Frequently Asked Questions about State of Virginia Careers

Yes, the State of Virginia has special hiring preferences for veterans and individuals with disabilities. Additionally, the State of Virginia has special hiring preferences for certain eligible candidates who are relatives of a deceased or disabled veteran, or who are spouses of active duty members of the military.

To find out about job openings in the State of Virginia, you can visit the Virginia Employment Commission website at www.vec.virginia.gov. You can also visit the official Virginia government website at www.virginia.gov and search for “jobs” or “careers” to find out more about job openings in the state. Additionally, many state agencies and localities post job opportunities on their websites.

The average salary for State of Virginia jobs is $50,115 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Yes, the Virginia Relocation Assistance Program provides eligible individuals with assistance with moving expenses, including money for rental deposits, utility deposits, and moving services.

Yes, the Commonwealth of Virginia has dress code guidelines for its employees. Generally, the dress code requires employees to dress in professional attire. More specific guidelines can be found in the Commonwealth of Virginia Employee Handbook.

Yes, the Virginia Employment Commission (VEC) provides a range of resources to assist State of Virginia job seekers. The VEC website includes job search assistance, resume preparation, career exploration, and employment services. In addition, the Virginia Workforce Connection website provides a comprehensive list of jobs available in the state and allows job seekers to search for and apply for jobs online.

State of Virginia employees receive a wide variety of training, including online courses, webinars, and in-person workshops. Training topics can include: diversity and inclusion, professional development, communication and collaboration, computer skills, safety, customer service, and compliance. Specific trainings vary depending on the employee's job role and needs.

The State of Virginia requires all employers to conduct a criminal background check prior to hiring a new employee. This includes a check of the Virginia State Police criminal records database. Employers may also choose to conduct additional background checks, such as a credit check, if the job duties involve managing or handling money, or if the job involves providing services to children or vulnerable adults.

Yes, there are internships available with the State of Virginia. To find out more information about internships at the state level, please visit the Virginia Internship & Co-op Program (VICP) website at https://www.virginia.gov/internships/.

Yes, the State of Virginia does offer a tuition reimbursement program for eligible employees of state agencies and public institutions of higher education. The program, known as the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP), provides up to $4,000 per academic year for reimbursement of tuition and mandatory fees for approved courses taken at an accredited institution. To be eligible, employees must be employed in a permanent, full-time position and have successfully completed a probationary period.

The State of Virginia does not have a specific policy on drug testing. However, employers in the state may choose to implement drug testing programs as part of their employment policies. Such policies are subject to the federal and state laws, including the Virginia Drug Testing Law, which requires employers to provide written notice to employees prior to testing and prohibits employers from discriminating against employees based on a positive drug test result.

Yes, the State of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. The Virginia Department of Human Resource Management (DHRM) is responsible for enforcing the state's Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) policy and its related laws and regulations. The state is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristics.

The State of Virginia promotes a workplace environment where diversity and inclusion are valued. The state encourages its employees to respect the differences among its workforce and to foster an environment of mutual respect and understanding. This includes creating opportunities for all employees regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, political affiliation, or any other characteristic protected by law. The state also encourages its employees to actively participate in activities that promote diversity and inclusion.

The State of Virginia offers a variety of hiring incentives depending on the job and the location. Incentives can include relocation assistance, signing bonuses, tuition assistance, and loan repayment assistance. Additionally, incentive programs are available to hire and retain employees in certain fields such as nursing, healthcare, and cybersecurity. For more information, contact the state agency that is hiring or visit the Virginia Workforce Connection website.

Yes, the State of Virginia does offer job shadowing opportunities. The Virginia Department of Education's Job Shadow Program pairs high school students with employers and mentors in their field of interest. Students may job shadow for a day or up to an entire semester.

State of Virginia employees are typically evaluated annually, although the exact frequency may vary depending on the individual agency or department.

The state of Virginia does not have any specific laws or regulations regarding vacation and sick leave for employees. However, employers in the state may have their own policies in place. It is important for employers to review their own policies as well as any applicable federal or state laws before establishing vacation and sick leave policies.

The State of Virginia offers a competitive benefits package to its employees. This package includes health insurance, life insurance, disability insurance, a retirement plan, and other voluntary benefits. Employees also have access to a variety of programs and services, such as educational assistance, flexible spending accounts, and wellness initiatives.

Yes, all applicants for State of Virginia jobs must meet certain criteria, including: -Being a US citizen or non-citizen authorized to work in the US -Meeting the minimum qualifications for the position -Successfully completing a State of Virginia background check -Submitting an online application through the State of Virginia's online job portal -Possessing any applicable licensure or certification required for the position -Providing any additional documentation required for the position -Meeting any other criteria specified in the job posting.

The State of Virginia does not have a formal policy on promotions. Promotion decisions are typically made by the employer or supervisor. Factors such as seniority, qualifications, and job performance are typically taken into consideration when making promotion decisions.