County of Monterey Updates Veteran Hiring Preference to Include Military Spouses and Military Leave Policy

 

The County of Monterey has updated its Hiring Preference for Veterans and

Military Leave Policy, reaffirming the County’s long-standing commitment to

those who serve and their families. These changes give the County of Monterey a

leading role in hiring support for veterans. The updated policies go further than

any other county in California in efforts to be the best and most supportive

employer for veterans, servicemembers and their spouses.

“These updates reaffirm the County’s dedication to those who serve and their

families,’ says County of Monterey Miliary and Veterans Affairs Officer Jack

Murphy. “It also underscores the County’s ongoing commitment to being an

employer of choice as well as showing continued support for veterans and eligible

military spouses.”

In collaboration with the Military and Veterans Affairs Office and the Human

Resources Department, the Board of Supervisors has approved two policy updates.

The first expands veteran hiring preference eligibility to active-duty spouses, the

spouse of a totally disabled veteran and the surviving spouse of a veteran who died

from a service-connected condition. Due to frequent moves around the country and

globe, military spouses often face high rates of unemployment and

underemployment but are a source of untapped talent for employers.

Second, the County expanded the existing Military Leave Policy to compensate

county employees who are called to attend Inactive Military Service or Drills. This

change recognizes the essential role of reservists and National Guard members and

reflects evolving best practices in public service employment.