"My job at Watauga Opportunities has made my life more stable and put me back into a positive frame of mind. It gives me self respect and confidence. Watauga Opportunities gave me a great opportunity when others would not."
~ Tim Richardson, Quality Inspector for Watauga Opportunities

"I like my job a lot. I make good money, it is the best job I've ever had. I want to work here for a long time."
~ Roxanne Hall, Medical Assembler for Watauga Opportunities

"Our employee was placed in our hands through Watauga Opportunities, Inc. He is our most dedicated employee and it is quite obvious that he takes his job very seriously and performs his duties to the absolute best of his ability."
~ Barbara Butler - Owner/Boone Custom Forest Products

Vocational Evaluation

Trainees sponsored by the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation or other agency usually enter an initial, three-week evaluation period.

Through the utilization of various testing techniques, real work assignments, interviews, and observations by facility personnel, assessments are made of the individual's:

• Social maturity
• Academic ability
• Physical capacity
• Manual dexterity
• Ability to follow direction
• Independent problem solving
• Vocational interests
• Knowledge of employer expectations
• Job seeking skills  

Recommendations for educational training, job training, or job placement are given at this time.

Vocational Evaluation Admission Criteria:

• There must be a need for information concerning the individual's ability to work in sheltered or competitive employment.
• The individual must be sponsored by the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, private rehabilitation, Watauga County school system, or other agency.
• The individual must have a recent physical and/or psychological examination.
• The individual should have a disability that interferes with employment.

Work Adjustment

If the results of Vocational Evaluation indicate a need for additional training toward competitive employment, trainees may enter the Work Adjustment Program. This program offers actual work experience with goals to meet the individual needs of each trainee. Special emphasis is placed on developing good work habits and increasing productivity. Classroom instruction and counseling in job related skills, academic skills, and independent living skills are offered where needed. Preparing the trainee for employment is the ultimate goal of the program.

Work Adjustment Criteria:

• There must be a need for vocational and related training in preparing for employment.
• There must be a reasonable expectation that the individual will benefit from formal instruction in job seeking skills, job keeping skills, consumer education, etc.
• The ultimate goal is job placement.

Contact Us for Work Adjustment/Evaluation Information