Find veteran employment resources in Washington. State hiring preferences, career counseling, job training, and transition assistance for Washington veterans.
Veterans bring exceptional skills to the civilian workforce — leadership, discipline, technical expertise, and the ability to perform under pressure. Washington, home to approximately 540,000 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 Washington.
The Department of Labor funds Disabled Veterans' Outreach Program (DVOP) specialists and Local Veterans' Employment Representatives (LVERs) at career centers across Washington. These specialists provide intensive career counseling, job placement, and follow-up services. Veterans receive priority of service at all federally funded employment programs.
Chapter 31 VR&E provides career counseling, resume development, job training, education, and job placement for Washington veterans with service-connected disabilities who face employment barriers. Contact the VA Regional Office serving Washington to apply.
Washington provides veterans' preference in state hiring. Employment Security Department has veteran representatives. Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Naval Station Kitsap, Fairchild AFB, and other installations provide transition services. Washington's tech sector (Amazon, Microsoft, Boeing) actively recruits veterans
Washington 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 WDVA for assistance with credential recognition.
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 Washington for details.
Department of Veterans Affairs medical facility serving Seattle, WA veterans with primary care, mental health, and specialty services. Use the VA find-locations tool to confirm hours, services, and the closest clinic.
Accredited county Veterans Service Officer for Vancouver area veterans. Free help filing VA disability, pension, dependency, and burial benefit claims. Walk-in and appointment hours vary by office; call before visiting.
Free civil legal help for Seattle-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.
Veterans Resource Center (VRC) and certifying-official support for GI Bill students at community and technical colleges in the Vancouver area. Help with VA Form 22-1995, Yellow Ribbon, and credit-for-prior-learning evaluations.
Veterans Treatment Court diversion option for justice-involved Spokane veterans with eligible offenses. Combines court supervision with VA treatment, peer mentors, and wraparound services as an alternative to incarceration.
Dial 2-1-1 or search 211.org for Seattle-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.
Veterans Resource Center (VRC) and certifying-official support for GI Bill students at community and technical colleges in the Olympia area. Help with VA Form 22-1995, Yellow Ribbon, and credit-for-prior-learning evaluations.
SSVF grantee outreach for very low-income veteran families in Vancouver who are homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness. SSVF can fund rapid re-housing, temporary financial assistance, and case management.
U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Hiring Our Heroes runs hiring fairs, employer fellowships, and corporate fellowship cohorts open to Tacoma-area transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses.
Local HUD-funded Continuum of Care coordinated-entry intake for Olympia-area veterans experiencing homelessness. CoCs route veterans to HUD-VASH, SSVF, GPD transitional housing, and local nonprofit partners.
Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) serving Bellevue, WA 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.
Student Veterans of America (SVA) recognized chapters at colleges and universities in the Spokane area. SVA chapters provide peer support, advocacy, and connections to GI Bill, scholarship, and career resources.
Free civil legal help for Spokane-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.
American Legion Department of WA accredited service officer support for Spokane-area veterans. Service officers help draft VA claims, gather evidence, and represent veterans through the appeals process at no cost.
American Legion Department of WA accredited service officer support for Olympia-area veterans. Service officers help draft VA claims, gather evidence, and represent veterans through the appeals process at no cost.
Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) serving Tacoma, WA 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.
Local HUD-funded Continuum of Care coordinated-entry intake for Seattle-area veterans experiencing homelessness. CoCs route veterans to HUD-VASH, SSVF, GPD transitional housing, and local nonprofit partners.
Community-based VA Vet Center serving Spokane area combat veterans and their families with free counseling, readjustment services, and bereavement support. Vet Centers are independent of VA medical facilities and confidential.
Student Veterans of America (SVA) recognized chapters at colleges and universities in the Seattle area. SVA chapters provide peer support, advocacy, and connections to GI Bill, scholarship, and career resources.
Accredited county Veterans Service Officer for Spokane area veterans. Free help filing VA disability, pension, dependency, and burial benefit claims. Walk-in and appointment hours vary by office; call before visiting.
Recently verified employment resources serving Washington, ordered by most recent verification.
Student Veterans of America (SVA) recognized chapters at colleges and universities in the Olympia 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 Olympia-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 Olympia 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 Olympia 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 Olympia-area transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses.
Department of Labor American Job Center serving Olympia veterans. Priority of service, Local Veterans Employment Representative (LVER) and Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP) staffing, training referrals, and resume support.
