Workforce1 Veterans Employment Initiative: Getting Veterans Back to Work
According to the American Community Survey, of New York City’s 104,000 veterans under the age of 65, more than 8,600 are unemployed. And many more are in jobs that are not meeting their needs or those of their families.
With the draw downs in Iraq and Afghanistan, we know that thousands of additional veterans will return to New York City over the next five years and begin the transition back to civilian life and work. The employment outlook for these returning veterans is concerning, particularly among veterans aged 18 to 24.
In 2011, Workforce1 served 3,700 veterans and placed more than 800. Considering the landscape, there is a real opportunity to do more for these returning veterans as well as those already accessing the Workforce1 Career Centers.
That’s why we are launching the Workforce1 Veterans Employment Initiative in partnership with the Robin Hood Foundation and the Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City. Workforce1 is committed to connecting a greater number of veterans and their spouses to employment opportunities and other supportive services that meet their qualifications and needs.
If you are a veteran or the spouse of a veteran, you will receive priority of service at all Workforce1 Career Centers and assistance in translating your military skills and experience in your job search. This means that you will:
- Be served first by the next available staff member and
- Receive priority access to career services and training opportunities.
Starting on July 9th, we are also opening a dedicated Workforce1 Veterans Career Center. This new center, staffed by veterans, will:
- Help you leverage the leadership, skills, and experience you gained in the military to improve your job search
- Lead workshops covering topics, such as career exploration, job readiness, resume development, and interview skills
- Assist you in accessing education, training opportunities, and other benefits
- Connect you to job opportunities with employers committed to hiring veterans
- Refer you to the right agency, community partner, and/or veteran serving organizations for resources beyond employment
- Follow up with you regularly
Before you visit this center, remember to:
- Dress professionally
- Bring an official form of identification
- Bring proof of military service, such as your DD-214 or NGD-22, if available
- Carry a hard copy of your resume
- Call ahead to learn more or schedule an appointment
Workforce1 Veterans Career Center
60 Madison Avenue, 7th Floor
Between East 26th Street and 27th Street
New York, New York 10010
(212) 684-4901
Hours: Monday – Friday 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Directions: The Workforce1 Veterans Career Center is located at 60 Madison Avenue between East 26th and East 27th Streets. By subway, take the 6, N, or R train to 28 Street. By bus, take the X1 to Avenue of the Americas/West 23rd Street, the X7 to 5 Ave/ 28 Street, the M01 to Madison Ave/East 27 Street, or the M23 to East 27 Street/Broadway.
Opening July 9th, 2012
Kelly Dougherty is a Senior Advisor at the NYC Department of Small Business Services, the agency that manages Workforce1. Kelly will be contributing regular columns to the Workforce1 Career Blog with news, insight, and advice to help military veterans in their job search.
I work for the City of New York in HRA for the last 18 year’s. I’m a veteran also. How can I get involved in this Veteran program. I would be a good fit for this program. Thank you
Please stop by, call, or email the Workforce1 Veterans Career Center to see how you can get involved. This page will be updated with contact information prior to the July 9th opening.
Hello Anthony, I was hoping you could help me.
I’m a Veteran and I lost my Civil Court case to lower my rent, I have rent arrears and on July 15, 2012. The Marshall’s office will lock me out.
I ‘m unemployed, On July 9, 2012 I met lose my Public Assistance. I don’t get unemployment benefits. Can I get a SRO or Section 8. I live in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn.
I’m looking for work, I have experience as an x-ray technician, porter and security guard.
I was Honorably Discharged, However, I’m 49 years old.
I never been a quitter, Yet, being homeless at this age, will be a challange.
-Luis.
Angel I’m getting ready for work but you can call me at 212-620-9247 and I can give you more detailed information. I can relate because I have and know plenty people in your situation. This morning you can also go to 25 Chapel street in Brooklyn and they have a Veterans Job Center that will help Veterans only with everything. If you decide to go take your DD-214 with you. Remember you are not alone in this time of need. By the way I will be 53 years old this year and understand the age problem. Do not hesitate to call me at work if you need to speak to a concerned voice.
We need to get New York State to level the playing fields for our Veteran Owned Small Businesses and give the same incentives as given to the WBE’s and MBE’s. This wouldn’t take anything away from MBE’s or WBE’s since both groups make up a high percentage of today’s veterans.
Call Albany and your representatives and hold them to task. Support VOSB’s!
Hello Angel. Sorry to hear about your situation. I definitely know you can go to a job center in your area and apply for all benefits and especially for immediate housing. They have great referral system. They will help you obtain training also for employment. Workforce 1 Veterans can work with you also. If you need me further contact me and I can prepare you with better guidance. Have a productive day.
Angel hope you are doing fine. How did everything transpire for you? Get bsack to me because I’m concerned about you. I’m very happy that you are not a quitter. Have a productive weekend my brother.
I am a disabled Veteran thats able to work I have a BA in computer information systems and I am certified with Cisco and Microsoft. But I’m still not able to find a job, can anyone help this veteran out. Some companies are not Veteran friendly even though they say that they are……
Hi Rudolpho Rosa, Workforce1 recently set up a new Career Center specifically for Veterans. The jobs span a wide variety of industries (not just construction). Please contact the Workforce1 Veterans Career Center. You can make an appointment at (212) 684-4901 and find more info online.
I desperately need employment. I was basically in the same situation as Angel. I have dodged a bullet so far, but I need work. Homeless at 50 years old in NYC isn’t a reality I want to experience. I have a pristine resume/long established work history, verifiable references. Honorable Discharge. No criminal history. If anyone hears ANYTHING please contact me. I will do anything. This inactivity and hopelessness I feel is really doing a number on me mentally. Thank you. I can’t post my phone number, because I am on very limited number of minutes on my track phone.
-Dorman
Hi Dorman, Please contact the Workforce1 Veterans Career Center. The number is (212) 684-4901 and you can find complete contact information (as well as description of services) on the web. The staff at the Workforce1 Veterans Career Center are dedicated to helping vets like you.
Have done so on a few occasions to no avail, but hope springs eternal…