The Disabled Veterans’ Outreach Program (DVOP) is part of the Jobs for Veterans State Grants (JVSG) program, administered by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS) and operated through state workforce agencies and American Job Centers. DVOP specialists provide individualized career services to eligible veterans and eligible spouses who have significant barriers to employment (SBEs) or who otherwise qualify for DVOP services under current U.S. Department of Labor guidance.
The primary role of a DVOP specialist is to help eligible veterans overcome barriers to employment and achieve suitable, sustainable employment outcomes through individualized case management rather than employer outreach.
Services Provided by DVOP Specialists
DVOP specialists work one-on-one with eligible veterans to provide individualized career services, which may include:
- Comprehensive assessments of skills, work history, education, and employment goals
- Development of Individualized Employment Plans (IEPs)
- Career counseling and coaching
- Job search assistance and interview preparation
- Resume development and application assistance
- Referrals to training, education, apprenticeships, and credentialing opportunities
- Coordination with supportive services such as housing, transportation, mental health, vocational rehabilitation, and other community resources
- Ongoing case management and follow-up to support successful employment outcomes
Significant barriers to employment may include factors such as service-connected disabilities, homelessness, recent incarceration, low income, lack of a high school diploma or equivalent, or other barriers identified through federal guidance.
Working with Employers
While DVOP specialists may coordinate with employers as part of an individual veteran’s case management and employment plan, employer outreach and business development activities are primarily performed by Local Veterans’ Employment Representatives (LVERs) and other business services personnel.
LVER staff focus on employer engagement by:
- Promoting the hiring of veterans to local employers.
- Conducting employer outreach and business development.
- Educating employers about the value of hiring veterans.
- Organizing and participating in hiring events and job fairs.
- Advocating for veteran-friendly hiring practices.
- Connecting employers with qualified veteran candidates through the public workforce system.
DVOP specialists and LVER staff collaborate to ensure eligible veterans receive both individualized employment services and access to quality job opportunities.
DirectEmployers and VetCentral
DVOP specialists may utilize resources such as DirectEmployers Association’s VetCentral job distribution network to identify employment opportunities and facilitate veteran referrals. Through VetCentral, DirectEmployers helps federal contractors meet their job listing obligations under the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) by distributing jobs to state workforce agencies and other authorized employment service organizations.
DVOP specialists serve as dedicated career counselors and case managers for eligible veterans with significant barriers to employment. By providing individualized career services, coordinating supportive resources, and collaborating with LVER staff and employers, DVOP specialists help veterans successfully transition into civilian employment. Together, the DVOP and LVER roles support the broader mission of the Jobs for Veterans State Grants program: improving employment outcomes for veterans while helping employers connect with qualified veteran talent.
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