Subject: Request for intervention regarding unprofessional conduct by a VR&E Counselor
Dear Mr. Francisco Paz M.S. Supervisory Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor,
I am writing to formally bring to your attention an ongoing issue involving one of your counselors, Mr. Mauricio Solis, who in my view has demonstrated an unprofessional and bullying attitude in his interactions with this veteran. This behavior has undermined the trust relationship, creating a hostile and unproductive environment that is obstructing the veteran's journey towards gainful employment in the IT industry.
As documented in a series of email exchanges beginning July 5th, 2023, the veteran has expressed his lack of trust in Mr. Mauricio Solis and requested a change of counselor. Rather than handling the situation professionally, the counselor continued to communicate with the veteran in a manner that can be characterized as dismissive, confrontational, and ultimately, unhelpful.
One specific issue, of the many documented, revolves around the counselor's inconsistency in communication methods. At first, the counselor offered the veteran the options of visiting the office or calling the main office number. However, when the veteran attempted to use these communication channels, he was met with unanswered phone calls and an abrupt change in the counselor's attitude, discouraging him from visiting the office.
Worse, in an attempt to delegitimize the veteran's efforts to establish communication and request a change of counselor, Mr. Mauricio Solis has threatened the veteran with calling the VA Police and Federal Protective Services, if the veteran continues to reply to emails initiated by Mr. Mauricio Solis. Such threats are not only unfounded, but they also serve to escalate the situation, creating a greater barrier to resolution and preventing the veteran from accomplishing his goal to obtain gainful employment. (Mr. Mauricio Solis also mentions that the veteran has been ‘flagged’ by VHA for ‘disruptive behavior’ if you, Mr. Paz, have any confidence in such allegations, let us, by agreement, make a request for VHA to review the situation regarding its legitimacy. )
Previously, the veteran had an experience where this same counselor accused him of missing a scheduled appointment, when, it was the counselor who had left the office, fully aware that the veteran was on his way. This incident was the triggering event for the veteran's request to change his counselor.
Following the veteran's attempts to reach the supervisor, you, Mr. Francisco Paz, responded on July 6th, stating that the request would be considered, and that a decision would be notified to the veteran after your return from annual leave on July 18th. Yet, as of today, July 24th, the veteran has received no resolution or satisfactory update on this matter. Meanwhile, the veteran’s plans for gaining employment remain stagnant.
In light of the above, I respectfully request your immediate attention and intervention in this matter. The veteran is simply seeking assistance in line with the VR&E's mandate and should not have to endure such unprofessional conduct. I urge you to take swift action to rectify this situation, including the appointment of a new counselor, and consider measures to ensure such incidents do not occur in the future.
Veteran Readiness and Employment Reviews
Subject: Request for intervention regarding unprofessional conduct by a VR&E Counselor
Dear Mr. Francisco Paz M.S. Supervisory Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor,
I am writing to formally bring to your attention an ongoing issue involving one of your counselors, Mr. Mauricio Solis, who in my view has demonstrated an unprofessional and bullying attitude in his interactions with this veteran. This behavior has undermined the trust relationship, creating a hostile and unproductive environment that is obstructing the veteran's journey towards gainful employment in the IT industry.
As documented in a series of email exchanges beginning July 5th, 2023, the veteran has expressed his lack of trust in Mr. Mauricio Solis and requested a change of counselor. Rather than handling the situation professionally, the counselor continued to communicate with the veteran in a manner that can be characterized as dismissive, confrontational, and ultimately, unhelpful.
One specific issue, of the many documented, revolves around the counselor's inconsistency in communication methods. At first, the counselor offered the veteran the options of visiting the office or calling the main office number. However, when the veteran attempted to use these communication channels, he was met with unanswered phone calls and an abrupt change in the counselor's attitude, discouraging him from visiting the office.
Worse, in an attempt to delegitimize the veteran's efforts to establish communication and request a change of counselor, Mr. Mauricio Solis has threatened the veteran with calling the VA Police and Federal Protective Services, if the veteran continues to reply to emails initiated by Mr. Mauricio Solis. Such threats are not only unfounded, but they also serve to escalate the situation, creating a greater barrier to resolution and preventing the veteran from accomplishing his goal to obtain gainful employment. (Mr. Mauricio Solis also mentions that the veteran has been ‘flagged’ by VHA for ‘disruptive behavior’ if you, Mr. Paz, have any confidence in such allegations, let us, by agreement, make a request for VHA to review the situation regarding its legitimacy. )
Previously, the veteran had an experience where this same counselor accused him of missing a scheduled appointment, when, it was the counselor who had left the office, fully aware that the veteran was on his way. This incident was the triggering event for the veteran's request to change his counselor.
Following the veteran's attempts to reach the supervisor, you, Mr. Francisco Paz, responded on July 6th, stating that the request would be considered, and that a decision would be notified to the veteran after your return from annual leave on July 18th. Yet, as of today, July 24th, the veteran has received no resolution or satisfactory update on this matter. Meanwhile, the veteran’s plans for gaining employment remain stagnant.
In light of the above, I respectfully request your immediate attention and intervention in this matter. The veteran is simply seeking assistance in line with the VR&E's mandate and should not have to endure such unprofessional conduct. I urge you to take swift action to rectify this situation, including the appointment of a new counselor, and consider measures to ensure such incidents do not occur in the future.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.