Veterans
You may qualify for special services if you served in the military
Here in Washington state, WorkSource helps thousands of military veterans – including disabled veterans – find jobs each year.
As a veteran, you can get priority access to WorkSource services. This includes priority referrals to jobs that are listed with WorkSource, as well as other employment services.
WorkSource centers offer veterans and their military spouses:
Job listings, job referrals and hiring events
Resume, application and interviewing assistance
Use of computers, photocopiers and phones
Skill assessments and referrals to training and other resources
On the WorkSource website, you also can identify yourself as a veteran to make it easier for vet-friendly employers to find you, and you can search for job openings where employers are giving veterans priority over other applicants.
Most WorkSource centers have veteran employment specialists whose sole job is to help military veterans with disabilities and other employment barriers. They’ll assess your skills and interests and help you put together an employment plan that’s right for you.
Employment resources
Veterans can enter their prior military experience and explore comparable civilian careers at My Next Move.
We’re proud to partner with the Department of Defense’s Military OneSource, which provides 24/7 access to support for military personnel and their spouses throughout their service and for up to 12 months after separation. Scroll through the site to view different categories of resources, including Education & Employment, Family & Relationships and more!
Washington’s Veterans Military Crosswalk is an easy-to-use tool for translating your military skills to job openings in Washington state. Service men and women simply enter their current Military Occupation Code and the website finds jobs that match their skills and experience. The website also works on mobile devices.
Explore career opportunities working for Washington state as a civil servant. Additionally, you can link your military specialty experience to current Washington state civil service positions with the convenient military skills translator tool.
Find out if an apprenticeship is right for you.
Veterans who think their employment opportunities under the Uniformed Service Employment & Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) have been violated can contact Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve.
For military spouses:
The Department of Labor website highlights available resources for military spouses, including licensure and credentialing laws, small business opportunities and much more.
The Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs provides details on spouse and family member resources within Washington.
The Washington State Military Family Leave Act allows spouses special leave consideration when their military member is tasked to deploy.
Washington’s major military installations also offer transition services for spouses and transitioning military:
Joint Base Lewis McChord (JBLM)
Fairchild AFB
Naval Station Kitsap
Naval Station Everett
Naval Air Station Whidbey Island
Veteran programs and benefits
POS REP is a mobile, proximity-based social network made expressly for the military veteran community. Short for Position Report, POS REP connects veterans who served together but more importantly allows veterans to discover local peers and resources in the palm of their hand. Download on the App Store.
Veterans facing financial challenges due to military deployments in Iraq or Afghanistan can find help through the Department of Veterans Affairs – Olympia Veterans Service Center.
Washington state Department of Veterans Affairs offers benefits, services and programs for veterans. For Puget Sound-area veterans, visit WAServes to access a wide array of community resources.
Get information about the educational benefits available through the GI Bill and other Veterans Administration programs.
Use this form to request military service records or proof of military service.
Credentials/Licenses
Washington state has actively engaged credential and licensing entities to promote transferability of skills and qualifications for veterans and military spouses. Learn more about these efforts at the links below:
Department of License Military Assistance for Business and Professional Licenses
Department of Health Credentialing and Licensure Resources for Military Spouses and Registered Domestic Partners
Department of Health Military Resources and Health Profession Crosswalk
Commercial Drivers Licensing for Recently Separated Military
Expedited E-certification for Teachers, Paraeducators, Administrators, and Education Staff Associates (Upon completing your application, contact Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, 360-725-6400, for expedited processing)
Both the US Army and the US Air Force are authorizing up to $500 in reimbursement for qualifying licensing costs to military spouses who must obtain state occupational relicensures or recertifications during a permanent change of station.
Air Force Spouse Licensure Reimbursement Program
Army reimbursement for state licensure and certification costs for spouse of a soldier
Coast Guard Licensure and Certification Reimbursement Policy
Marine Corps Reimbursement for Spouse Professional Licensing after PCS Moves
Navy Spouses Licensure and Certification Reimbursement Policy