year old son attacks me for attention:
I'm a 15 year combat decorated member of the military. 10 years active, 5 National Guard (I continue to serve). I have a VA disability rating of 20% relating to combat and other injuries. I have an undergraduate in history, post graduate work in intelligence, and have spent more than a decade in military intelligence. I'm also unemployed, drawing unemployment benefits.
I recently applied for a position at a non-profit organization that, as a large part of their work, services homeless and jobless veterans. The position was one where I would be directly dealing with homeless/jobless veterans. After my first interview, the president narrowed the list to two people. I was selected as the first person to re-interview, and think I interviewed strongly from a personal standpoint. Still, through the interview, I had a suspicion that a decision was made prior to me even stepping foot in the room.
The interview (conducted on 2/17/2016) consisted of 4 employees asking me a series of questions[/U]. The demographic of the panel was 3 female 'non-veterans' (to include the president), and 1 male veteran.
From the beginning of the interview, the president of the organization was on her phone texting, emailing, or doing something else. This was going on for a majority of the meeting, and distracted me slightly, but not to the extent of losing focus. Through the questioning process, I was reminded of my young age (36 years old) and how it was a "barrier in dealing with older homeless veterans". The reminders were seemingly ad nauseam by the elder female member of the panel. I've worked as an interrogator, source operator, and analyst in military intelligence, and picked up some body language indicators from 3 or the 4. They were all less than appealing.
When I left the office, the next person to interview was waiting. It was a woman that I suspect was in her mid 50's. Statistically speaking, her chances of being a veteran are slim, chances of being a combat vet are close to 0. I was told that a decision would be made near the end of the week (several days), but I was emailed the next morning, less than 24 hours later, and told this:
"Thank you for your time to interview and interest in our Employment Counselor position. However, we have filled the position with another well-qualified applicant."
I called in to speak about the decision several hours later. He informed me that he was HR and had nothing to do with the process, and the president was not available... but she would give me a call to discuss the matter tomorrow. I will be waiting by my phone for this call, but wanted some advice.
I am beyond perplexed. Working with veterans is a passion of mine. I do it in my spare time with hopes I don't lose any more of my friends (more vets period) to suicide.
What can I do here? They are a non-profit, so is that an barrier to seeking justice, on the outside chance that I've been discriminated against? They do rely on federal grants.
If I can't find employment soon, I'm going to be in their office, talking with the person they hired 'instead of me'... about getting some sort of aid to cover bills for my wife, my son, and myself! I don't want to rush to judgement here, but if my suspicion is correct, I was simply used as a piece of liability insurance in their hiring process. If that's the case, I want justice.
Thank you for your help.
v/r
Jim
Oh, and first time poster, the screen name is hockey related. As a Detroit Red Wings fan, the SN says it all.
I'm an unemployed, 20% VA disabled combat veteran that was passed over for employment by someone that ‘I suspect’ has no military/combat service. So these are the details I can provide as my 3 year old son attacks me for attention:
I'm a 15 year combat decorated member of the military. 10 years active, 5 National Guard (I continue to serve). I have a VA disability rating of 20% relating to combat and other injuries. I have an undergraduate in history, post graduate work in intelligence, and have spent more than a decade in military intelligence. I'm also unemployed, drawing unemployment benefits.
I recently applied for a position at a non-profit organization that, as a large part of their work, services homeless and jobless veterans. The position was one where I would be directly dealing with homeless/jobless veterans. After my first interview, the president narrowed the list to two people. I was selected as the first person to re-interview, and think I interviewed strongly from a personal standpoint. Still, through the interview, I had a suspicion that a decision was made prior to me even stepping foot in the room.
The interview (conducted on 2/17/2016) consisted of 4 employees asking me a series of questions[/U]. The demographic of the panel was 3 female 'non-veterans' (to include the president), and 1 male veteran.
From the beginning of the interview, the president of the organization was on her phone texting, emailing, or doing something else. This was going on for a majority of the meeting, and distracted me slightly, but not to the extent of losing focus. Through the questioning process, I was reminded of my young age (36 years old) and how it was a "barrier in dealing with older homeless veterans". The reminders were seemingly ad nauseam by the elder female member of the panel. I've worked as an interrogator, source operator, and analyst in military intelligence, and picked up some body language indicators from 3 or the 4. They were all less than appealing.
When I left the office, the next person to interview was waiting. It was a woman that I suspect was in her mid 50's. Statistically speaking, her chances of being a veteran are slim, chances of being a combat vet are close to 0. I was told that a decision would be made near the end of the week (several days), but I was emailed the next morning, less than 24 hours later, and told this:
"Thank you for your time to interview and interest in our Employment Counselor position. However, we have filled the position with another well-qualified applicant."
I called in to speak about the decision several hours later. He informed me that he was HR and had nothing to do with the process, and the president was not available... but she would give me a call to discuss the matter tomorrow. I will be waiting by my phone for this call, but wanted some advice.
I am beyond perplexed. Working with veterans is a passion of mine. I do it in my spare time with hopes I don't lose any more of my friends (more vets period) to suicide.
What can I do here? They are a non-profit, so is that an barrier to seeking justice, on the outside chance that I've been discriminated against? They do rely on federal grants.
If I can't find employment soon, I'm going to be in their office, talking with the person they hired 'instead of me'... about getting some sort of aid to cover bills for my wife, my son, and myself! I don't want to rush to judgement here, but if my suspicion is correct, I was simply used as a piece of liability insurance in their hiring process. If that's the case, I want justice.
Thank you for your help.
v/r
Jim
Oh, and first time poster, the screen name is hockey related. As a Detroit Red Wings fan, the SN says it all.
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