Career Planning

The first step toward meaningful employment is the Career Plan, created jointly by the consumer, whatever family and friends are appropriate, plus Work Opportunities Unlimited’s Career Resource Specialist. Together they collect information and ideas about the consumer, the consumer’s interests and skills, and the consumer’s goals. A Career Resource Specialist meets with the consumer in a series of one-on-one meetings to gather similar information, including results from aptitude and interest questionnaires. The goal is to develop a Vocational Profile, leading to creation of a unique, detailed Career Plan.

Vinnie’s Story: Vinnie was having trouble keeping a job. His lack of exposure to work environments restricted his idea of a job to cleaning, maintenance, or other manual labor. His greatest satisfaction was his paycheck. Work Opportunities Unlimited suggested involving Vinnie and his family in a search for career paths he might enjoy. Together they created a Career Plan. Vinnie now works  at a local gym, where his responsibilities are more satisfying than his paycheck.

Work Assessment/Career Explorations

How can you know what job you want if you’ve never been exposed to a wide range of workplaces? Work Opportunities Unlimited arranges job shadowing, workplace tours, volunteer positions, and career exploration to help consumers decide whether a particular field is appropriate to their needs and skills. Work Opportunities Unlimited’s partner/employers and staff work with consumers to expand knowledge of the world of work.

Gloria’s Story: Gloria said she wanted to work in an office, possibly as a data analyst, but she had never been exposed to the day-to-day reality of the position. Work Opportunities Unlimited arranged for Gloria spent time at two different Work Opportunities Unlimited partner/businesses; she has since been hired as a data analyst at a local staffing office.

Job Development

In addition to helping with skills needed to land a job—resume writing, completing job applications, and learning how to interview—Work Opportunities Unlimited assists consumers find jobs that match their skills and goals. Work Opportunities Unlimited also works to create positions for consumers.

David’s Story: David’s goal was to work in a library. Along with a Work Opportunities Unlimited staff person (CRS), David created a plan, which started with a search for a library that would take him on as a volunteer. As David proved his commitment and skills at the school library where he volunteered, he was able to take on more tasks. He and his CRS next produced an Employment Plan, which was, in fact, a proposal for a paid position. The school board approved the position, and David’s dream of working in a library was realized.

Job Training

Specialized training through Work Opportunities Unlimited enables consumers to fit into the work world. It also helps partner/employers to fill positions with dedicated, hard-working employees who contribute to the bottom line and achieve long-term personal and professional success. One of Work Opportunities Unlimited’ goals is to train the employer to train the consumer.

Mary’s Story: Mary wanted to be as independent as possible at work, but that would require training, both for Mary and for her co-workers (her “natural supports”).  Mary and her Work Opportunities Unlimited CRS first located an employer willing to commit to Mary’s goal. Mary’s CRS trained the co-workers on Mary’s needs, and spent two months of intensive training with Mary herself. The training enabled Mary to work independently. Instead of making contact daily, her CRS checked with the employer every week to monitor progress.

Transition – Group Work to Individual Jobs

Sometimes new consumers do best developing workplace skills at one of Work Opportunities Unlimited’ several group work programs, including office work and lawn care. Consumers working on these jobs are monitored constantly. When job skills and goals become clearer, consumers often ask to switch to new responsibilities in jobs that are “naturally” supported.

Joe’s Story: After four years working for Seacoast Recycling Enterprises, a business created by Work Opportunities Unlimited to serve three of its consumers, Joe was ready for a new job. He wanted to work in a restaurant. A Work Opportunities Unlimited Career Resource Specialist helped Joe arrange an interview at a restaurant near his home, then Joe teamed up with his CRS to follow up. Joe landed the job and is a valued employee.

Community Skill Development

Work Opportunities Unlimited helps consumers to interact with their communities, starting on the job, which is a centerpiece of community access. Socializing begins as consumers learn how to tap into their co-workers for guidance and advice. Outside the workplace, Work Opportunities Unlimited will introduce consumers to critical community resources, including banks, libraries, and public transportation. Work Opportunities Unlimited will help consumers learn how to use the local library, and seek out bank tellers willing to provide extra-patient assistance. The ability to move about the community is critical to a sense of independence; Work Opportunities Unlimited trains its consumers to use whatever transportation services are available in a safe manner.

Fred’s Story: Fred enjoyed his job at a local supermarket, but his family was no longer able to bring him to work. A city bus stopped right outside the store, but Fred had never ridden the bus and was worried about getting off at the wrong stop. Fred’s CRS taught him to use the bus, and also worked with the bus company to ensure that drivers knew when Fred would be a passenger. Fred’s new-found independence enabled him to ride the bus throughout the city