Veteran Services

Helping veterans to find employment through job referral services, job development, job training and career management is one of the many things we do at CareerSource Polk, and we do it with pride.

Every eligible veteran will receive Priority of Service at CareerSource Polk. You will be seen by our first available Employment Security Representative who will be able to assist you in developing an individual plan of action by assessing your skill level, education and training.

**U.S. veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses interested in tuition assistance for training in high-demand career fields are encouraged to apply for the Get There Faster Grant. Please call 863-508-1100 or visit us at our Winter Haven or Lakeland career centers.

Other services include, but are not limited to:

  • Job Search Workshops
  • Tuition Assistance through the Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act program.
  • Academic Testing (TABE) & Interest/Aptitude Testing
  • Local information about the job market
  • Job Fairs & In House Recruiting Events
  • Resume Assistance
  • Case Management Services
  • Referral to Supportive Agencies
  • Job Retention Skills

 

Frequently Asked Questions: Click the “+” to see the answers.

Who is Eligible?

  • Served on active duty for a period of more than 180 days and was discharged or released with other than a dishonorable discharge; or
  • Was discharged or released from active duty because of a service-connected disability; or
  • As a member of a Reserve component under an order to active duty pursuant to Section 12301 (a), (d) or (g) 12302 or 12304 to Title 10, served on active duty during a period of war or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge is authorized and was discharged or released from such duty with other than a dishonorable discharge; or
  • Spouse of a veteran who died of a service-connected disability or whose spouse is missing in action, captured in the line of duty by a hostile force or forcibly detained or interred in the line of duty by a foreign government or power.

What is a Significant Barrier to Employment?

There are seven Significant Barriers to Employment that would indicate a referral to a DVOP if an individual also meets the program definition of “Eligible Person” or “Eligible Veteran” in accordance with 38 U.S.C. Chapter 41 § 4101 (5); Chapter 42 § 4211 (4) that include:

  • Special disabled or disabled veterans
  • Homeless, as defined in Section 103(a) of the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11302 (a));
  • A recently-separated service member, as defined in 38 U.S.C. 4211(6), who at any point in the previous 12 months has been unemployed for 27 or more consecutive weeks;
  • An offender, as defined by WIA Section 101(27), who has been released from incarceration within the last 12 months;
  • Lacking a high school diploma or equivalent certificate; or
  • Low-income (as defined by WIA at Sec. 101(25)(B)).
  • Any veteran ages 18 to 24 (as defined in VPL 04-14 and TEGL 20-13).

Am I required to prove my status by providing my DD-214 or service records?

No. You may self-identify unless you are interested in receiving additional services that require an eligibility process, like educational tuition assistance.

Do you provide tuition assistance?

Yes. You may be eligible for the Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act program. Learn more here.

Who should I contact if I need temporary shelter, assistance with rent and utilities, food, or childcare?

Call 211 to speak with United Way and the staff will assist you in finding the local resources in your area. You may also find helpful resources here.

What should I do if I am thinking about suicide?

The Department of Veterans Affairs has founded a national suicide prevention hot-line to ensure veterans in an emotional crisis have free, 24/7 access to trained counselors. You can call the Life Line Number, 1 (800) 273-8255 and press # 1 to be routed to the Suicide Prevention Hotline. The website www.veteranscrisisline.net will have information about services for veterans in crisis and you can also access a one-on-one chat service with a counselor.

Get started today!

Complete the form below and one of our team members will contact you.

To receive our latest updates sign up for our newsletter and follow us on Facebook at CareerSourcePolk.

Skip to content