In accordance with Title 38, US Code and State legislation, qualified Veterans are entitled to receive priority in all Employment and Training Programs and Services .The Employment Service, a partner in the WORKFORCE West Virginia One-Stop Career Centers, is the delivery agent for US Department of Labor-funded employment and training programs. Services are provided to Veterans through a network of 17 Job Service offices in West Virginia.
Currently West Virginia is divided into 7 service delivery areas, served by 8 Local Veteran Employment Representatives and 3 Disabled Veterans Employment Program Specialists. Each office has available to them a trained Local Veteran Employment Representative who works exclusively with Veterans and who ensure that all other Job Service staff provide Veterans Priority of Service as follows:
First Priority:
Special Disabled Veterans-Veterans with 30% or more service connected disability receive first priority.
Second Priority:
Veterans who have more than 180 days of active duty, other than for training, one day of which was during a war or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized receive second priority. A complete listing of Wars, Campaigns & Expeditions since WWII which qualify for Veterans Preference is available at: https://www.opm.gov/veterans/html/vgmedal2.asp
Third Priority:
Other Disabled Veterans - Veterans with less than 30% disability receive third priority.
Fourth Priority:
Other Veterans and Eligible Persons - An eligible person is the spouse of a Veteran who died on active duty, is missing in action, or has a a 100% service connected disability or died while such disability was in existence. This group receives fourth priority.
Veterans Services Specialists
Local Veterans Employment Representatives (LVERs) These staff are responsible for compliance of priority in all veterans services provided by the Job Service office staff. LVERs also provide vocational guidance to assist Veterans with decisions concerning employment and trainng. The LVER should be considered a resource person for both Veterans and Employers.
Disabled Veteran Outreach Program Specialist (DVOPS) These staff are responsible for outreach services for all Veterans, and primarily for disabled Veterans who may require special assistance.
LVER's and DVOPS' accomplish these job goals through, networking with employers and community-based organizations, veteran specific job development and recruitment activities, to assure employers receive qualified Veteran referrals.
Veterans Workstudy Program
The Veterans Workstudy Program, administered by Veterans Affairs, provides supplemental funds for those eligible person enrolled in approved educational programs. Eligible persons may work up to a maximum of 475 hours per semester providing veteran services at a Veterans Affairs facility or selected site.
Tax Incentive Programs
Military Incentive Act of 1991 (MIP) offers West Virginia employers up to $5,000 in tax credits on their West Virginia corporate or personal tax liability who hire the following:
*Any service-connected disabled veteran;
*Economically-disadvantaged Vietnam-era or Korean conflict veterans; or
*Unemployed active members of the National Guard or Reserves.
Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC)
Employers may qualify for a credit on their federal income tax of up to $1,500 for hiring eligible veterans.
Federal Contractor Job Listing (FCJL)
Program Employers having federal contracts of $100,000 or more are required to take affirmative action to employ disabled veterans, Veterans who served on active duty during a war or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized, Veterans who participated in a United States military operation for which an Armed Forces service medal was awarded and recently separated Veterans. With some exceptions, employers must list all job openings with Job Service offices. Job Service gives Veterans preference in referral for these jobs.
Workforce Investment Act (WIA) and, on occasion other federal, state or private programs, may be available. LVER's and DVOPS' staff can provide current information on availability and make referrals while assisting the veteran and employer with the process.
Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E)
VR&E is a program, authorized by Chapter 31, Title 38, US Code, administered by Veterans Affairs. It is designed to help veterans with service connected disabilities and employment barriers to obtain suitable employment. Upon completion of the program, the LVER and DVOPS staff will provide case management services leading to suitable employment.
On the Job Training (OJT)
On-the-job training (OJT) may be available for eligible veterans. OJT programs administered through the Veterans Administration,
Workforce Investment Act (WIA) Programs
Veterans are included in certain targeted groups of individuals for federally funded programs under WIA. Job Service staff will assist veterans in determining their eligibility for services, based upon availability.
Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA)
Veterans, Reservists and National Guard members are provided certain job rights by law. Job Service LVER/DVOPS staff may provide assistance to employers and to individuals submitting claims by referral to the state Director, Veterans Employment and Training, USDOL.
If you have questions or require additional information on any service or program listed, please contact a veterans representative at your local Job Service office location or email Ken Deel VeteranServices@workforcewv.org Veteran Services Field Supervisor.
