From Jessica Looman, Virginia’s Secretary of Labor
“Virginia values the dedication and expertise of every federal worker who has served our nation. To those who have been separated from public service: we know that you are not just displaced workers; you are neighbors, parents, community members, and individuals whose skills and talent are vital to Virginia’s future.
Virginia Works is committed to understanding each person’s unique needs, connecting them with meaningful opportunities, and ensuring they have the support to navigate this transition. We want to keep this talent right here in the Commonwealth, and we won’t stop working until everyone has a path forward.“
Virginia is with you. If you’ve been impacted by federal workforce changes, the Commonwealth has assembled one of the most comprehensive support networks in the nation — from same-day unemployment insurance assistance to executive coaching, AI-powered job matching, and free skills training. You don’t have to navigate this alone.
Start Here:
- Visit VirginiaWorks.gov for a personalized overview of resources, or
- Walk into any Virginia Career Works center near you for free, one-on-one support today.
- Email FederalWorkerSupport@virginiaworks.gov to be contacted with personalized information about upcoming hiring events and additional resources to support you.
Happening Now: Join a listening session – we want to hear from you!
Virginia Works is currently conducting a statewide listening tour engaging displaced federal workers, contractors, and others impacted.
Step 1: Apply for Unemployment Benefits & Access Mental Health Resources
Unemployment Benefits
The Virginia Employment Commission (VEC) has streamlined the process for former federal workers. Apply online at vec.virginia.gov, or call 1-866-832-2363 if you need assistance. Review benefits eligibility requirements before applying. Have your government-issued ID ready to verify your identity through ID.me.
Taking care of yourself
Mental Health resources are available
Virtual/online or via phone:
- Dial 988: Call or text (988), or chat (988VA.org), 24/7/365 for immediate mental health, substance use, or emotional support for you or someone else.
- Crisis Line: Veterans can access free, 24/7 support by calling 988, then pressing 1, texting 838255, or chatting (VeteransCrisisLine.net) — no VA benefits required.
- Dial 211: Connect to resources (211Virginia.org) for food, shelter, health, jobs, and more.
In person:
- Find a community service board location: CSBs across Virginia respond to psychiatric emergencies 24 hours a day and promote resiliency in youth and communities through prevention and education activities.
Find additional resources at https://virginiaworks.gov/explore-relief-programs/
Step 2: Explore Your Next Move
Free Career Coaching & Counseling
- Georgetown University — Pivot with Purpose Free one-on-one career coaching and a monthly career seminar series held the first Monday of every month, designed specifically for professionals in transition. Open to the public. pivotwithpurpose.georgetown.edu
- Executive Coaching Services Are you an Arlington County or City of Alexandria resident who was displaced from the federal workforce or a federal contractor? If so, you may be eligible to participate in the Executive Coaching Service. Services include career navigation, resume refinement, coaching, interview support, and connections to employers who are looking for skilled talent. Learn more here!
- The Pivot — Northern Virginia Economic Development Alliance Career transition resources, employer connections, and support services specifically designed for the Northern Virginia region. novaeda.org/the-pivot
Find Events & Community Near You
- Monthly: Well Fed — Monthly Retreats & Community Events In-person monthly retreats and community gatherings to support professionals navigating career transitions — nourishment for the whole person, not just the job search. wearewellfed.com
Step 3: Leverage Your Experience and Broaden Your Expertise
Online Training & Certifications
- LinkedIn Learning — Free Access Organized by Virginia Career Works Northern Region Over 5,000 free LinkedIn Learning licenses have been distributed to enrolled jobseekers since 2022 — including former federal employees. Gain access to 24,000+ online courses and certificates, available on any device. Enroll through your local Virginia Career Works center.
- Google AI Certificates — Powered by Virginia Works Virginia has distributed more Google AI Certificates than any other state in the nation. 10,000 licenses available; approximately 2,500 remain. Don’t miss your opportunity to earn an industry-recognized credential in the fastest-growing field in the workforce. Visit VirginiaHasJobs.com/ai/ to sign up.
