Jobs & Hope WV

What Jobs & Hope WV does

Jobs & Hope West Virginia is a state government workforce development program established in 2019 by Governor Jim Justice and the West Virginia Legislature as the state's comprehensive response to the substance use disorder crisis. The program serves West Virginia residents aged 18 and older who face barriers to employment — primarily individuals in recovery from substance use disorder, but also those with prior justice involvement, suspended or revoked driver's licenses, transportation gaps, or without a high school credential. Primary participants must be committed to maintaining recovery and willing to engage in drug testing; services are delivered free of charge.

The program operates without proprietary technology platforms, coordinating case management through 24 Transition Agents stationed in WorkForce West Virginia offices across all 55 counties and seven workforce regions. Core offerings include the Heavy Equipment Operator Course (HEOC) at Camp Dawson — a 28-day residential training with OSHA-10 and First Aid certifications; Peer Recovery Support Specialist (PRSS) training in 32-hour certification cohorts; the Workforce Employment Program, which subsidizes employer hires with wage reimbursements up to $20,000 (1,040 hours) per employee plus free drug screening; Driver's License Reinstatement through the DMV Safety Treatment Program; Expungement Services via Legal Aid of West Virginia; High School Equivalency preparation through 90 state learning centers; Transportation Assistance through partner Modivcare (over 2 million miles since 2019); and a six-module Drug-Responsible Workplace Toolkit for employers. Newer lines include Recovery-Friendly Workplace training funded by a $1M ARC grant.

Funding flows almost entirely from government appropriations — approximately $6.1 million in annual state investment supplemented by federal grants, congressionally directed spending, and philanthropy. All services are free to participants; employers are subsidized rather than charged. Cumulative program outcomes since 2019 include more than 10,500 participants employed, 3,076 driver's licenses reinstated, $78.9 million in combined participant wages, 47 expungements completed, a reported 337% ROI on state investment, and reduction of recidivism from a 40% baseline to 20% among participants. The program is governed by the State of West Virginia and administered in collaboration with 27+ state agencies and community organizations.

Name

Jobs & Hope WV

Legal name

Jobs & Hope West Virginia

Website

https://jobsandhope.wv.gov

Company type

Private

Founded year

2019

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Jobs & Hope WV is a West Virginia state government workforce development program, established in 2019, that connects residents facing employment barriers, especially those in recovery from substance use disorder, with career training, certifications, expungement, driver's license reinstatement, and supportive services through 24 Transition Agents across all 55 counties.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Workforce Development Services

NAICS

Employment Placement Agencies (561311), Technical and Trade Schools (6115), Vocational Rehabilitation Services (624310), Administration of Human Resource Programs (except Education, Public Health, and Veterans' Affairs Programs) (92313)

SIC

Services-Employment Agencies (7361), Services-Help Supply Services (7363)

akta.pro primary industry

Public Workforce Development Programs (WIOA/One-Stop Career Centers) (EDAAAOAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Dislocated Worker & Rapid Response / Reemployment Programs (EDAAAOAF), Workforce Reentry Programs (Justice-Involved) (EDAAAOAG), Reentry & Justice-Involved Support Services (BPAGAEAN), Employment & Job Readiness Support Services (BPAGAEAJ)

Keywords

• Workforce development services
• Recovery employment program
• Substance use treatment
• Career training programs
• Reentry support services

Headquarters

HQ city

Charleston

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Government Funding: Jobs & Hope WV is funded through annual state investment of approximately $6.1 million, supplemented by federal grants including a $1 million ARC grant through The Fletcher Group, $750,000 in Congressionally Directed Spending secured by Senator Jim Justice, and a $50,000 C.C. Dickinson Family Giving Circle grant. The program provides free services to participants.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Jobs & Hope WV is a statewide government workforce development program that provides career training, education, recovery support, and barrier-removal services (driver's license reinstatement, expungement, transportation, dental/vision care) to West Virginians with substance use disorder and other employment barriers. For employers, the program offers the Workforce Employment Program providing wage reimbursements up to $20,000 per hire and free drug screening, connecting them with trained and supported participants.

