Governor John R. Kasich and Lt. Governor Mary Taylor have proclaimed November Hire a Veteran Month, and the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) encourages employers to consider the skills and abilities of military veterans when seeking new employees.
“According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are approximately 35,000 unemployed veterans in Ohio,” said ODJFS Director Cynthia C. Dungey. “ODJFS is committed to matching unemployed veterans with employers looking to hire. Last year, nearly 80 percent of veterans who received intensive employment services from ODJFS found work.”
Together with the Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation and the Ohio Department of Veterans Services, ODJFS recently launched the Veterans Business Support Center, which offers employers online, over-the-phone or face-to-face help finding skilled veteran candidates for jobs. Staffed by veterans, the center can help employers post openings, screen resumes and research the demographics of veterans in their area. Since launching in July, the Veterans Business Support Center has assisted 1,086 employers and placed 58 veterans into jobs.
ODJFS also can help employers submit applications for a Work Opportunity Tax Credit, a federal tax credit of $2,400 to $9,600 for each eligible veteran hired.
For veterans looking for work or career advancement, ODJFS provides job training and job search assistance at OhioMeansJobs Centers around the state and online at www.ohiomeansjobs.com. Employment services are tailored to meet each individual’s needs and can include referral for assistance with housing, health care, transportation and other needs.
In addition, Ohio veterans now can receive college credit for military experience, use military experience to meet the requirements for many professional licenses and certifications, and use GI Bill money to pay for occupational license and certificate testing fees.
To learn more about employment services for veterans and employers, click “Get Started” at www.ohiomeansjobs.com.
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