Overview
The New York State Department of Labor Veterans’ Program has specialized staff that are dedicated to helping veterans and eligible persons gain a competitive edge in today’s labor market.
As a veteran or eligible person, you receive priority services in all New York State employment and training programs for which you are eligible and qualified. This priority of service is guaranteed by federal law and by the New York State Veterans Bill of Rights for Employment Services.
We are proud to offer Priority of Service to veterans and their eligible spouses. This means that if you served on Active Duty in the United States Armed Forces, you will:
- Be served first by the next available staff member
- Get first priority for jobs and training for which you are eligible and qualified
Disabled Veterans’ Outreach Program Specialists (DVOPs)
DVOP Specialists are disabled veterans themselves. They provide individual career services exclusively to veterans and eligible persons who have significant barriers to employment. They also provide a full range of employment services, including comprehensive assessments, individual employment plans, job referrals, referrals to training and support services, and resume and interview preparation assistance.
Local Veterans’ Employment Representatives (LVERs)
LVER staff are also veterans. They specialize in advocating on behalf of veterans and eligible persons with business, industry, and community organizations to promote employment and training opportunities. They also provide services for veterans and eligible persons, including job matching and job placement, conduct employer outreach, inform Federal contractors of the process to hire qualified veterans, and promote credentialing and licensing opportunities.
Training and Education Opportunities
There are a variety of programs available at the state level and nationally to help Veterans translate their military experience into academic credit, a professional credential or certification. There's also specialized training programs, apprenticeships and various education benefit programs to assist Vets with forging their way after serving their country.
Experience Counts
Governor Cuomo’s “Experience Counts” program grants veterans credit toward state licenses for military experience. For example, Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) fees can be waived for military members with recent experience driving trucks and heavy equipment during their service. The program also recognizes certain military training as credit towards licensure for veterans to become armed and unarmed security guards.
Veterans Temporary Hiring Program
The New York State Department of Civil Service hosts the Veterans Temporary Hiring Program Portal which provides a centralized location for qualifying Post9/11 veterans to submit up-to-date employment and contact information to be considered by New York State agencies hiring for temporary positions.
Contact and Additional Resources
For information about Department of Labor veterans services, call 1-888-469-7365 and ask for the Veterans Program. For information about veterans benefits, contact the New York State Division of Veterans Affairs, call 1-888-VETS-NYS or visit veterans.ny.gov.