Find veteran employment programs in New York. Career centers, hiring preferences, job training, military skills translation, and employer resources for New York veterans seeking civilian careers.
New York's diverse economy spans finance, healthcare, technology, manufacturing, and government, offering strong employment opportunities for veterans with military experience. The state has implemented veteran hiring preferences for state government positions and supports a robust network of career centers, job training programs, and transition assistance designed specifically for veterans.
This guide covers every major employment resource available to New York veterans, from resume building and skills translation to apprenticeships, entrepreneurship programs, and direct employer connections. Whether you're newly separated or looking for a career change, New York has programs to help you succeed.
The NYS Department of Labor operates Career Centers across the state with dedicated veterans' services. 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 NYS Career Centers, meaning they are served before non-veteran job seekers.
Locations: Career Centers throughout New York City (Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, Staten Island), Long Island, Westchester, Albany, Syracuse, Buffalo, Rochester, and other cities statewide.
New York State provides hiring preferences for veterans seeking state government employment. Disabled veterans receive an additional preference. Veterans who pass a civil service examination receive additional points on their score: 5 points for wartime veterans and 10 points for disabled veterans. This applies to state and local government positions across New York.
The VETSFIRST program operated by the NYS Division of Veterans' Services provides employment referrals, resume assistance, and connections to veteran-friendly employers. Call 1-888-838-7697 to speak with a counselor who can help match your military skills to civilian career opportunities.
Veterans with a service-connected disability rating of at least 10% and an employment barrier may be eligible for VR&E. Services include vocational counseling, job training, education, resume development, and job placement assistance. VR&E can also help veterans start their own businesses. Contact the New York VA Regional Office VR&E division at (212) 807-3429.
For veterans transitioning from service, VRE services help identify civilian career paths that leverage military experience. Counselors at New York VA facilities help translate military occupational specialties into civilian job qualifications and connect veterans with training programs and employers.
The Small Business Administration's New York District Office offers programs specifically for veteran entrepreneurs, including the Boots to Business program, veteran-specific lending, and the Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) certification. The Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) provides counseling and training for veteran entrepreneurs throughout the Northeast.
New York State provides procurement preferences for service-disabled veteran-owned businesses (SDVOBs). Certified SDVOBs can receive preference in state contracting, giving veteran entrepreneurs access to government contracts. Contact the NYS Division of Service-Disabled Veterans' Business Development at (518) 474-2015.
This program connects veterans with careers in the construction trades through registered apprenticeships across New York. The program works with building trades unions in New York City, Long Island, Buffalo, Albany, and other areas. Veterans receive credit for military training and experience, shortening apprenticeship timelines.
New York helps veterans translate military training into civilian licenses and certifications through expedited credentialing processes. Commercial drivers, healthcare workers, electricians, and other skilled veterans can leverage their military training for faster civilian licensing. Contact the NYS Department of Labor for specific credential translation assistance.
HUD-VASH (Housing & Urban Development - VA Supportive Housing) combines a Housing Choice Voucher with VA case management for homeless Yonkers veterans. Apply through the local public housing authority and your nearest VA medical center.
Free civil legal help for Rochester-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.
Local HUD-funded Continuum of Care coordinated-entry intake for Brooklyn-area veterans experiencing homelessness. CoCs route veterans to HUD-VASH, SSVF, GPD transitional housing, and local nonprofit partners.
American Legion Department of NY accredited service officer support for Brooklyn-area veterans. Service officers help draft VA claims, gather evidence, and represent veterans through the appeals process at no cost.
Dial 2-1-1 or search 211.org for Albany-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.
Department of Education-funded TRIO Veterans Upward Bound program serving Yonkers-area veterans. Free academic refresher courses, college application help, financial aid guidance, and transition support for postsecondary success.
Dial 2-1-1 or search 211.org for Bronx-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.
Student Veterans of America (SVA) recognized chapters at colleges and universities in the Bronx 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 Albany, NY. Confirm in-person hours, schedule a claims appointment, or find your nearest VBA benefits office.
Student Veterans of America (SVA) recognized chapters at colleges and universities in the Syracuse 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 Bronx, NY. Confirm in-person hours, schedule a claims appointment, or find your nearest VBA benefits office.
Accredited county Veterans Service Officer for Rochester area veterans. Free help filing VA disability, pension, dependency, and burial benefit claims. Walk-in and appointment hours vary by office; call before visiting.
Accredited county Veterans Service Officer for Albany area veterans. Free help filing VA disability, pension, dependency, and burial benefit claims. Walk-in and appointment hours vary by office; call before visiting.
VA Community-Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) options for Rochester, NY veterans. CBOCs deliver primary care, mental health, and select specialty services closer to home than the parent VA medical center.
Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) serving New York, NY 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.
Free civil legal help for Buffalo-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.
Free civil legal help for Brooklyn-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.
Department of Labor American Job Center serving Syracuse veterans. Priority of service, Local Veterans Employment Representative (LVER) and Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP) staffing, training referrals, and resume support.
Self-service and pro bono discharge upgrade resources for Brooklyn veterans, including the VA's official application guide and matching with attorneys who handle BCMR/DRB cases.
SSVF grantee outreach for very low-income veteran families in Brooklyn who are homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness. SSVF can fund rapid re-housing, temporary financial assistance, and case management.
Recently verified employment resources serving New York, ordered by most recent verification.
Student Veterans of America (SVA) recognized chapters at colleges and universities in the Brooklyn 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 Brooklyn-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 Brooklyn 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 Brooklyn 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 Brooklyn-area transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses.
Department of Labor American Job Center serving Brooklyn veterans. Priority of service, Local Veterans Employment Representative (LVER) and Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP) staffing, training referrals, and resume support.
