VA New Jersey Health Care System
NJVA health care system serving New Jersey veterans with medical, mental health, and specialty care services.
Veteran Employment Resources in New Jersey
Find veteran employment resources in New Jersey. State hiring preferences, career counseling, job training, and transition assistance for New Jersey veterans.
Veterans bring exceptional skills to the civilian workforce — leadership, discipline, technical expertise, and the ability to perform under pressure. New Jersey, home to approximately 350,000 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 New Jersey.
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 New Jersey. 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 New Jersey veterans with service-connected disabilities who face employment barriers. Contact the VA Regional Office serving New Jersey to apply.
New Jersey Employment Resources
New Jersey provides veterans' preference in state civil service (absolute preference for disabled veterans). The NJ Department of Labor has veteran employment services. Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst provides transition assistance
Skills Translation & Licensing
New Jersey 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 DMAVA 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 New Jersey for details.
Key Resources
- VA Careers: VA for Vets at vaforvets.va.gov
- Federal Jobs: usajobs.gov (Veterans' Preference applies)
- DMAVA: Contact for state employment resources
- DOL Veterans Services: 1-866-487-2365
Employment Resources in New Jersey
Legal Services of New Jersey Veterans Project
NJFree civil legal assistance for low-income veterans in New Jersey.
New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs
NJNew Jersey state veterans affairs office providing benefits counseling, claims assistance, and connections to state veteran programs.
New Jersey Military and Veterans Family Support Program
NJSupport services for military and veteran families in New Jersey including counseling and family readiness programs.
New Jersey Department of Labor Veterans Services
NJEmployment and training services for New Jersey veterans including job placement and career counseling.
New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency
NJState housing finance agency providing mortgage assistance, rental programs, and housing resources for New Jersey residents including veterans.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does New Jersey offer veterans' hiring preference?
- New Jersey provides veterans' preference in state civil service (absolute preference for disabled veterans). Veterans' Preference also applies to all federal jobs.
- What employment programs are available for disabled veterans in New Jersey?
- 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 New Jersey?
- Use the VA Military Skills Translator at va.gov or O*NET to map military experience to civilian careers. New Jersey has also taken steps to recognize military credentials for state licensing.
- Where can I get job training in New Jersey?
- 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 DMAVA for specific programs.
- How do I start a business as a veteran in New Jersey?
- 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 New Jersey.
Related guides in New Jersey
Employment in nearby states
Related resources
Recently verified employment resources serving New Jersey, ordered by most recent verification.
New Jersey Department of Labor Veterans Services
NJEmployment and training services for New Jersey veterans including job placement and career counseling.