One of Next Move NY’s primary objectives is to help military spouses find career opportunities and establish a permanent home in the North Country. This month, we want to highlight some resources specifically designed to support military spouses in Fort Drum and the unique challenges you face when trying to find your next move.
Explore Military Spouse Employment through our Job Matching Portal
Our Job Matching Portal, powered by Oplign, provides not only job opportunities but guidance for career and educational paths that’s fully personalized to your needs and preferences. Military spouses have their own tailored sign-up process to help you get the most out of this powerful platform.
If you haven’t signed up yet, explore the Job Matching Portal for military spouses. Our detailed walkthrough of the portal can help you navigate the many options available, including:
- Initial Skills Alignment – Select from a range of in-demand skills and experience to narrow your search.
- Refine Your Skills – Refine your skills even further as you explore career pathways.
- Build Tailored Resumes – Apply with customized resumes tailored to individual job opportunities.
Expedited Licensing Program for Military Spouses
If you hold a professional license from another U.S. state and you meet eligibility requirements, you can apply for a temporary New York State license that would last the duration of the deployment. This program is specifically geared towards helping military spouses find licensing assistance in NY.
The list of available licenses includes professions in medicine (such as nursing, mental health practitioners, physical therapy, and pharmacy), engineering, architecture, athletic training, social work, and more. The application process is expedited with reduced fees, and if you have trouble obtaining the required documentation or do not meet licensure requirements, the New York State Education Department can offer a Temporary Practice Permit for up to six months.
Military Spouse Career Programs
Finding military spouse job support in NY can be a challenge, but there are also several federal programs in place to help you find your next move:
- USAJOBS – Find a federal government job through a non-competitive hiring process specifically for military spouses.
- Military Spouse Employer Partnership – This government-sponsored job portal features an emphasis on remote opportunities.
- S. Army Military Spouse Resources – The Army has collected several resources for careers, entrepreneurship, licensing and more for military spouses.
Success Story: Ashley Shepard
Ashley Shepard is the Program Manager for Next Move NY – Live Love Stay at Advocate Drum (Fort Drum Regional Liaison Organization).
Ashley and her husband have been stationed at Fort Drum, NY, for over 13 years. Before her role with Next Move NY – Live Love Stay, Ashley was the Brigade Soldier Family Readiness Support Assistant for the 10th Combat Aviation Brigade, 10th Mountain Division.
Ashley has been an avid volunteer in the Fort Drum/North Country community since April of 2013. She currently serves on the executive board of Camaraderie of Courage, an all-volunteer nonprofit organization that supports the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division. She is also a committee member of Operation Yellow Ribbon and was recently asked to join the board of the Northern New York-Fort Drum Chapter of AUSA.
Ashley has dedicated her life since being at Fort Drum to supporting Soldiers and their families, and she is very excited that in her role she can support them in a new way while also showcasing the beautiful North Country.
In preparation for her husband’s retirement after 22 years of service, they decided to make the North Country their forever home.
Connect with Next Move NY for Your Next Opportunity
The Next Move NY team knows every military spouse’s situation is unique, and we are here to help. If these resources don’t fit your goals or you need additional support, contact us today: call 315-661-3356 or email elo@danc.org.