Employment Resources
Vocational Services
This facility-based program is part of vocational rehabilitation services designed to assess an individual’s potential for community employment. The expectation is that the person will go to community employment in a short amount of time. This program lasts approximately thirty days and offers pre-employment assessments and work–related activities designed to provide insight into an individual’s skills, abilities, and behaviors in a supportive learning environment. Referrals are made through Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities, formerly North Carolina Division of Vocational Rehabilitation.
Work Adjustment Program
This program usually follows Vocational Evaluation and lasts approximately three months. Barriers to employment such as attendance, punctuality, ability to accept supervision, etc. are addressed. The program focuses on social skills training, preparing individuals for community employment with the assistance of an Employment Specialist. The Employment Specialist provides training for several days in their new job and thereafter will follow up with the individual for ninety days to increase potential for employment stability. Referrals are made through Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities, formerly North Carolina Division of Vocational Rehabilitation.
Work First Program
This program is designed to assess an individual’s potential for employment. The expectation is that the individual will become employed in the community soon after the assessment. After being released by the Employment Specialist in a community job, follow-up is provided for 30 days. Referrals are made through the Department of Social Services Work First program.
Supported Employment
A person must meet Vocational Rehabilitations eligibility criteria for “most significantly disabled” to be eligible for this program. The individual must be capable of working independently or with the assistance of a 1:1 worker. However, the worker should not “do” the job for the individual. A HVO Employment Specialist will coach the individual (and the worker) to help learn their job duties. Coaching can last as long as needed to ensure job success. Referrals are made through Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities, formerly North Carolina Division of Vocational Rehabilitation.
Long Term Follow Along Support
This program is focused on providing vocational support for people that have successfully completed Supported Employment. As part of vocational rehabilitation services, this program will last as long as the person needs or requests the service. Clients with intellectual and developmental disabilities are funded for up to 4 hours per month after being approved through Vaya Health.
MARC Program
Utilizing NCGA grant funds to create jobs, the MARC-Workforce Training and Employment Initiative will provide individualized workforce development services, including both hard and soft skill intensification, to individuals that have been chronically unemployed or under-employed. A key element of the Initiative will be to reach individuals that have not benefited from other workforce development programs. Examples of the target group include the following individuals: chronically unemployed or under employed, disadvantaged due to lower education achievement, poor or no work history or generation dependence on social income, or a disability. As noted, this program is grant funded, and enrollment is dependent upon available funding.