Rhode Island Military and Veterans Family Support Program
RISupport services for military and veteran families in Rhode Island including counseling and family readiness programs.
Veteran Employment Resources in Rhode Island
Find veteran employment resources in Rhode Island. State hiring preferences, career counseling, job training, and transition assistance for Rhode Island veterans.
Veterans bring exceptional skills to the civilian workforce — leadership, discipline, technical expertise, and the ability to perform under pressure. Rhode Island, home to approximately 65,000 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 Rhode Island.
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 Rhode Island. 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 Rhode Island veterans with service-connected disabilities who face employment barriers. Contact the VA Regional Office serving Rhode Island to apply.
Rhode Island Employment Resources
Rhode Island provides veterans' preference in state hiring. The RI Department of Labor and Training has veteran representatives. Naval Station Newport is a major employer and transition point. Rhode Island's healthcare and education sectors recruit veterans
Skills Translation & Licensing
Rhode Island 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 OVS 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 Rhode Island for details.
Key Resources
- VA Careers: VA for Vets at vaforvets.va.gov
- Federal Jobs: usajobs.gov (Veterans' Preference applies)
- OVS: Contact for state employment resources
- DOL Veterans Services: 1-866-487-2365
Employment Resources in Rhode Island
Providence VA Medical Center
RIVA health care system serving Rhode Island veterans with medical, mental health, and specialty care services.
Rhode Island Legal Services Veterans Project
RIFree civil legal assistance for low-income veterans in Rhode Island.
Rhode Island Office of Veterans Services
RIRhode Island state veterans affairs office providing benefits counseling, claims assistance, and connections to state veteran programs.
Rhode Island Housing
RIState housing finance agency providing mortgage assistance, rental programs, and housing resources for Rhode Island residents including veterans.
Rhode Island Department of Labor Veterans Services
RIEmployment and training services for Rhode Island veterans including job placement and career counseling.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does Rhode Island offer veterans' hiring preference?
- Rhode Island provides veterans' preference in state hiring. Veterans' Preference also applies to all federal jobs.
- What employment programs are available for disabled veterans in Rhode Island?
- 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 Rhode Island?
- Use the VA Military Skills Translator at va.gov or O*NET to map military experience to civilian careers. Rhode Island has also taken steps to recognize military credentials for state licensing.
- Where can I get job training in Rhode Island?
- 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 OVS for specific programs.
- How do I start a business as a veteran in Rhode Island?
- 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 Rhode Island.
Related guides in Rhode Island
Employment in nearby states
Related resources
Recently verified employment resources serving Rhode Island, ordered by most recent verification.
Rhode Island Department of Labor Veterans Services
RIEmployment and training services for Rhode Island veterans including job placement and career counseling.