To connect with a local veteran employment representative, contact your nearest American Job Center (also called a One-Stop Career Center) and ask to speak with the Local Veterans' Employment Representative (LVER) or Disabled Veterans' Outreach Program specialist (DVOP). You can find your nearest center at CareerOneStop.org or by calling 1-877-872-5627. These representatives are funded through federal programs specifically to help veterans with job search, resume writing, interview preparation, and connecting with employers who actively hire veterans.

What does a local veteran employment representative actually do?

A Local Veterans' Employment Representative (LVER) is a staff member at your local workforce development office whose sole focus is helping veterans find meaningful employment. They work directly with employers in your area to identify job openings that match your military skills and experience. They also advocate on your behalf with hiring managers and can translate your military training into civilian qualifications that employers understand.

DVOP specialists, a related role, focus more on outreach to veterans who face significant barriers to employment including those with service-connected disabilities, homelessness, or long gaps in employment. Together, these representatives form the backbone of veteran employment services at the local level.

How do I find the LVER or DVOP specialist near me?

There are several reliable ways to locate the representative assigned to your area:

  1. Use CareerOneStop's locator tool. Go to CareerOneStop.org, enter your ZIP code, and call the nearest American Job Center. When you call, specifically ask for the Local Veterans' Employment Representative or DVOP specialist.
  2. Contact your state's Department of Labor. Each state manages its own veteran employment program. You can learn more about how state departments of labor coordinate veteran employment services and find your state's contact information.
  3. Reach out to your state's veterans affairs office. A state veteran service officer can also help connect you with employment guidance and point you toward the right local representative.
  4. Visit in person. Walk into your local American Job Center and ask at the front desk for the veterans' services section. Most centers have a dedicated area or contact person for veteran employment assistance.

What should I prepare before reaching out?

You don't need anything formal to make first contact, but having a few things ready will make the conversation more productive:

  • Your DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) this verifies your veteran status and helps the representative understand your military background.
  • A current resume or a list of your military jobs, certifications, and training. If you don't have a civilian resume yet, that's fine. The LVER can help you build one.
  • A general idea of what kind of work you're looking for, even if it's broad. For example: "I want to use my logistics training in a warehouse or supply chain role" is enough to get started.
  • Any certifications or licenses you earned in the military that might transfer to civilian jobs, such as a CDL, medical certifications, or IT credentials.

What happens when I meet with the representative?

During your first meeting, expect a conversation not a formal interview. The representative will likely ask about your military experience, your career goals, and any challenges you're facing in your job search. From there, they may:

  • Help you rewrite or build a civilian-friendly resume that highlights transferable skills
  • Connect you with employers in your area who have expressed interest in hiring veterans
  • Refer you to job fairs and hiring events specifically for veterans
  • Help you access additional benefits, including state-specific veteran employment benefits if you live in a state with expanded programs
  • Identify training programs or certifications that could qualify you for higher-paying positions
  • If you're interested in starting a business, they can point you toward veteran small business incentive programs

Who is eligible for LVER and DVOP services?

These services are available to veterans who were honorably discharged or who received a general discharge under honorable conditions. Eligible individuals include:

  • Veterans with service-connected disabilities
  • Recently separated veterans (generally within 48 months of discharge)
  • Veterans who are unemployed or underemployed
  • Homeless veterans or those at risk of homelessness
  • Veterans transitioning from military to civilian careers

Reservists and National Guard members who served on active duty may also qualify. The LVER or DVOP specialist can confirm your eligibility during your first conversation, so don't worry if you're unsure.

What are common mistakes veterans make when trying to connect?

Waiting too long to reach out. Some veterans think they need to figure things out on their own first, or that these services are only for veterans in crisis. They're not. LVER and DVOP specialists are there for every stage of a job search from exploring options to negotiating a job offer.

Not mentioning all their skills. Veterans often downplay their military experience or describe it in military jargon that civilian employers don't understand. The representative can help translate, but only if you share the full picture.

Going to the wrong office. Veterans sometimes visit a VA medical center or regional office expecting employment help. Employment representatives are located at American Job Centers, not VA hospitals. Know where to go.

Not following up. One meeting is rarely enough. Stay in regular contact with your representative, update them on your progress, and ask about new opportunities as they come up.

Can I connect online instead of in person?

Yes. Many American Job Centers now offer virtual appointments by phone or video call. You can also explore resources through the LVER program's online tools and virtual services, which have expanded in recent years. When you call your local center, ask if a virtual meeting is available if getting there in person is difficult.

Is this the same as the Veterans Employment and Training Service (VETS)?

Related, but not the same. The U.S. Department of Labor's Veterans Employment and Training Service (VETS) is the federal agency that funds and oversees LVER and DVOP positions. VETS sets the policies; LVER and DVOP specialists are the ones you actually sit down with at your local American Job Center. Think of VETS as the system and LVER/DVOP as the people in your community who carry it out.

Quick checklist: Getting connected this week

  1. Find your nearest American Job Center at CareerOneStop.org or call 1-877-872-5627.
  2. Call and ask specifically for the LVER or DVOP specialist.
  3. Have your DD-214 and a rough list of your military experience and goals ready.
  4. Schedule a meeting in person or virtual within the next 7 days.
  5. During the meeting, be open about what you need. These representatives work for you.
  6. Ask about additional LVER program resources available in your state.
  7. Follow up. Set a reminder to check back within two weeks of your first meeting.

Tip: If you call and the person answering doesn't know what an LVER is, ask to speak with a supervisor or call the state workforce agency directly. Every state is required to have these positions sometimes the front desk staff just isn't aware of them.