Alternative Hiring Process
In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process (AHP). The AHP is established as part of a comprehensive strategy to increase employment of individuals with disabilities within state government.
An applicant with a disability as defined in Code of Virginia 51.5-40.1 and who has an approved AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired (DBVI) is eligible for participation in the Alternative Hiring Process (AHP).
An AHP applicant must apply to get an AHP Letter (formerly COD) from DARS/DBVI by providing acceptable documentation/records that they have a disability/diagnosis as defined in Code of Virginia 51.5-40. The applicant does not have to be receiving services from DARS/DBVI at the time to apply for the AHP Letter. The AHP Letter will not disclose the type of disability/diagnosis. The name change to AHP Letter became effective on March 1, 2024.
Meeting the criteria for participation in the Alternative Hiring Process does not preclude individuals from applying competitively for other state jobs.
Applicants may apply for wage or classified positions through the Recruitment Management System (RMS). The applicant must designate certification for AHP and submit a copy of their AHP Letter with their employment application.
Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.
Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.
