Accredited county Veterans Service Officer for Prescott area veterans. Free help filing VA disability, pension, dependency, and burial benefit claims. Walk-in and appointment hours vary by office; call before visiting.
Veteran Employment Resources in Arizona
Find veteran employment programs in Arizona. Career centers, hiring preferences, job training, military skills translation, and employer resources for Arizona veterans seeking civilian careers.
Arizona's growing economy offers strong employment opportunities for veterans, with major employers in defense, healthcare, technology, and construction actively seeking to hire those with military experience. The state has implemented veteran hiring preferences for state government positions and supports a network of career centers, job training programs, and transition assistance specifically for veterans.
This guide covers every major employment resource available to Arizona veterans, from resume building and skills translation to apprenticeships, entrepreneurship programs, and employer connections.
Arizona Employment Programs for Veterans
Arizona@Work - Veteran Services
Arizona's workforce development system, Arizona@Work, provides specialized employment services for veterans at One-Stop Career Centers throughout the state. Local Veterans' Employment Representatives (LVERs) and Disabled Veterans' Outreach Program (DVOP) specialists provide intensive career counseling, job placement, and follow-up services. Veterans receive priority of service at all Arizona@Work locations.
Locations: Career centers in Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa, Flagstaff, Yuma, and over 40 other Arizona cities. Find your nearest center at arizonaatwork.com.
Hire Our Heroes / Arizona Coalition for Military Families
The Arizona Coalition for Military Families operates the Be Connected program, which connects veterans with employment services, mentorship, and community resources. Their Employment Navigator program provides personalized job search assistance and employer connections specifically for Arizona veterans.
VA Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment (VR&E / Chapter 31)
Veterans with service-connected disabilities who face barriers to employment may qualify for VR&E services including career counseling, resume development, job training, education, and job placement. The Phoenix VA Regional Office's VR&E division serves all Arizona veterans. Contact them at (602) 627-3311.
State Hiring Preferences
Arizona State Government
Arizona provides hiring preferences for veterans in state government positions. Veterans receive 5 preference points added to competitive exam scores, and disabled veterans receive 10 points. Eligible veterans must have served on active duty and received an honorable or general discharge. Apply through the State of Arizona Human Resources Division at azstatejobs.gov.
Federal Employment
Veterans' Preference applies to all federal jobs in Arizona, including positions at Luke Air Force Base, Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Fort Huachuca, and federal agencies. Additional federal hiring authorities include the Veterans Recruitment Appointment (VRA) and 30% or More Disabled Veteran authority. Search federal jobs at usajobs.gov.
Job Training & Education
Apprenticeships
Arizona supports veteran apprenticeship programs through the Department of Economic Security. Veterans can use GI Bill benefits to receive a housing allowance while completing registered apprenticeships in trades including construction, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and manufacturing. Check apprenticeship.gov for Arizona listings.
Military Skills Translation
The Arizona Department of Veterans' Services helps veterans translate their military occupational specialties to civilian job requirements. Arizona also recognizes many military-earned professional certifications and licenses, expediting the credential-transfer process for veterans entering civilian careers in healthcare, aviation, commercial driving, and other fields.
Veteran Entrepreneurship
Arizona Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
Arizona's SBDC network provides free business counseling to veteran entrepreneurs. The Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) serving Arizona offers specialized training, mentorship, and resources for veteran-owned businesses. Programs include Boots to Business, a startup training program available to transitioning service members.
SBA Veteran Programs
The U.S. Small Business Administration's Arizona District Office provides loans, government contracting assistance, and mentoring through the SCORE program. Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSBs) receive contracting preferences for federal procurement.
Employment Resources in Arizona
VA Regional Office and benefit-counselor lookup for veterans in Mesa, AZ. Confirm in-person hours, schedule a claims appointment, or find your nearest VBA benefits office.
Veterans Resource Center (VRC) and certifying-official support for GI Bill students at community and technical colleges in the Prescott area. Help with VA Form 22-1995, Yellow Ribbon, and credit-for-prior-learning evaluations.
Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) serving Prescott, AZ administer the Housing Choice Voucher used for HUD-VASH. Use HUD's official PHA contact list to find the right local PHA, request the veteran-priority waitlist, and confirm intake hours.
Arizona program providing emergency financial assistance for eligible service members, veterans, and families.
VA Community-Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) options for Chandler, AZ veterans. CBOCs deliver primary care, mental health, and select specialty services closer to home than the parent VA medical center.
Department of Veterans Affairs medical facility serving Glendale, AZ veterans with primary care, mental health, and specialty services. Use the VA find-locations tool to confirm hours, services, and the closest clinic.
Arizona state veterans affairs office providing benefits counseling, claims assistance, and connections to state veteran programs.
