Legal Aid of West Virginia Veterans Project
WVFree civil legal assistance for low-income veterans in West Virginia.
Veteran Employment Resources in West Virginia
Find veteran employment resources in West Virginia. State hiring preferences, career counseling, job training, and transition assistance for West Virginia veterans.
Veterans bring exceptional skills to the civilian workforce — leadership, discipline, technical expertise, and the ability to perform under pressure. West Virginia, home to approximately 140,000 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 West Virginia.
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 West Virginia. 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 West Virginia veterans with service-connected disabilities who face employment barriers. Contact the VA Regional Office serving West Virginia to apply.
West Virginia Employment Resources
West Virginia provides veterans' preference in state hiring. WorkForce West Virginia has veteran representatives. The state's energy, healthcare, and federal employment sectors provide opportunities. The National Guard plays a significant role in WV employment
Skills Translation & Licensing
West Virginia 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 WVDVA 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 West Virginia for details.
Key Resources
- VA Careers: VA for Vets at vaforvets.va.gov
- Federal Jobs: usajobs.gov (Veterans' Preference applies)
- WVDVA: Contact for state employment resources
- DOL Veterans Services: 1-866-487-2365
Employment Resources in West Virginia
West Virginia Department of Veterans Assistance
WVWest Virginia state veterans affairs office providing benefits counseling, claims assistance, and connections to state veteran programs.
West Virginia Housing Development Fund
WVState housing finance agency providing mortgage assistance, rental programs, and housing resources for West Virginia residents including veterans.
Louis A. Johnson VA Medical Center (Clarksburg)
WVVA health care system serving West Virginia veterans with medical, mental health, and specialty care services.
West Virginia Military and Veterans Family Support Program
WVSupport services for military and veteran families in West Virginia including counseling and family readiness programs.
WorkForce West Virginia Veterans Services
WVEmployment and training services for West Virginia veterans including job placement and career counseling.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does West Virginia offer veterans' hiring preference?
- West Virginia provides veterans' preference in state hiring. Veterans' Preference also applies to all federal jobs.
- What employment programs are available for disabled veterans in West Virginia?
- 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 West Virginia?
- Use the VA Military Skills Translator at va.gov or O*NET to map military experience to civilian careers. West Virginia has also taken steps to recognize military credentials for state licensing.
- Where can I get job training in West Virginia?
- 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 WVDVA for specific programs.
- How do I start a business as a veteran in West Virginia?
- 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 West Virginia.
Related guides in West Virginia
Employment in nearby states
Related resources
Recently verified employment resources serving West Virginia, ordered by most recent verification.
WorkForce West Virginia Veterans Services
WVEmployment and training services for West Virginia veterans including job placement and career counseling.