The approved resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine determines the mechanism for ensuring the activities of support specialists for war veterans and demobilised persons in the system of transition from military service to civilian life.

This includes the requirements for candidates to be support specialists, the organisation of their professional training, working conditions and responsibilities, subordination and accountability for the work performed, etc.

"Today, the Government has adopted a key document in the system of transition from military service to civilian life. This is the start of the full introduction of specialists in supporting war veterans and demobilised persons in Ukraine. The Institute for Veterans' Support and Assistance in NATO countries is a priority. Ukraine will implement this practice because it is not only in line with European integration processes, but also an effective tool for the recovery and adaptation of female and male veterans. We will soon announce the start of accepting applications from candidates for these positions. We plan to hire the first support specialists in autumn. Each specialist will apply an individual approach. On average, he/she will handle up to 35 cases," said Oleksandr Porkhun, acting Minister of Veterans Affairs of Ukraine.

The categories of people the specialist deals with:

• war veterans
• persons that have special merits before the Motherland
• injured participants of the Revolution of Dignity
• family members of such persons
• family members of a fallen war veteran
• family members of a fallen Male Defender and a fallen Female Defender of Ukraine, demobilised persons.

According to Oleksandr Porkhun, a support specialist is the first person to meet a veteran upon returning to the community. They provide information and support, advise on obtaining statuses, benefits, services, housing, rehabilitation, employment, starting a business, as well as legal assistance.

"In fact, such a specialist is an information advisor for veterans, their families and families of fallen defenders. They help, fill out documents, coordinate veterans, guide them, represent their interests, explain their rights, and help them exercise their right to benefits and services. For the state and the Ministry of Veterans Affairs, as the body that shapes, delivers and coordinates veterans' policy, a specialist is an information agent. Based on their analytics, we will change and adapt the system to meet the needs and demands of the veteran community," added Oleksandr Porkhun.

Thus, a citizen of Ukraine or a citizen of Ukraine with veteran status who has a bachelor's degree in a specific field of knowledge can become a veteran support specialist: Education/Pedagogy, Social and Behavioural Sciences, Law, Healthcare, Social Work, Public Administration and Management.

"All the needs that arise in the transition from military service to civilian life should find professional support and assistance, which can be provided by such a support specialist. First and foremost, we are talking about individual professional support aimed at helping our Defenders receive rehabilitation, psychological, educational and other services," said the project initiator, Deputy Minister for Veterans Affairs Maksym Kushnir.

For more details, please, visit the Ministry for Veterans Affairs official website.