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Veteran Employment Resources in New York

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.

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Verified employment help in New York: who to call

51 verified employment resources serving New York. Crisis and fastest-path options are listed first.

VR&E (Chapter 31) Counselor - Buffalo

Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Chapter 31, VR&E) services for service-connected Buffalo veterans pursuing employment, self-employment, or independent living. Tuition, fees, books, and a monthly subsistence allowance may be covered.

NY
EmploymentVisit websiteUpdated Jul 27, 2026
Student Veterans of America - Yonkers Chapter

Student Veterans of America (SVA) recognized chapters at colleges and universities in the Yonkers area. SVA chapters provide peer support, advocacy, and connections to GI Bill, scholarship, and career resources.

NY
BenefitsEmploymentVisit websiteUpdated Jul 27, 2026
Syracuse Community College Veterans Resource Center

Veterans Resource Center (VRC) and certifying-official support for GI Bill students at community and technical colleges in the Syracuse area. Help with VA Form 22-1995, Yellow Ribbon, and credit-for-prior-learning evaluations.

NY
BenefitsEmploymentVisit websiteUpdated Jul 27, 2026
Student Veterans of America - Brooklyn Chapter

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.

NY
BenefitsEmploymentVisit websiteUpdated Jul 27, 2026
VR&E (Chapter 31) Counselor - Brooklyn

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.

NY
EmploymentVisit websiteUpdated Jul 27, 2026
Student Veterans of America - Buffalo Chapter

Student Veterans of America (SVA) recognized chapters at colleges and universities in the Buffalo area. SVA chapters provide peer support, advocacy, and connections to GI Bill, scholarship, and career resources.

NY
BenefitsEmploymentVisit websiteUpdated Jul 27, 2026
Yonkers Community College Veterans Resource Center

Veterans Resource Center (VRC) and certifying-official support for GI Bill students at community and technical colleges in the Yonkers area. Help with VA Form 22-1995, Yellow Ribbon, and credit-for-prior-learning evaluations.

NY
BenefitsEmploymentVisit websiteUpdated Jul 27, 2026
VR&E (Chapter 31) Counselor - Yonkers

Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Chapter 31, VR&E) services for service-connected Yonkers veterans pursuing employment, self-employment, or independent living. Tuition, fees, books, and a monthly subsistence allowance may be covered.

NY
EmploymentVisit websiteUpdated Jul 27, 2026
VR&E (Chapter 31) Counselor - New York

Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Chapter 31, VR&E) services for service-connected New York veterans pursuing employment, self-employment, or independent living. Tuition, fees, books, and a monthly subsistence allowance may be covered.

NY
EmploymentVisit websiteUpdated Jul 27, 2026
Syracuse Veterans Upward Bound

Department of Education-funded TRIO Veterans Upward Bound program serving Syracuse-area veterans. Free academic refresher courses, college application help, financial aid guidance, and transition support for postsecondary success.

NY
EmploymentVisit websiteUpdated Jul 27, 2026
Brooklyn Community College Veterans Resource Center

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.

NY
BenefitsEmploymentVisit websiteUpdated Jul 27, 2026
Rochester Community College Veterans Resource Center

Veterans Resource Center (VRC) and certifying-official support for GI Bill students at community and technical colleges in the Rochester area. Help with VA Form 22-1995, Yellow Ribbon, and credit-for-prior-learning evaluations.

NY
BenefitsEmploymentVisit websiteUpdated Jul 27, 2026
Buffalo Community College Veterans Resource Center

Veterans Resource Center (VRC) and certifying-official support for GI Bill students at community and technical colleges in the Buffalo area. Help with VA Form 22-1995, Yellow Ribbon, and credit-for-prior-learning evaluations.

NY
BenefitsEmploymentVisit websiteUpdated Jul 27, 2026
Hiring Our Heroes - Bronx

U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Hiring Our Heroes runs hiring fairs, employer fellowships, and corporate fellowship cohorts open to Bronx-area transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses.

NY
EmploymentVisit websiteUpdated Jul 27, 2026Verified Jul 20, 2026
Brooklyn American Job Center - Veterans Services

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.

NY
EmploymentVisit websiteUpdated Jul 27, 2026
Bronx American Job Center - Veterans Services

Department of Labor American Job Center serving Bronx veterans. Priority of service, Local Veterans Employment Representative (LVER) and Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP) staffing, training referrals, and resume support.

