Employment
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"I helped my client at CDS and my client helped me"
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"CDS helped me hone my creative skills and learn how to adapt tasks to each individual. This will help me as a future occupational therapist!"
Employment Opportunities
The Center for Disability Services offers paid experiences in the disability field for Western Michigan University students and non-WMU students. Individuals are hired as direct support professionals. These employment opportunities are available at a variety of the center's programs. The typical requirement for any position is the ability to commit to a minimum of 15 hours of employment weekly and have a valid driver's license. Individuals applying to the Center for Disability Services may be placed in one of the three areas (please specify which area you are applying for on your application):
Employment at the Center for Disability Services and WMU Aging Services counts as valuable contact hours for students studying in certain disciplines.
General duties
- Provides direct care and support services to persons with disabilities.
- Plans and/or assist with activities and teach skills.
- Assists individuals to actively participate in a variety of activities.
- Supports individuals in community based activities and volunteer placements.
- Facilitates communication and interaction with individuals and community members.
- Understands and uses the basic principles of positive behavioral supports.
- Provides daily personal care services to persons, such as feeding and assistance with hygiene needs.
- Completes daily progress notes and support notes in addition to any other documentation required.
- Assists consumers with transportation to and from community activities, including arrival and departure at Center for Disability Services facilities.
- Acts as an advocate for the individual to help them meet their needs and to facilitate their inclusion into activities.
- Maintaining safe and healthy lifestyles, and monitor for changes in their general health
- Personal hygiene skills and tasks
- Monitoring and maintaining a clean, safe, and secure environment
- Plan and support clients in daily activities, which may include, but not limited to, household chores, recreational activities, learning activities and physical fitness activities
Minimum qualifications
- Must have reliable transportation and valid driver's license (or state ID) depending on site placement and a good driving record.
- Must be able to pass criminal background check.
- Must complete tuberculosis test (WMU Senior Day Services only).
- Must complete all required training and orientation sessions.
How to apply
WMU students:
The WMU student employment application (link below) can be filled out and emailed to dawn.robarge@wmich.edu. If you are a student at another institution, please submit the non-WMU student application below.
Applications are also available at the Ernest Wilbur Building facility on campus. The building is located on the Northwest corner of Oakland Drive and Oliver Street.
Staff positions (Non-WMU students):
Below, please find the non-WMU student application for staff positions within the Center for Disability Services. Please complete the application and return it to dawn.robarge@wmich.edu or submit below. Applications are also available at the Ernest Wilbur Building facility on campus. The building is located on the Northwest corner of Oakland Drive and Oliver Street.
Full-time benefit eligible employment opportunities
Regular, benefit eligible positions are posted on the WMU Careers website.
