Employment

Download Watauga Opportunities Application

- email completed application to HR@woiworks.org

Hiring Bonus up to $500 for qualified applicants!

Current Openings:

Full-Time Positions

IDD Direct Services Instructor/Direct Support Professional - Asheville, NC

Responsible for assisting individuals with disabilities meet their goals. Provide adaptive skills training, positive integrative community experiences, and related educational activities. Keep accurate records and documentation of daily activities and progress for each participant as required by service standards. Implement participants’ goals according to their individual plans. Assist participants with maintaining employment by providing vocational skills training with a focus on job expectations. Act as an advocate and communicate professionally with other agencies, families, staff, etc. High school diploma, two years of experience in related area, and ability to effectively work with adults with disabilities required. Background check, MVR check, Driver's License with acceptable driving record, and reliable vehicle required. Full-Time with Monday-Friday, 8am-4pm schedule. Excellent benefits including Medical, Dental, Vacation/Holiday/Personal paid time off, Matching Retirement, Life Insurance, Wellness Reimbursement, etc.

Student Employment Education Instructor / Pre-Employment Transitions Specialist - Asheville, NC

Plan and provide pre–employment services to students with disabilities based off of their needs and interests. Provide job exploration counseling including vocational testing, community job shadowing and sampling, and self-advocacy training. Assist with recruitment of students within the school systems and enrollment into program services. Maintain positive interactions with community agencies (schools, VR, etc.) Assure compliance with all applicable standards and maintain accurate and updated files. Prefer Bachelor’s Degree in a human service related field with 3 years’ experience working with youth in transition related services or a comparable combination of education and experience. Background/MVR check with acceptable driving record, Driver’s License and reliable vehicle required. Job is integral to school operation and student presence; therefore, the use, scheduling, and approval of vacation requests will follow the school operation calendar. Full Time (Monday-Friday day-time schedule) with excellent benefits including Medical, Dental, Vacation/Holiday/Personal paid time off, Matching Retirement, Travel Reimbursement, etc. Position is based out of local High Schools.

Part-Time Positions

Student Employment Education Instructor / Pre-Employment Transitions Specialist - Alleghany/Surry Counties

Plan and provide pre–employment services to students with disabilities based off of their needs and interests. Provide job exploration counseling including vocational testing, community job shadowing and sampling, and self-advocacy training. Assist with recruitment of students within the school systems and enrollment into program services. Maintain positive interactions with community agencies (schools, VR, etc.) Assure compliance with all applicable standards and maintain accurate and updated files. Prefer Bachelor’s Degree in a human service related field with 3 years’ experience working with youth in transition related services or a comparable combination of education and experience. Background/MVR check with acceptable driving record, Driver’s License and reliable vehicle required. Part-time (Monday-Friday schedule), 24-28 hours a week. Weekly hours may vary and follow the academic school schedule and calendar year. Benefits include mileage reimbursement, paid time off, and matching 401K Retirement for eligible employees! Great job for someone looking to work during school hours! Position is based out of local High Schools in Alleghany and Surry counties.

Production Machine Operator – Boone, NC

Perform production work including machine operation, packaging, and product assembly. Meet production rates and quality standards. Complete production work at a thermoforming machine in a stationary position working at varied heights. Transport and position product around the production area. Must be able to lift and move materials up to a weight of 40 lbs. Must have the ability to act as a model for and work with people with disabilities. Part Time, 24-28 hours per week. Hours are scheduled between 8am and 4pm, Monday through Friday. No weekends or nights! Hours based on production needs. Background check required. Benefits include paid time off!

Watauga Opportunities provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination and harassment on any basis including race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Watauga Opportunities, Inc. (WOI) offers a comprehensive benefit package including health and dental insurance, disability and life insurance, fitness center reimbursement, company matched 401(k)retirement, paid holidays, and paid leave days. WOI has a drug-free workplace policy and may require employee drug screening as necessary. WOI also requires all applicants to provide names, addresses and correct telephone numbers of past employers. A local, statewide and nationwide (if applicable) background check is performed on all prospective new hires. Falsified information on a job application is grounds for WOI to eliminate a candidate for the position, or to dismiss the employee.

Prospective applicants may apply in person:

Watauga Opportunities, Inc.
642 Greenway Road
Boone, NC 28607
(828) 264-5009

Download Watauga Opportunities Application

and email completed application to HR@woiworks.org

or fax completed application to (828) 264-5006

or mail completed application and resume to:

Watauga Opportunities, Inc.
P.O. Box 2330
Boone, NC 28607

"I must say, that the partnership we have enjoyed with your organization has been truly that, a partnership. In every way, we have felt that anytime we have needed to introduce a new product or improve an existing product which you produce for us, the reception and assistance has been spectacular."
~ Joseph Miller, COO - Cheap Joe's Art Stuff

"Our daughter Beth has had the opportunity to participate in a number of special needs workshops. Without question, she has enjoyed her experiences at Watauga Opportunities more than any other. While most of us do not look forward to returning to work on Monday mornings, she can't wait! Her enthusiasm is due entirely to the encouraging, supportive environment that is demonstrated by each staff member." ~ Michael & Cindy Haworth

"I continue to see wonderful relationships evolve and students receive guided attention toward their next steps in life. I firmly believe this program (Pre-ETS) is life changing in many aspects."
~ Kevin Huskins, Principal - Mountain Heritage High School

"Pre-ETS has given hope to my students that they will be able to find employment and be productive citizens."
~ Peggy Starnes, Exceptional Children Teacher - South Caldwell High School

"(Students) have been able to reflect on their post-secondary plans and make realistic goals. I hope that this partnership can continue to benefit our students and prepare them for life after high school."
~ Hannah Massey, Exceptional Children Teacher - Watauga High School

"The Pre-ETS program is a great asset to our school and students. Parents are also very happy that students have a way to explore job interests while in high school."
~ Donna Barnes, EC Teacher - South Caldwell High School

"The Pre-ETS program is a tremendous help to students. Our students are learning the skills they will use to become good employees."
~ Megan McKinney, EC Teacher - Mitchell High School

"Our daughter, Natalie, has participated at Watauga Opportunities for five years and during this time we have been delighted to see substantial improvements in her social and personal skills. The people at Watauga Opportunities are incredibly dedicated, professional, and loving."
~ Rashna & Craig Werner

"Watauga Opportunities and Chris have been a part of Come Back Shack's team for 25 years. Chris works hard, interacts with customers, and is extremely reliable. We know Chris will be a part of our lives forever."
~ Tony Mansoor et al. - Management Team/Come Back Shack

"Michael is always prompt, gives a full hour's work, is eager to learn, asks for additional responsibilities, and above all shares a smile with everyone. I frankly don't know who has benefited more from this relationship...Michael or our gang."
~ Carolyn Fogle - Manager/Cheap Joe's Art Stuff

"ASU has benefited greatly from its relationship with WOI. Their staff have been instrumental in helping identify qualified, motivated, and dedicated individuals - like Joe Eller - who are valued employees working in our Dining Services department."
~ Pat Weaver - Food Services, Appalachian State University