Virginia Department of Human Resource Management

Join the Adjunct Emergency Workforce (AEW)

What is the AEW?

Getting qualified employees to the right place to help during an emergency is critical. You can help. The Adjunct Emergency Workforce (AEW) provides opportunities for state government employees to support the Commonwealth’s Emergency Response and Recovery activities. During a declared emergency, qualified AEW participants may be offered temporary reassignment to close critical staffing gaps in Virginia Emergency Support Team (VEST) agencies. The AEW may be called upon to assist the public in a variety of ways including sheltering support and providing other essential emergency services.

How do I participate in the AEW?

First, you must meet the eligibility requirements. You are eligible to participate in the AEW if:

Your job does not require your presence at work during emergencies (your job has been designated as non-essential by your agency).
You have received your agency and supervisor/manager’s formal approval to participate in AEW.
You are a full-time employee working in the Executive Branch of state government.
You have completed the online AEW registration form.

You must also complete training requirements to qualify for temporary reassignment through the AEW. These training requirements will be provided to you after you have registered.

What is the process for registering for the AEW?

Read the AEW Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and website information to be clear about AEW requirements and process.
Determine if you meet AEW eligibility requirements.
Discuss AEW requirements and activation expectations with family members to ensure their support in the event of activation for a period of up to a few weeks.
Seek formal approval from your agency and supervisor/manager.
If approval is provided, apply for the AEW via the online AEW registration form..

Frequently Asked Questions

To learn more about the AEW process and guidelines, review the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).

To learn more about AEW Roles, review the AEW Role Descriptions.

Ready to Join?

Join AEW Now

Contact us if you need additional information:
aew@vdem.virginia.gov.

Note:

As the AEW expands in the future, other types of emergency roles may be available and eligibility for AEW may be expanded. If you do not meet the requirements for current AEW roles, you may have an opportunity to participate in the future.