VA Portland Health Care System
ORVA health care system serving Oregon veterans with medical, mental health, and specialty care services.
Veteran Employment Resources in Oregon
Find veteran employment resources in Oregon. State hiring preferences, career counseling, job training, and transition assistance for Oregon veterans.
Veterans bring exceptional skills to the civilian workforce — leadership, discipline, technical expertise, and the ability to perform under pressure. Oregon, home to approximately 300,000 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 Oregon.
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 Oregon. 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 Oregon veterans with service-connected disabilities who face employment barriers. Contact the VA Regional Office serving Oregon to apply.
Oregon Employment Resources
Oregon provides veterans' preference in state hiring. Oregon Employment Department has veteran representatives. ODVA provides a veteran entrepreneurship program. Oregon's tech industry (Intel, Nike, et al.) actively recruits veterans
Skills Translation & Licensing
Oregon 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 ODVA 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 Oregon for details.
Key Resources
- VA Careers: VA for Vets at vaforvets.va.gov
- Federal Jobs: usajobs.gov (Veterans' Preference applies)
- ODVA: Contact for state employment resources
- DOL Veterans Services: 1-866-487-2365
Employment Resources in Oregon
Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs
OROregon state veterans affairs office providing benefits counseling, claims assistance, and connections to state veteran programs.
Oregon Housing and Community Services
ORState housing agency providing mortgage assistance, rental programs, and housing resources for Oregon residents including veterans.
Legal Aid Services of Oregon Veterans Project
ORFree civil legal assistance for low-income veterans in Oregon.
Oregon Employment Department Veterans Services
OREmployment and training services for Oregon veterans including job placement and career counseling.
Oregon Military and Veterans Family Support Program
ORSupport services for military and veteran families in Oregon including counseling and family readiness programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does Oregon offer veterans' hiring preference?
- Oregon provides veterans' preference in state hiring. Veterans' Preference also applies to all federal jobs.
- What employment programs are available for disabled veterans in Oregon?
- 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 Oregon?
- Use the VA Military Skills Translator at va.gov or O*NET to map military experience to civilian careers. Oregon has also taken steps to recognize military credentials for state licensing.
- Where can I get job training in Oregon?
- 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 ODVA for specific programs.
- How do I start a business as a veteran in Oregon?
- 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 Oregon.
Related guides in Oregon
Employment in nearby states
Related resources
Recently verified employment resources serving Oregon, ordered by most recent verification.
Oregon Employment Department Veterans Services
OREmployment and training services for Oregon veterans including job placement and career counseling.