Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System
ARVA health care system serving Arkansas veterans with medical, mental health, and specialty care services.
Veteran Employment Resources in Arkansas
Find veteran employment resources in Arkansas. State hiring preferences, career counseling, job training, and transition assistance for Arkansas veterans.
Veterans bring exceptional skills to the civilian workforce — leadership, discipline, technical expertise, and the ability to perform under pressure. Arkansas, home to approximately 220,000 veterans, offers a robust network of employment resources to help service members transition to meaningful civilian careers.
This guide covers federal and state employment programs, hiring preferences, career counseling, training opportunities, and veteran-friendly employers in Arkansas.
Federal Employment Programs
American Job Centers & DVOP/LVER
The Department of Labor funds Disabled Veterans' Outreach Program (DVOP) specialists and Local Veterans' Employment Representatives (LVERs) at career centers across Arkansas. These specialists provide intensive career counseling, job placement, and follow-up services. Veterans receive priority of service at all federally funded employment programs.
VA Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment (VR&E)
Chapter 31 VR&E provides career counseling, resume development, job training, education, and job placement for Arkansas veterans with service-connected disabilities who face employment barriers. Contact the VA Regional Office serving Arkansas to apply.
Arkansas Employment Resources
Arkansas provides veterans' preference in state employment. The Arkansas Department of Workforce Services has dedicated veteran representatives at local offices. Little Rock Air Force Base provides extensive transition programs
Skills Translation & Licensing
Arkansas has taken steps to recognize military credentials and training for civilian licensing. Veterans with military occupational specialties in healthcare, commercial driving, aviation, and other regulated fields should contact the ADVA for assistance with credential recognition.
Veteran Entrepreneurship
The SBA's Office of Veterans Business Development provides resources including Boots to Business training, Veterans Business Outreach Centers (VBOCs), and SCORE mentoring. Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSBs) receive federal contracting preferences. Contact your nearest SBA office in Arkansas for details.
Key Resources
- VA Careers: VA for Vets at vaforvets.va.gov
- Federal Jobs: usajobs.gov (Veterans' Preference applies)
- ADVA: Contact for state employment resources
- DOL Veterans Services: 1-866-487-2365
Employment Resources in Arkansas
Arkansas Military and Veterans Family Support Program
ARSupport services for military and veteran families in Arkansas including counseling and family readiness programs.
Arkansas Development Finance Authority
ARState housing finance agency providing mortgage assistance, rental programs, and housing resources for Arkansas residents including veterans.
Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs
ARArkansas state veterans affairs office providing benefits counseling, claims assistance, and connections to state veteran programs.
Arkansas Division of Workforce Services Veterans Programs
AREmployment and training services for Arkansas veterans including job placement and career counseling.
Legal Aid of Arkansas Veterans Project
ARFree civil legal assistance for low-income veterans in Arkansas.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does Arkansas offer veterans' hiring preference?
- Arkansas provides veterans' preference in state employment. Veterans' Preference also applies to all federal jobs.
- What employment programs are available for disabled veterans in Arkansas?
- VA Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment (VR&E) provides career counseling, training, and job placement for veterans with service-connected disabilities. DVOP specialists at career centers provide intensive services for disabled veterans.
- How do I translate my military skills to civilian jobs in Arkansas?
- Use the VA Military Skills Translator at va.gov or O*NET to map military experience to civilian careers. Arkansas has also taken steps to recognize military credentials for state licensing.
- Where can I get job training in Arkansas?
- Options include VR&E, GI Bill-funded training, apprenticeships, state career center programs, and community college certificate programs. Contact your local career center or the ADVA for specific programs.
- How do I start a business as a veteran in Arkansas?
- The SBA offers Boots to Business training, SCORE mentoring, and Veterans Business Outreach Centers. Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses receive federal contracting preferences. Contact your local SBA office in Arkansas.
Related guides in Arkansas
Employment in nearby states
Related resources
Recently verified employment resources serving Arkansas, ordered by most recent verification.
Arkansas Division of Workforce Services Veterans Programs
AREmployment and training services for Arkansas veterans including job placement and career counseling.