US Veterans Employment Services – Concord, NH

U.S. Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS)

Agency Mission

The Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS), an agency within the U.S. Department of Labor, maintains its New Hampshire state director’s office in the James C. Cleveland Federal Building in Concord. This federal office is dedicated to the mission of preparing America’s veterans, service members, and their spouses for meaningful careers. Unlike a local job center that provides direct placement, this office functions as the high-level administrative and oversight hub for veteran employment programs across the state. It ensures that New Hampshire adheres to federal standards regarding veteran preference in hiring and the proper allocation of Jobs for Veterans State Grants (JVSG).

Key Responsibilities

The Concord VETS office focuses on several strategic areas essential to veteran welfare:

• USERRA Enforcement: The office investigates complaints related to the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA), which protects the civilian job rights of military service members and veterans.
• Program Oversight: Staff monitor the performance of state workforce agencies to ensure veterans receive ”priority of service” in employment and training programs funded by the Department of Labor.
• Transition Assistance: They coordinate with military bases to oversee the Transition Assistance Program (TAP), helping separating service members transition smoothly to the civilian workforce.
• Grant Management: Administration of grants that fund positions like Disabled Veterans’ Outreach Program (DVOP) specialists and Local Veterans’ Employment Representatives (LVER) located at NH Works centers.

Accessing Services

While this specific office handles administrative oversight and legal investigations regarding employment rights, it also serves as a point of contact for veterans who believe their employment rights have been violated. For veterans seeking immediate job search assistance, resume writing, or career counseling, this office directs individuals to the statewide network of NH Works centers, where federally funded specialists provide direct support. However, for matters concerning reemployment rights after deployment or discrimination based on military service, this federal office is the primary authority.

Location

Located at 55 Pleasant Street, within the federal building complex in downtown Concord, the office operates in a secure government environment. Visitors must arrange appointments in advance, as access to the building requires security screening. The central location ensures close collaboration with other federal and state agencies dedicated to serving the veteran community.