Veterans & Military Families Program

The Veterans & Military Families program at the Employment Security Department:

  • Manages funding for the Jobs for Veterans State Grant (JVSG).

  • Provides guidance to WorkSource administrators and staff working directly with Veterans.

  • Collaborates with community service providers.

 

Four types of Veterans program staff

  • Veteran Service Provider
    All WorkSource staff are the first points of contact for Veterans and provide basic employment services to all customers.

  • Disabled Veteran Outreach Program (DVOP)
    Stationed in WorkSource offices statewide, DVOPs work with Veterans with qualifying employment barriers who want individual one-on-one employment services. DVOPs assist Veterans in overcoming barriers to reach their employment goals.

  • Local Veteran Employment Representative (LVER)
    LVERs work within their local business community to advocate and develop career opportunities for Veterans and eligible persons. This includes working with federal contractors and serving as liaisons between Veterans and employers and/or training providers. LVERs also work to promote our state YesVets program (ANCHOR to YesVets), which recognizes and supports businesses that hire Veterans. 

  • Consolidated Veteran Services Representative (CVSR)
    CVSRs perform the combined duties of a DVOP and LVER in their communities.

 

The crucial role of WorkSource

The Veterans & Military Families program and other staff at WorkSource centers are the boots on the ground for serving Veterans.

Veterans who need employment services are usually first served through the many programs WorkSource offers; such as, Reemployment Services & Eligibility Assessment (RESEA), WorkFirst and Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act (WIOA) Title I programs. Every program funded by the U.S. Department of Labor is a potential entry point for Veterans. 

Veterans or persons who are screened and determined as eligible and want individual one-on-one services are referred to the DVOP or CVSR and are offered a comprehensive assessment. The DVOP or CVSR works with the job seeker to create a plan to overcome barriers and challenges to employment and offers consistent support to help them reach their employment goals. 

When a Veteran is ready to get a job, the DVOP, CVSR or other staff working with the Veteran collaborates with the LVER. The LVER then works with employers to connect those Veterans to job opportunities.

WorkSource acts as a bridge, ensuring that Veterans and their families receive the support they need to transition successfully into the civilian workforce. Their commitment to Veterans is unwavering and their impact is felt across the state.

 

How to Refer a Veteran or Eligible Person to a DVOP or CVSR

All Veterans and some spouses are eligible for "Priority of Service," which gives them precedence over non-covered persons in obtaining DOL-funded employment and training services. 

ESD's Veterans & Military Families program staff prepared an online training to help WorkSource staff and community partners navigate the referral process by screening Veterans and eligible spouses to receive these priority services.

IN-STEP Desk-Aid and Screening Tool

The IN-STEP Desk-Aid and IN-STEP Screening Tool are available to screen active-duty transitioning service members, Veterans, National Guard, Reservists, and their eligible spouses (and caregivers) who seek individual one-on-one services from our DVOP ro CVSR specialists.

Watch and listen to our introductory message for WorkSource staff and partners from ESD's Veterans and Military Families program operator on the new tool and desk-aid.

Training for New Staff and Partners

For new on-boarding WorkSource Staff, local workforce development boards, agency partners, and Veteran community referral partners, this short training covers both the use of the screening tool and desk-aid: Introduction to the IN-STEP Desk-Aid and Screening Tool.                    

Learn More about "Priority of Service"

If you would like to know more about "Priority of Service," the following online training is also taught to all WorkSource staff: Priority-of-Service Training.

 

YesVets Initiative

Employment Security Department's (ESD) YesVets hiring initiative recognizes and promotes businesses that hire Veterans. Over 7,500 Veteran hires have been recognized since 2016. ESD is one of several partners that encourage and support employers in hiring Veterans. YesVets benefits both employers and job seekers statewide. For any business that is interested in being part of this initiative, it only requires that a business be interested in hiring Veterans. Learn more at YesVets.org.

Hilton Honors Military Program

The Hilton Honors Military Program gives back. Veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses can receive a lifetime limit of 100,000 points to stay at Hilton hotels when they travel for approved and confirmed employment-related activities.

 

For more information, contact your local WorkSource: Find locations at WorkSourceWA.com/Locator.

WorkSource receives support and funding from the U.S. Department of Labor. Read more about USDOL grants at ESD.wa.gov/usdol.