- Mason Career Academy — George Mason University Access 7,000+ online certifications through Coursera for just $40. Earn credentials in technology, business, data, and more at your own pace. cpe.gmu.edu/mason-career-academy
- Career Pivot Bootcamp — FedForward / Partnership for Public Service A multi-module online bootcamp built specifically for federal employees transitioning to new careers. Self-paced, practical, and free. fedsupport.org/resources/career-pivot-course
- SkillUp Alexandria/Arlington Organized by the Arlington/Alexandria Workforce Council A virtual job center offering 7,000+ professional skills courses and industry certifications — free for Alexandria and Arlington residents and businesses. Over 1,400 active users have completed more than 4,000 courses since January 2025. alexandriaarlington.skillupamerica.org
Upskilling and Reskilling
- The Virginia Community College System (VCCS) offers a variety of credentials along with programs that you may be eligible for that can provide financial assistance, like G3, FastForward, and more. Visit vccs.edu for more information and tools to help determine whether these programs may be right for you.
Step 4: Connect with Employers & Opportunities
- TalentCapital.ai — Regional AI-Powered Job Matching Offered by the Metro Washington Council of Governments; Virginia is a key partner in an innovative regional platform that uses Celeste, an advanced AI agent, to instantly match your skills to jobs across DC, Maryland, and Virginia through a trusted employer network. Powered by BuildWithin. talentcapital.ai
- CivicMatch — Connect with Civil Service Opportunities Nationwide A national virtual platform and workshop series connecting former federal workers with civil servant jobs across all 50 states. Your public service experience has value everywhere. workforamerica.org/civicmatch
- Virginia State Government Jobs Consider bringing your federal expertise to Virginia state government. Search mission-focused opportunities statewide at jobs.virginia.gov.
- Virginia Workforce Connection A comprehensive, web-based solution that provides a complete set of workforce development, employment, and training tools for both job seekers and employers within the Commonwealth of Virginia. https://vawc.virginia.gov
Step 5: Access Work-Based Learning Opportunities (Northern Virginia)
If you live or work in the Northern Virginia region, additional programs are available for those who qualify.
- Talent Up Northern Virginia Provided by Virginia Career Works Northern, this is a subsidized work experience program placing participants with private and public employers for eight weeks — with a strong track record of permanent placement. To date, 14 internships have led to 5 permanent placements averaging $80,000 annually with benefits. 37 participants enrolled.
Visit your nearest Virginia Career Works center to participate in these programs.
Step 6: Protect Your Healthcare Coverage
- If you’ve lost employer-sponsored health insurance, you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period — giving you 60 days to enroll in a new plan through Virginia’s Insurance Marketplace, with possible financial assistance.
Visit EnrollVA.org or the Virginia Health Benefit Exchange to explore your options. Need help? Contact the Marketplace Help Center.
Accessing additional support tailored to Veterans’ needs
Virginia Work’s Services
- We understand that a large number of the Federal workforce are veterans. Thank you for your service! Virginia Works has Veteran Employment Specialists to guide and connect you to the appropriate employment resources both within the Commonwealth and your local community. Email us directly at Veteran.Services@virginiaworks.gov.
Virginia Veterans Network (VVN)
- The Virginia Veterans Network (VVN) is a free online hub of resources and services for veterans, service members, and their families. The network provides direct access to resources and services – covering everything from job training and employment to health care and wellness – from trusted veterans service organizations, nonprofits, and state agencies. Click here for more information.
Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS)
- If you are a Virginian with a disability, the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) can connect you to meaningful careers and job training programs in high-demand, high-growth industries. Working with a vocational rehabilitation counselor, DARS can help you set and achieve career goals and pursue training, apprenticeships, certifications, or credentials tailored to your needs. Get started with our Pathways to Careers program or learn more about Vocational Rehabilitation through DARS.
Update your Resume
- If you are a former Federal employee looking to transition to the private sector, you may want to consider updating your resume to translate your detailed government job duties and accomplishments into industry terminology, avoiding overly technical jargon or acronyms. Review some key points to consider when updating your resume here.
Not Sure Where to Start?
Walk in. Every Virginia Career Works center offers free, same-day support — resume review, career counseling, job search assistance, and connections to the programs listed on this page. Find the center nearest you at VirginiaWorks.gov
Visit VirginiaHasJobs.com/ for additional tools and labor market information.
Virginia Works is the Commonwealth’s workforce development agency.
Questions? Call your nearest Virginia Career Works center or visit virginiaworks.gov.
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