Free One-on-One Job Coaching for Veterans (DVOP)
A federally funded career specialist at your local American Job Center, at no charge to you.
What it is
The Department of Labor funds staff in the states through the Jobs for Veterans State Grants program. One kind of staff member is a Disabled Veterans' Outreach Program (DVOP) specialist. DOL says DVOP specialists provide individualized career and training-related services to veterans and eligible persons with significant barriers to employment. You find them at your local American Job Center.
Who they serve
Federal law sets the priority for DVOP help: special disabled veterans first, then other disabled veterans, then other eligible veterans. The law also says maximum emphasis goes to helping economically or educationally disadvantaged veterans. DOL's pages do not list every barrier, so ask the center whether you qualify.
DVOP priority
What they do for you
Under federal law a DVOP specialist provides:
- Intensive employment services and job placement help
- Individualized career assistance, including finding job openings that fit your goals
- Help building a resume and cover letter aimed at a specific job
- Case management, meaning one person follows your job search with you
How to get it, step by step
- Open the American Job Center locator on CareerOneStop (link below) and search your ZIP code.
- Call or walk into the center. Say: "I am a veteran and I would like to see a DVOP specialist."
Deadline and trap
DOL lists no application deadline for this service. Priority goes to disabled veterans first, so say you are a veteran and ask for a DVOP specialist.
Where to call and where to go
Phone
- DOL Veterans' Employment and Training Service (VETS) main line: 1-866-237-0275. Hours are not shown on the DOL page. Source: DOL Jobs for Veterans State Grants
Official pages