Department of Labor American Job Center serving Glendale veterans. Priority of service, Local Veterans Employment Representative (LVER) and Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP) staffing, training referrals, and resume support.
Department of Veterans Affairs medical facility serving Mesa, AZ veterans with primary care, mental health, and specialty services. Use the VA find-locations tool to confirm hours, services, and the closest clinic.
Residential substance use treatment program for adults 18 and older. Rio de Vida provides a structured therapeutic environment for individuals recovering from substance use disorders, with integrated behavioral health support.
Self-service and pro bono discharge upgrade resources for Prescott veterans, including the VA's official application guide and matching with attorneys who handle BCMR/DRB cases.
Department of Education-funded TRIO Veterans Upward Bound program serving Tucson-area veterans. Free academic refresher courses, college application help, financial aid guidance, and transition support for postsecondary success.
U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Hiring Our Heroes runs hiring fairs, employer fellowships, and corporate fellowship cohorts open to Flagstaff-area transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses.
Community-based VA Vet Center serving Prescott area combat veterans and their families with free counseling, readjustment services, and bereavement support. Vet Centers are independent of VA medical facilities and confidential.
Veterans Treatment Court diversion option for justice-involved Prescott veterans with eligible offenses. Combines court supervision with VA treatment, peer mentors, and wraparound services as an alternative to incarceration.
American Legion Department of AZ accredited service officer support for Glendale-area veterans. Service officers help draft VA claims, gather evidence, and represent veterans through the appeals process at no cost.
American Legion Department of AZ accredited service officer support for Phoenix-area veterans. Service officers help draft VA claims, gather evidence, and represent veterans through the appeals process at no cost.
SSVF grantee outreach for very low-income veteran families in Phoenix who are homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness. SSVF can fund rapid re-housing, temporary financial assistance, and case management.
Community-based VA Vet Center serving Chandler area combat veterans and their families with free counseling, readjustment services, and bereavement support. Vet Centers are independent of VA medical facilities and confidential.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does Arizona give veterans hiring preference for state jobs?
- Yes. Arizona provides 5 preference points for veterans and 10 preference points for disabled veterans in competitive state hiring. Veterans must have served on active duty and received an honorable or general discharge. Apply at azstatejobs.gov.
- Where can I find a DVOP specialist in Arizona?
- Disabled Veterans' Outreach Program (DVOP) specialists are located at Arizona@Work career centers statewide. Contact your nearest center or call the Arizona Department of Economic Security at (602) 542-4910 to be connected with a DVOP specialist.
- Can I use my GI Bill for apprenticeships in Arizona?
- Yes. The GI Bill covers approved apprenticeships and on-the-job training programs in Arizona. You receive a monthly housing allowance while apprenticing. Check apprenticeship.gov for Arizona listings or contact the VA Regional Office for approved programs.
- Does Arizona recognize military professional licenses?
- Arizona has enacted legislation to expedite recognition of military training and professional certifications. Many military-earned credentials in healthcare, aviation, and commercial driving are recognized or have expedited pathways. Contact the relevant Arizona licensing board for specific requirements.
- What is VR&E and how do I qualify in Arizona?
- Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E, Chapter 31) provides career services to veterans with service-connected disabilities who face employment barriers. You must have a VA disability rating and an employment handicap. Contact the Phoenix VA Regional Office VR&E division at (602) 627-3311.
- Are there veteran job fairs in Arizona?
- Yes. Regular veteran hiring events are held in Phoenix, Tucson, and other Arizona cities throughout the year. Arizona@Work, Hire Our Heroes, and RecruitMilitary all host events. Check arizonaatwork.com or hiringourheroes.org for upcoming Arizona events.
Top Arizona cities for employment
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Recently verified employment resources serving Arizona, ordered by most recent verification.
Student Veterans of America (SVA) recognized chapters at colleges and universities in the Flagstaff area. SVA chapters provide peer support, advocacy, and connections to GI Bill, scholarship, and career resources.
Department of Education-funded TRIO Veterans Upward Bound program serving Flagstaff-area veterans. Free academic refresher courses, college application help, financial aid guidance, and transition support for postsecondary success.
Veterans Resource Center (VRC) and certifying-official support for GI Bill students at community and technical colleges in the Flagstaff area. Help with VA Form 22-1995, Yellow Ribbon, and credit-for-prior-learning evaluations.
Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Chapter 31, VR&E) services for service-connected Flagstaff veterans pursuing employment, self-employment, or independent living. Tuition, fees, books, and a monthly subsistence allowance may be covered.
U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Hiring Our Heroes runs hiring fairs, employer fellowships, and corporate fellowship cohorts open to Flagstaff-area transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses.
Department of Labor American Job Center serving Flagstaff veterans. Priority of service, Local Veterans Employment Representative (LVER) and Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP) staffing, training referrals, and resume support.