Today, more than 1,800 specialists in supporting veterans are already working in 1,098 local communities in Ukraine. Almost 40% of them have veteran status or are members of their families or families of deceased defenders.
The main goal of specialists supporting veterans is to be there for defenders and their families, providing comprehensive support in all areas. This is the first initiative of this scale in Ukraine, providing an individual approach to each veteran and their families.
Support specialist: who are they and what do they do?
- informs veterans, female veterans, and their family members about their rights, status, social guarantees, housing, rehabilitation, employment, legal support, etc.;
- provides guidance on the types of assistance and services available to veterans in accordance with the law, including medical, legal, and psychological assistance;
- coordinates with other service providers;
- provides crisis psychological support aimed at preventing difficult life circumstances;
- reports on the results of services provided;
- monitors the needs of veterans and their families in communities.
This is not a social worker in the usual sense. This is a narrow-profile specialist who has the appropriate training and understands the specifics of working with veterans.
Who do support specialists help?
- veterans;
- demobilized persons;
- victims of the Revolution of Dignity;
- persons with special merits to the Motherland;
- family members of such categories of persons;
- family members of deceased defenders;
- family members of persons missing in action.
Where and how will the specialists work?
The specialists are employed in municipal institutions and non-profit enterprises under the jurisdiction of village, town, and city councils.
One specialist will handle up to 35 cases, covering approximately 100 people. One case includes a veteran and their family members (spouse, children, parents).
Benefits for the community of having such a specialist:
- reduction of social tension;
- faster adaptation of veterans;
- improved access to services;
- prevention of crises and conflicts;
- formation of a unified support mechanism.
Salary and funding:
The average salary will be UAH 21,600, including allowances for the specific nature of the work.
How can veterans find their support specialist?
Through Veteran PRO in the Diya app. To do this, select "Find a specialist" and enter the community, full name, or region.
Or contact the structural unit of the local government, district, regional, and Kyiv city state administration (military administration) responsible for veteran policy issues.
How to become a support specialist:
- be a citizen of Ukraine;
- submit an application exclusively in electronic form via the e-Veteran web platform: https://eveteran.gov.ua/services/zaiava-na-uchast-u-vidbori-na-posadu-fakhivtsia-iz-suprovodu-veteraniv-viiny-ta-demobilizovanykh-osib
- have a bachelor's degree or higher in one of the following fields: Education/Pedagogy, Social and Behavioral Sciences, Law, Healthcare, Social Work, Public Management and Administration, etc. A more extensive list of fields: https://mva.gov.ua/prescenter/category/86-novini/rozshireni-vimogi-do-osviti-dlya-kandidativ-na-posadu-fahivtsiv-iz-suprovodu-veteraniv
- Pass a test and interview.
Preference will be given to:
- veterans;
- Defenders of Ukraine;
- demobilized persons;
- victims of the Revolution of Dignity;
- persons with special merits to the Motherland;
- family members of those who died (deceased);
- family members of persons who went missing under special circumstances while serving in the military.
However, the main criteria for selection are professionalism, experience, and motivation.
Currently, selection for the position is being conducted throughout Ukraine, except for temporarily occupied territories and regions where active hostilities are taking place.
To date, specialists supporting veterans have processed over 88,000 applications and provided over 323,000 support measures for defenders. However, the need for such specialists is constantly growing.
The information campaign "Opportunities for Veterans" is being implemented within the framework of a partnership between the Ministry of Veterans Affairs and the Veterans Reintegration Program, which is being implemented by IREX with the support of the US State Department.