Employment Resources for Veterans

According to CBS News, each year about 200,000 military service members make the transition into civilian life. Only about 1 in 4 of them have a job lined up. And even more veterans have trouble finding work that is long-term, sustainable, and meaningful to them. While there are resources for veterans available, they are not always easily accessible or easy to find.  

For example, many aren’t aware that they can receive free employment services outside of the VA. Through a Federal-State Program, completely separate from the VA, called Vocational Rehabilitation (VR), Veterans with a disability can receive a variety of employment services, at no cost to them. These free employment services for veterans include; 

• Vocational and Psychological Evaluations can assist in finding what types of workplace environments, schedules, and positions are right for each individual 

• Career Prep and Training including training on self-advocacy and pre-employment workshops where participants get personalized resume support and build interview skills 
• Paid On-the-Job Trainings, also called Work-Based Learning Experiences, where individuals are paid while receiving hands-on training and work experience. 

• This includes Industry-Based Work Experience programs that allow individuals to train and earn certifications within certain industries such as construction and skilled trades, manufacturing, retail, and hospitality. 

• Job Placement and Coaching where an employU Employment Specialist will not only assist in looking for possible positions that may be a great fit but also  

• • Assist with building a resume 
  • Applying to jobs, and  
  • Preparing for interviews  

Job Coaching is also available for individuals who would like assistance acclimating to their new position once being hired. Job Coaches can serve as a liaison between managers and employees to address any concerns and assist in putting accommodations in place, as well as facilitate any job-specific training for the employee.   

It is important to note that VR, through Florida Statute 413, defines a disability as “a physical or mental impairment that constitutes or results in a substantial impediment to employment.” Therefore, a disability includes, but is not limited to, the following diagnoses; 

• PTSD 
• Vision Impairment 
• Hearing Impairment 
• Depression 
• Anxiety 
• ADHD 

Once a veteran has registered with VR, they can choose the employment service vendor they would like to work with. If an individual would like to work with employU, they must request to do so when meeting with their Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor.  

For more information on what services and resources are available to Veterans with a disability visit https://employu.org/veteran-resources/  or contact us using the form below and a member of our staff can answer any questions you may have and assist in getting started with Vocational Rehabilitation.  

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