Find veteran employment programs in Virginia. Virginia Values Veterans (V3), career centers, hiring preferences, military skills translation, and federal employment opportunities for Virginia veterans.
Virginia offers one of the strongest veteran employment ecosystems in the country, driven by the Virginia Values Veterans (V3) program, proximity to federal agencies and defense contractors, and a robust network of military installations that produce a steady stream of transitioning service members. The Commonwealth's economy, anchored by defense, technology, healthcare, and government sectors, creates abundant opportunities for veterans.
This guide covers every major employment resource available to Virginia veterans, from the V3 employer network and Virginia Employment Commission services to federal hiring preferences and entrepreneurship programs tailored for military experience.
V3 is Virginia's flagship veteran employment initiative, training and certifying employers to recruit, hire, and retain veterans. Over 1,700 employers across the Commonwealth participate in V3, collectively hiring thousands of veterans annually. V3-certified employers commit to creating veteran-friendly workplaces, translating military skills to civilian job requirements, and providing mentoring and support during transition.
How to access: Visit dvs.virginia.gov/employment-education to search V3-certified employers and current job openings. DVS employment specialists can connect you directly with V3 employers in your area.
The Virginia Employment Commission provides specialized employment services for veterans at workforce centers statewide. Disabled Veterans' Outreach Program (DVOP) specialists provide intensive career counseling for veterans with significant barriers to employment. Local Veterans' Employment Representatives (LVERs) work with employers to develop job opportunities for veterans. Veterans receive priority of service at all VEC offices.
Virginia operates over 30 workforce centers providing resume assistance, job search workshops, career counseling, and employer connections. Veterans receive priority access to all services. Many centers offer dedicated veteran hours and specialized transition workshops.
Virginia's proximity to Washington, DC, and the concentration of federal agencies in Northern Virginia create unique opportunities for veterans. Veterans' preference in federal hiring gives eligible veterans a significant advantage. Major federal employers in Virginia include the Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, Intelligence Community agencies, and numerous defense contractors.
Virginia's major military installations — Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Naval Station Norfolk, Marine Corps Base Quantico, Fort Gregg-Adams, and Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story — all operate TAP offices providing pre-separation counseling, resume workshops, and job fairs.
Veterans with service-connected disabilities can access VR&E (Chapter 31) for career counseling, job training, resume development, and job placement assistance. The VR&E office at the Roanoke VA Regional Office serves Virginia veterans. Contact them at (540) 857-2102.
Virginia supports veteran entrepreneurs through DVS business resources, the Virginia Small Business Development Center network, and SBA's Veterans Business Outreach Center. The Boots to Business program at military installations provides entrepreneurship training. Virginia's strong economy and proximity to federal contracting opportunities make it an excellent location for veteran-owned businesses.
HUD-VASH (Housing & Urban Development - VA Supportive Housing) combines a Housing Choice Voucher with VA case management for homeless Roanoke veterans. Apply through the local public housing authority and your nearest VA medical center.
Local HUD-funded Continuum of Care coordinated-entry intake for Roanoke-area veterans experiencing homelessness. CoCs route veterans to HUD-VASH, SSVF, GPD transitional housing, and local nonprofit partners.
VA Regional Office and benefit-counselor lookup for veterans in Richmond, VA. Confirm in-person hours, schedule a claims appointment, or find your nearest VBA benefits office.
Department of Education-funded TRIO Veterans Upward Bound program serving Roanoke-area veterans. Free academic refresher courses, college application help, financial aid guidance, and transition support for postsecondary success.
American Legion Department of VA accredited service officer support for Richmond-area veterans. Service officers help draft VA claims, gather evidence, and represent veterans through the appeals process at no cost.
Veterans Treatment Court diversion option for justice-involved Arlington veterans with eligible offenses. Combines court supervision with VA treatment, peer mentors, and wraparound services as an alternative to incarceration.
Local HUD-funded Continuum of Care coordinated-entry intake for Arlington-area veterans experiencing homelessness. CoCs route veterans to HUD-VASH, SSVF, GPD transitional housing, and local nonprofit partners.
Free civil legal help for Norfolk-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.
HUD-VASH (Housing & Urban Development - VA Supportive Housing) combines a Housing Choice Voucher with VA case management for homeless Richmond veterans. Apply through the local public housing authority and your nearest VA medical center.
Student Veterans of America (SVA) recognized chapters at colleges and universities in the Newport News area. SVA chapters provide peer support, advocacy, and connections to GI Bill, scholarship, and career resources.
Free civil legal help for Newport News-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.
Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Chapter 31, VR&E) services for service-connected Richmond veterans pursuing employment, self-employment, or independent living. Tuition, fees, books, and a monthly subsistence allowance may be covered.
Local HUD-funded Continuum of Care coordinated-entry intake for Norfolk-area veterans experiencing homelessness. CoCs route veterans to HUD-VASH, SSVF, GPD transitional housing, and local nonprofit partners.
Accredited county Veterans Service Officer for Chesapeake area veterans. Free help filing VA disability, pension, dependency, and burial benefit claims. Walk-in and appointment hours vary by office; call before visiting.
Veterans Treatment Court diversion option for justice-involved Roanoke veterans with eligible offenses. Combines court supervision with VA treatment, peer mentors, and wraparound services as an alternative to incarceration.
Department of Labor American Job Center serving Norfolk veterans. Priority of service, Local Veterans Employment Representative (LVER) and Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP) staffing, training referrals, and resume support.
Dial 2-1-1 or search 211.org for Virginia Beach-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 Labor American Job Center serving Richmond veterans. Priority of service, Local Veterans Employment Representative (LVER) and Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP) staffing, training referrals, and resume support.
Dial 2-1-1 or search 211.org for Richmond-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.
Self-service and pro bono discharge upgrade resources for Richmond veterans, including the VA's official application guide and matching with attorneys who handle BCMR/DRB cases.
Recently verified employment resources serving Virginia, ordered by most recent verification.
Student Veterans of America (SVA) recognized chapters at colleges and universities in the Roanoke 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 Roanoke-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 Roanoke 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 Roanoke 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 Roanoke-area transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses.
Department of Labor American Job Center serving Roanoke veterans. Priority of service, Local Veterans Employment Representative (LVER) and Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP) staffing, training referrals, and resume support.