NY
EmploymentVisit websiteUpdated Jul 27, 2026
Hiring Our Heroes - Yonkers

U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Hiring Our Heroes runs hiring fairs, employer fellowships, and corporate fellowship cohorts open to Yonkers-area transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses.

NY
EmploymentVisit websiteUpdated Jul 27, 2026
Yonkers American Job Center - Veterans Services

Department of Labor American Job Center serving Yonkers veterans. Priority of service, Local Veterans Employment Representative (LVER) and Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP) staffing, training referrals, and resume support.

NY
EmploymentVisit websiteUpdated Jul 27, 2026
Hiring Our Heroes - Syracuse

U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Hiring Our Heroes runs hiring fairs, employer fellowships, and corporate fellowship cohorts open to Syracuse-area transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses.

NY
EmploymentVisit websiteUpdated Jul 27, 2026
Hiring Our Heroes - Rochester

U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Hiring Our Heroes runs hiring fairs, employer fellowships, and corporate fellowship cohorts open to Rochester-area transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses.

NY
EmploymentVisit websiteUpdated Jul 27, 2026
Hiring Our Heroes - Buffalo

U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Hiring Our Heroes runs hiring fairs, employer fellowships, and corporate fellowship cohorts open to Buffalo-area transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses.

NY
EmploymentVisit websiteUpdated Jul 27, 2026
Buffalo American Job Center - Veterans Services

Department of Labor American Job Center serving Buffalo veterans. Priority of service, Local Veterans Employment Representative (LVER) and Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP) staffing, training referrals, and resume support.

NY
EmploymentVisit websiteUpdated Jul 27, 2026
Hiring Our Heroes - New York

U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Hiring Our Heroes runs hiring fairs, employer fellowships, and corporate fellowship cohorts open to New York-area transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses.

NY
EmploymentVisit websiteUpdated Jul 27, 2026
New York American Job Center - Veterans Services

Department of Labor American Job Center serving New York veterans. Priority of service, Local Veterans Employment Representative (LVER) and Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP) staffing, training referrals, and resume support.

NY
EmploymentVisit websiteUpdated Jul 27, 2026
How employment help works in New York

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.

New York Employment Programs for Veterans

NYS Department of Labor - Veterans' Services

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.

Veteran Hiring Preference

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.

VETSFIRST Employment Services

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.

VA Employment Programs

VA Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment (VR&E / Chapter 31)

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.

Veteran Readiness and Employment (VRE)

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.

Entrepreneurship & Business

SBA Veteran Business Programs

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.

NYS Veteran-Owned Business Preferences

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.

Skills Training & Certifications

Helmets to Hardhats

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.

NYS Veteran Military Skills to Civilian Credentials

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do veterans get hiring preference for New York State jobs?
Yes. Veterans who pass a civil service examination receive additional points: 5 points for wartime veterans and 10 points for disabled veterans. This applies to state and local government positions throughout New York.
Where can I find veteran job services in New York City?
NYS Career Centers in each borough offer dedicated veteran employment services with LVER and DVOP specialists. You can also contact the NYC Department of Veterans' Services at (212) 416-5250 or the VETSFIRST program at 1-888-838-7697.
What is VR&E and am I eligible?
VA Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E or Chapter 31) provides career counseling, training, education, and job placement for veterans with a service-connected disability of at least 10% who face an employment barrier. Contact the NY VA Regional Office VR&E division at (212) 807-3429.
Can I start a business as a veteran in New York?
Yes. The SBA offers Boots to Business training, veteran-specific lending, and SDVOSB certification. New York State provides procurement preferences for certified service-disabled veteran-owned businesses. Contact the Veterans Business Outreach Center for counseling and training.
Does New York help veterans translate military skills to civilian credentials?
Yes. New York has expedited credentialing processes that allow veterans to leverage military training for civilian licenses in fields like commercial driving, healthcare, electrical work, and more. Contact the NYS Department of Labor for specific information about your military specialty.
Are there apprenticeship programs for veterans in New York?
Yes. Helmets to Hardhats connects veterans with registered apprenticeships in the construction trades. Veterans receive credit for military training, potentially shortening apprenticeship timelines. The program operates with building trades unions throughout New York.

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