Find veteran employment resources in Missouri. State hiring preferences, career counseling, job training, and transition assistance for Missouri veterans.
Veterans bring exceptional skills to the civilian workforce — leadership, discipline, technical expertise, and the ability to perform under pressure. Missouri, home to approximately 390,000 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 Missouri.
The Department of Labor funds Disabled Veterans' Outreach Program (DVOP) specialists and Local Veterans' Employment Representatives (LVERs) at career centers across Missouri. These specialists provide intensive career counseling, job placement, and follow-up services. Veterans receive priority of service at all federally funded employment programs.
Chapter 31 VR&E provides career counseling, resume development, job training, education, and job placement for Missouri veterans with service-connected disabilities who face employment barriers. Contact the VA Regional Office serving Missouri to apply.
Missouri provides veterans' preference in state hiring. Missouri Job Center network has veteran specialists. Fort Leonard Wood, Whiteman AFB, and multiple defense installations provide transition services. Missouri is home to major defense contractors
Missouri 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 MVC for assistance with credential recognition.
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 Missouri for details.
American Legion Department of MO accredited service officer support for Lee's Summit-area veterans. Service officers help draft VA claims, gather evidence, and represent veterans through the appeals process at no cost.
Missouri state veterans affairs office providing benefits counseling, claims assistance, and connections to state veteran programs.
SSVF grantee outreach for very low-income veteran families in Independence who are homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness. SSVF can fund rapid re-housing, temporary financial assistance, and case management.
U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Hiring Our Heroes runs hiring fairs, employer fellowships, and corporate fellowship cohorts open to Lee's Summit-area transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses.
Veterans Treatment Court diversion option for justice-involved Columbia veterans with eligible offenses. Combines court supervision with VA treatment, peer mentors, and wraparound services as an alternative to incarceration.
Free civil legal help for Lee's Summit-area veterans through Legal Services Corporation grantees and the Stateside Legal veteran-facing directory. Common matters include discharge upgrades, VA benefits appeals, family law, and housing.
Student Veterans of America (SVA) recognized chapters at colleges and universities in the Independence area. SVA chapters provide peer support, advocacy, and connections to GI Bill, scholarship, and career resources.
SSVF grantee outreach for very low-income veteran families in Springfield who are homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness. SSVF can fund rapid re-housing, temporary financial assistance, and case management.
Employment and training services for Missouri veterans including job placement and career counseling.
Dial 2-1-1 or search 211.org for Independence-area emergency shelter, rent and utility assistance, and homeless veteran outreach. Local 2-1-1 specialists screen for veteran-specific programs (HUD-VASH, SSVF, GPD) and connect callers to the nearest intake point.
Support services for military and veteran families in Missouri including counseling and family readiness programs.
U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Hiring Our Heroes runs hiring fairs, employer fellowships, and corporate fellowship cohorts open to Independence-area transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses.
Department of Education-funded TRIO Veterans Upward Bound program serving Lee's Summit-area veterans. Free academic refresher courses, college application help, financial aid guidance, and transition support for postsecondary success.
Accredited county Veterans Service Officer for Springfield area veterans. Free help filing VA disability, pension, dependency, and burial benefit claims. Walk-in and appointment hours vary by office; call before visiting.
Community-based VA Vet Center serving Columbia 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 Resource Center (VRC) and certifying-official support for GI Bill students at community and technical colleges in the Springfield area. Help with VA Form 22-1995, Yellow Ribbon, and credit-for-prior-learning evaluations.
Student Veterans of America (SVA) recognized chapters at colleges and universities in the Lee's Summit area. SVA chapters provide peer support, advocacy, and connections to GI Bill, scholarship, and career resources.
VA Regional Office and benefit-counselor lookup for veterans in Columbia, MO. 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 Kansas City area. Help with VA Form 22-1995, Yellow Ribbon, and credit-for-prior-learning evaluations.
Student Veterans of America (SVA) recognized chapters at colleges and universities in the Columbia area. SVA chapters provide peer support, advocacy, and connections to GI Bill, scholarship, and career resources.
Recently verified employment resources serving Missouri, ordered by most recent verification.
Student Veterans of America (SVA) recognized chapters at colleges and universities in the Lee's Summit 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 Lee's Summit-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 Lee's Summit 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 Lee's Summit 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 Lee's Summit-area transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses.
Department of Labor American Job Center serving Lee's Summit veterans. Priority of service, Local Veterans Employment Representative (LVER) and Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP) staffing, training referrals, and resume support.
