Communities across Ukraine are seeing growing demand for support specialists who help veterans return to civilian life. The state has opened recruitment for positions as support specialists for war veterans and demobilized persons. Applications can be submitted via the e-Veteran portal.
What is a support specialist?
This is not an ordinary social worker, but a trained professional who:
- informs veterans and their families about their rights, status, social guarantees, and opportunities;
- provides support in matters of employment, rehabilitation, medical and legal services;
- provides crisis psychological support;
- represents the interests of veterans in all necessary services.
The specialist works in their community in a municipal budgetary institution or establishment, a non-profit municipal enterprise subordinate to local authorities, in a separate position.
Who can apply?
Anyone who meets the criteria can apply:
- has Ukrainian citizenship;
- has a bachelor's degree or higher in the following fields: Education/Pedagogy, Social and Behavioral Sciences, Law, Social Work, Healthcare, Public 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.
Preference in selection is 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 performing military service.
However, professionalism, experience, and motivation remain the key criteria.
This service was developed by the Ministry of Veterans Affairs with the assistance of the "Dія" Support Project, implemented by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Ukraine with funding from Sweden.
Register and fill out the electronic form.
Take a test on your knowledge of legislation and psychological suitability.
Wait for notification of the results.
After submitting their applications, candidates undergo:
- an interview;
- testing (psychological and knowledge of legislation).
Training and work
After selection, candidates undergo specialized training at universities and Veteran Development Centers, where they learn about the needs of veterans, crisis support, and assistance tools.
This is the first large-scale program in Ukraine that provides an individual approach to each Defender. More than 1,724 support specialists are already working in 1,098 communities, providing daily support to those who need it most. But the need for new professionals is growing every day.
The "Opportunities for Veterans" information campaign is being implemented in partnership with the Veterans Reintegration Program, which is being implemented by IREX with the support of the U.S. Department of State.