New York State Department of Labor highlights available services in honor of veterans Day

NYSDOL employs veterans as outreach specialists to help connect veterans with careers; assisted over 9,000 veterans with career services this year

√ To learn more about NYSDOL’s veterans, watch Our DOL Veterans

Submitted by the New York State Department of Labor

To commemorate Veterans Day, the New York State Department of Labor reminds veterans statewide that the agency offers a wide variety of services designed specifically to help them find a new career path. The department proudly offers priority of service to veterans and eligible significant others, which provides expedited service and priority for qualified jobs and training. NYSDOL also employs veterans to serve as disabled veterans outreach program specialists (DVOPs) and local veterans’ employment representatives (LVERs). NYSDOL has assisted over 9,000 veterans with career services so far this year.

“Our veterans deserve the utmost respect and gratitude for serving our nation during moments of need,” New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon said. “They are a critical part of New York state’s success, and we are honored to be able to assist them in finding the next steps in their career.”

Deputy Veterans’ Program Administrator Stephanie Piacente said, “I would like to express my gratitude to our veterans’ program staff for their service to our country as well as their continued service to our New York state veterans. I’m honored to lead a team of amazing veterans who continue to put others first, advocate for their fellow veterans daily, and find ways to go above and beyond every day.”

Disabled veteran outreach specialist and veteran Bret Farritor said, “The military comes with commitment, so when veteran customers come in, I just see that as a natural extension of that commitment, (and) provide them with as much assistance as I possibly can. … I came to DOL by way of being a customer. DOL has allowed me to continue to serve, and that’s important for the veteran community in that sense of purpose beyond the military.”

NYSDOL employs veterans at all levels of its organization, helping to bridge the gaps between the needs of New York’s current and former service members and the department’s services. As disabled veterans themselves, DVOPs understand the unique needs of disabled veterans and provide resources to help them overcome employment barriers. LVERs provide career assistance and advocate to businesses and community organizations on behalf of veterans.

The New York State Department of Civil Service’s veterans temporary hiring program is a centralized hub where veterans can submit employment information to connect to temporary job opportunities within the New York state system. The New York state “Experience Counts” program gives veterans credit toward state licenses for military experience. State agencies also actively identify ways to utilize the special skills and training possessed by veterans in the workforce.

New York state offers incentives to encourage businesses to include veterans as part of the workforce. Through the Hire-A-Vet Credit, eligible businesses may earn up to $5,000 for hiring a qualified veteran and up to $15,000 per hire for hiring a disabled veteran.

Veterans in search of careers are also encouraged to take advantage of NYSDOL’s many no-cost services, including the newly expanded virtual career center, which utilizes cutting-edge technology to help connect New Yorkers to 250,000 available job opportunities across New York state. Job seekers are encouraged to check out the New York state job bank, part-time hiring opportunities job bank, and NY seasonal jobs to browse available statewide jobs. New Yorkers can also check out our career center events and recruitments calendar to sign up for virtual workshops and virtual career fairs. JobZone also provides tools to help New Yorkers plan their future, organize their job search, develop resumes, and explore careers.

Visit NYSDOL’s veterans services webpage for more information. For additional resources, visit the New York State Division of Veterans’ Services.