Product overview

Jobs & Hope WV is a statewide comprehensive workforce development program designed to remove barriers to employment for individuals in recovery from substance use disorder. The program offers a unified platform of integrated services including the Heavy Equipment Operator Course (HEOC), Peer Recovery Support Specialist (PRSS) Training, and the Workforce Employment Program, all coordinated through Transition Agents. Additional services include High School Equivalency preparation, Driver's License Reinstatement through the Safety Treatment Program, Expungement Services, Transportation Assistance, and Dental/Vision care. The program also provides the Drug-Responsible Workplace Toolkit for employers. These services work together through partnerships with over 25 state agencies and community organizations to connect participants with career training, education, certifications, and supportive services leading to meaningful employment.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Heavy Equipment Operator Course (HEOC) 28-day residential workforce training program providing hands-on instruction on dozers, excavators, backhoes, and graders, plus OSHA-10 safety certification and First Aid certification, preparing participants for construction industry employment.
• Peer Recovery Support Specialist (PRSS) Training 32-hour certification training preparing individuals for state certification as Peer Recovery Support Specialists, covering substance use disorder and mental health support competencies.
• Workforce Employment Program Subsidized job placement program offering West Virginia employers salary reimbursement for wages up to 1,040 hours (up to $20,000 per employee), free drug screening, and ongoing Transition Agent support services.
• Transition Agent Services Personalized case management where Transition Agents conduct needs assessments and build individualized plans connecting participants with training, education, professional development, and recovery services.
• High School Equivalency Program Adult education program helping participants earn their high school equivalency (GED) through West Virginia Adult Education's 90 statewide learning centers.
• Driver's License Reinstatement (Safety Treatment Program) Program under the Division of Motor Vehicles that helps West Virginians reinstate suspended or revoked driver's licenses, including treatment services and access to the Motor Vehicle Alcohol Test and Lock Program.
• Expungement Services Legal assistance provided through Legal Aid of West Virginia helping individuals convicted of certain non-violent offenses have their records expunged after completing program requirements.
• Drug-Responsible Workplace Toolkit Six-module online course designed to help employers prevent and respond to employee substance misuse and support employees in recovery, developed in partnership with CORE and the West Virginia Chamber.
• Transportation Assistance Statewide ride coordination service through Modivcare providing transportation to and from work, education activities, and program-related appointments.
• Dental and Vision Services Dental assistance including restorative and preventative services through approved providers up to $3,000 per lifetime, and vision services including first eye exam, frames and lenses at no cost.

Quantifiable outcome

• 337% ROI on $6.1M annual investment, generating $26.64M in direct economic impact
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

32 partnerships are on record, tiered core and supporting.

