Department of Family Services - Employment and Training

CONTACT INFORMATION: Monday–Friday 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
703-533-5400 TTY 711
Virginia Career Works – Fairfax Annandale Center - 7611 Little River Turnpike (West Wing) Suite 300W
Annandale, VA 22003
Lisa Tatum
Director

Department Resources

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Redefine Your Path Webinar Series

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From Federal Expertise to Local Impact

Did you know Virginia is home to more than 300 local governments that collectively employ upwards of 170,000 people, with more than 1,000 open positions?

A new webinar series from Department of Family Services – Employment Services designed to support federal workers and contractors considering making the move to local government. Join local government leaders from across Northern Virginia and surrounding areas to learn how to leverage your federal experience and skills for local impact. 

Upcoming Events

Health and Human Services
Thursday, April 16, 2026
10-11:30 a.m.
Virtual

The third webinar in the “Redefine Your Path: From Federal Expertise to Local Impact” series will focus on how federal workers and contractors can make the move to local government health and human services career tracks. Register now!

Hear from local government leaders representing:

  • Fairfax County
  • City of Alexandria
  • Prince William County
  • Virginia Local Government Management Association

Explore educational opportunities through Virginia Tech’s School of Public and International Affairs, Center for Public Administration and Policy, and learn about career resources available through Fairfax County Workforce Development.

Subscribe to our newsletter to be the first to know when registration opens and new events are added! 

Past Sessions

Couldn’t join the live webinar or want to watch again? Watch the recording and schedule an appointment at one of our One-Stop Employment Resource Centers to put what you learned into practice. 

More than 60 current and former federal employees and contractors joined this webinar to explore how skills and federal experience in accounting, finance, contracting, and procurement can translate into careers in Virginia’s cities, counties, and towns. Hosted by Fairfax County Department of Family Services (DFS) Workforce Development and the Virginia Local Government Management Association (VLGMA), in partnership with Virginia Tech, the session spotlighted growing hiring needs in local government and practical steps for job seekers affected by federal workforce changes. Watch the recording.

Panelists: 

  • Sheila Minor, Director of Finance, Henrico County
  • Toni Jenkins, City Budget Manager, City of Manassas Park
  • Cindy Mester, Community Relations and Legislative Affairs Director, City of Falls Church
  • Andrew Janos, Deputy Director of Procurement, Fairfax County
  • Jesse Ellis, Budget and Policy Analyst, Fairfax County 
     

Nearly 100 participants attended this session focused on IT and data analysis career paths. 

Local government leaders from Fairfax County, Loudoun County, Stafford County, and the City of Alexandria provided strategic guidance on translating federal experience into local government competencies, strengthening resumes with sector relevant terminology, and effectively navigating local hiring processes. Several panelists who previously made the federal to local transition shared practical insights that resonated strongly with attendees. 

The session also highlighted growing local government needs in data analytics, AI, cybersecurity, and IT operations, alongside resources such as Virginia Tech’s graduate certificate program and Fairfax County’s workforce development services. Watch the recording.

Career Resources and Job Leads

See upcoming events, local job leads from our employer partners, and learn about free workforce development services. 

Learn more!

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