Job Resources for Disabled Veterans
There are many employment resources for disabled veterans. If you are transitioning out of the military, or have already done so but need to expand your resource list, it’s important to take stock of your situation. As part of the transition to civilian employment after a military career, some veterans turn directly to USAJobs, the federal government’s hiring portal.
But not all job opportunities for disabled veterans are offered at the federal level. There are possibilities for disabled veterans in the local, city, state, and national private sectors. And before you get started looking for those opportunities, it pays to do some prep work.
Gather your resources (resume, cover letters, online portfolio where appropriate, etc.) before approaching one of the resources listed below. Remember, in today’s job market, tailoring your resume to each job you apply for is crucial, as is creating a cover letter that addresses the job you seek directly.
Before you get started, consider:
- Disability Assessment: Have you received a disability rating from the Department of Veterans Affairs? Depending on where you apply, this rating may affect your ability to access some programs and benefits.
- Skills and Experience: Assess skills you have from the military that you can use in a civilian job. Do you need extra training, certification, or education?
- Career Interests: Consider career paths that match your interests, skills, and physical abilities.
- Location Preferences: Decide where you want to work, considering things like the cost of living, accessibility, and whether you’ll be near your support network.
Once you have gathered your documents and are ready to begin your job search as a disabled veteran, consider the resources below to help you in your search.
Read next: Veteran and Military Retiree Benefits
Government Programs and Services for Disabled Veterans
The U.S. government has several programs specifically designed to help disabled veterans find jobs.
The Department of Veterans Affairs offers the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) Program, which gives personalized support to veterans with service-connected disabilities.
This program helps veterans reach their employment goals through career counseling, job training, resume development, and job placement.
The VA also has an online portal called VA for Vets that helps veterans, transitioning service members and military spouses “successfully find civilian careers in the Federal government.”
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS), a program which is designed to “prepare America’s veterans, service members, and military spouses for meaningful careers, provide them with employment resources and expertise, protect their employment rights, and promote their employment opportunities.”
VETS offers career counseling, job search assistance, and training opportunities.
The Small Business Administration (SBA) offers programs and resources for veterans who want to start or grow their own businesses, including counseling, training, and funding.
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) also has resources for veterans looking for federal jobs, including information on veterans’ preferences and special hiring authorities.
Non-Profit Organizations and Private Sector Initiatives
Many non-profits support disabled veterans. A significant number of those agencies offer employment assistance. They include:
- Disabled American Veterans (DAV)
- Wounded Warrior Project (WWP)
- Hire Heroes USA
- Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA)
Many companies seek veteran hires because of their unique skills and experience. Companies like USAA, Amazon, and Boeing actively recruit veterans and offer career development and transition resources.
You can also find veteran-focused job boards and resources like VetJobs and LinkedIn.
Read next: Veteran and Military Retiree Benefits
State-Level Resources for Disabled Veterans
State Departments of Veterans Affairs: Every state has its own Department of Veterans Affairs. These offices may have names like the (State) Division of Veterans Affairs or a similar variation. No matter what the office is called, it may offer a variety of services, including:
- Employment assistance: Job placement services, vocational rehabilitation, and connections to employers who hire veterans.
- Benefits counseling: Counselors may help vets apply for state and federal benefits, including disability compensation, education benefits, and healthcare.
- Financial assistance: Some states offer financial aid programs for veterans, such as grants for housing, education, or emergency needs.
State Employment Agencies: These agencies often have specialized programs for veterans, including:
- Priority service: Veterans often receive priority service at state-run job centers, meaning they can access resources and assistance before non-veterans.
- Job fairs and workshops: Many state employment agencies host job fairs and workshops for veterans.
- Training programs: They may offer training programs to help veterans develop the skills they need to find employment in high-demand fields.
State Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies: These agencies help individuals with disabilities, including veterans, prepare for and find employment. Services may include:
- Vocational evaluation and counseling: To assess your skills and interests and develop a career plan.
- Job training: To help you learn new skills or upgrade your existing ones.
- Job placement assistance: To help you find and secure a job that matches your skills and interests.
State Tax Credits and Incentives may be offered to businesses that hire veterans, particularly disabled veterans. This can make you a more attractive candidate to potential employers.
Do you need to locate employment services for disabled veterans in your state? There are many state-level resources to consider, depending on where you live:
- Your state’s Department of Veterans Affairs website is usually the best place to find information on state-level veteran hiring preferences, state and city jobs, etc.
- The National Resource Directory has a database of resources for veterans and their families, including state-specific resources.
- Your state’s governor’s official site may include details on initiatives to support veterans.
Tips for a Successful Job Search and Additional Resources
To launch a successful job search, you’ll need to network, tailor your resume, practice interviewing, and give the process time to work. For some state and federal jobs, it takes much longer to complete the interview and hiring processes than for civilian equivalents.
You can also find additional resources through state and local programs, online communities, and mentorship programs.
Read next: Veteran and Military Retiree Benefits
About the author
Editor-in-Chief Joe Wallace is a 13-year veteran of the United States Air Force and a former reporter/editor for Air Force Television News and the Pentagon Channel. His freelance work includes contract work for Motorola, VALoans.com, and Credit Karma. He is co-founder of Dim Art House in Springfield, Illinois, and spends his non-writing time as an abstract painter, independent publisher, and occasional filmmaker.