• WorkForce West VirginiacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPrimary workforce development partner providing job placement services, WIOA training programs, and housing for Transition Agent offices across 7 workforce regions serving all 55 West Virginia counties. Coordinates with local WorkForce Development Boards to determine participant eligibility for training programs.
• West Virginia National GuardcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides Heavy Equipment Operations training and certifications through training venues statewide. Guard advances agricultural initiatives through Patriot Guardens program with various recovery entities to expand treatment options. Supports the Heavy Equipment Operator Course with facilities and instructors.
• West Virginia Adult EducationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOperates 90 adult learning centers statewide to help participants earn High School Equivalency credentials. Provides adult education programs enabling workers to be literate, productive and successful in the workplace, home, and community.
• WV Community & Technical College System (WVCTCS)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNetwork of nine community and technical colleges with 27 locations serving every region of the Mountain State. Ensures training participants receive matches employer needs for available and growing jobs in West Virginia.
• WV Advanced Career Education (ACE)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOffers credentials, certifications, licenses, and on-the-job training opportunities in growing industries across the state through nationally accredited career centers. Creates highly skilled talent pipeline for West Virginia businesses with hands-on training with specialized equipment.
• West Virginia Division of Motor VehiclescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartners with Jobs & Hope WV to help participants reinstate driver's licenses through the Safety Treatment Program. Enables participants to have a stay placed on fines and potentially receive a restricted license while in the program.
• Legal Aid of West VirginiacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides legal assistance for tenant issues, expungements, divorce and custody matters, adoption, child support, name changes, and driver's license issues. Helps participants complete expungement process after finishing program requirements.
• MODIVCAREcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTechnology-enabled transportation services partner providing rides to work, training, and recovery appointments. Has driven over 2 million miles since 2019 helping program participants. Utilizes ride sharing and may be limited in some areas of the state.
• Good News Mountaineer GaragecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides donated vehicles to eligible participants to help eliminate transportation barriers. Offers financial education to program participants. Part of Keys to Success program providing safe vehicles at reduced prices to qualified workers.
• Catholic Charities West VirginiacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides assistance with housing needs, utilities, and other barriers for program participants. Helps participants with these types of barriers that cannot be directly purchased with program funding.
• CORE – Creating Opportunities for Career EmploymentsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerMarshall Health partner providing addiction medicine services and career employment opportunities. Collaborates on creating pathways from treatment to employment.
• First Choice ServicessupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerStatewide partner organization supporting program operations and participant services.
• WV Department of Health & Human ServicescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides ongoing support for participants entering the workforce, ensuring success through continued engagement with Transition Agents and DHHR services.
• WV Department of TransportationsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartners to provide career certifications and training opportunities for program participants through Department of Transportation programs.
• WV Department of Veterans' AssistancesupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides support services for veteran participants in the Jobs & Hope program, helping those who have served access employment and recovery resources.
• WV Division of Rehabilitation ServicessupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides rehabilitation services to help individuals with disabilities access employment opportunities through the Jobs & Hope program.
• Herbert Henderson Office of Minority AffairssupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerAddresses barriers faced by minority populations and ensures equitable access to Jobs & Hope services across all West Virginia communities.
• WV Game ChangersupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerStatewide partner organization providing resources and support for program participants.
• Mountain State Education Services CooperativesupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerEducational partner supporting training and certification opportunities for program participants.
• WV Higher Education Policy CommissionsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerSupports higher education access and college enrollment for Jobs & Hope participants seeking postsecondary education opportunities.
• WV Board of EducationsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerOversees adult education and career technical education programs utilized by Jobs & Hope participants.
• WV Department of CommercesupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerSupports workforce development initiatives and economic opportunity programs across West Virginia.
• WV Department of EducationsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerOversees adult education programs, career and technical education, and workforce development resources for program participants.
• WV Department of Homeland SecuritysupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerSupports emergency management and security-related training opportunities for program participants.
• WV State PolicesupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerSupports reentry and justice-involved participant services through law enforcement partnerships.
• WV Supreme Court of AppealssupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerSupports expungement process and restorative justice initiatives for program participants.
• The Fletcher GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLeads the Connect Appalachia multi-state initiative; brought together multiple states to apply for ARC ARISE funding. Provides technical assistance, research, and program evaluation for recovery initiatives. Has served over 5,000 clients and provided training to nearly 4,000 participants.
• West Virginia Military AuthoritycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerManages Heavy Equipment Operator Course at Camp Dawson; provides 28-day residential workforce training with 214 instructional hours. Hosts Jobs & Hope WV's Wage Reimbursement Program enabling participants to gain paid work experience.
• Contractors Association of West VirginiacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHosts annual Construction & Design Expo where HEOC graduation ceremonies take place, connecting graduates with employers and industry leaders. Strong supporter of workforce development initiatives.
• West Virginia Office of Drug Control PolicycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartners on Day of Hope legislative events and recognition programs. Presented the 2025 WV Community Organization Award for Statewide Impact on Substance Use Disorder Care.
• West Virginia Workforce Development BoardscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLocal workforce development boards throughout the state help determine participant eligibility for WIOA training programs and coordinate employment services.
• West Virginia Certification Board for Addiction & Prevention ProfessionalssupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerCertifying body for Peer Recovery Support Specialists; participants complete PRSS training through Jobs & Hope then must meet additional WVCBAPP requirements for full certification.

Scale indicators14 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Offender Aid and Restoration (OAR): Virginia-based nonprofit providing reentry services including employment assistance, expungement support, and case management for justice-involved individuals. Comparable regional reentry employment model.
• The Fletcher Group: Recovery-to-work organization that brought Jobs & Hope WV into the Connect Appalachia multi-state initiative. Directly comparable focus on creating employment pathways for people in recovery from substance use disorder.
• The Fortune Society: New York-based nonprofit offering comprehensive reentry services including employment readiness, career development, and supportive services for justice-involved individuals. Comparable integrated employment-plus-barrier-removal model.
• Safer Foundation: Illinois-based nonprofit providing employment, education, and supportive services to people with criminal convictions. Directly comparable model combining vocational training, job placement, and barrier removal for justice-involved populations.
• Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO): National nonprofit providing employment services to people with criminal records, including transitional employment, job coaching, and career development. Directly comparable reentry-to-work mission serving justice-involved individuals with employment barriers.

Broad incumbents

• Goodwill Industries International: Major nonprofit operator of workforce development, job training, and placement programs across the U.S., with mission-aligned services for individuals facing employment barriers. Operates as a broader portfolio rather than WV-specific niche.
• Volunteers of America: National nonprofit providing workforce development, reentry support, and recovery services. Comparable integrated mission around employment, housing, and recovery, but operates across many states rather than being concentrated in one.

Others

• Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC): Federal-state partnership funding economic development in Appalachia, including the ARISE grant program that awarded Jobs & Hope WV $1M. Not a competitor but a key funder and convenor of comparable workforce/recovery initiatives across the region.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/jobs-hope-west-virginia

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Jobs & Hope WV