Employment Opportunities

Employment opportunities

  • Employee and clients at a table

    Now hiring!

    The Center for Disability Services is hiring caring and dedicated individuals to work with individuals with disabilities and the aging population.

  • Employee hugging client

    Career oriented

    Many staff at CDS have been employed with us for over 15 years. Their expertise can be seen in the services provided as well as through staff training programs.

  • Client in wheelchair on a walk with a student

    Meaningful experiences

    WMU Center for Disability Services hires over 100 student employees each year.

 

The Center for Disability Services offers a variety of opportunities for students and community members to work on campus. Individuals are hired as direct support professionals with a starting pay range of $13.35 to $15.25 per hour. 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):

  1. WMU Senior Day Services
  2. Community Connections - Skill Building Program
  3. In-home care services

Employment at the Center for Disability Services and WMU Aging Services counts as valuable contact hours for students studying in certain disciplines.

How to apply

Employment applications can be filled out and emailed to the appropriate person listed below. Please complete one of the following:

WMU Student Application
Community Member Application (Non-WMU Student) 

Submit completed application

For employment with Senior Day Services and In-Home Care, please email your application to dawn.robarge@wmich.edu or submit using link above.

For employment with Community Connections Skill-Building Program, please email sandra.wagner@wmich.edu or submit using link above.

If you are unable to sign electronically, please still submit your application. You can also pick up an application on campus at the Ernest Wilbur Building (located on the Northwest corner of Oakland Drive and Oliver Street).

Full-time employment opportunities

Regular, benefit eligible positions are posted on the WMU Careers website.

General responsibilities

  • Provide direct care and support for persons with disabilities.
  • Plan and/or assist with activities while teaching skills.
  • Assist individuals to actively participate in a variety of activities.
  • Support individuals in community based activities and volunteer placements.
  • Facilitate communication and interaction with individuals and community members.
  • Understand and use the basic principles of positive behavioral supports.
  • Provide assistance with personal care services such as grooming, assistance with mealtime and hygiene.
  • Complete daily progress and support notes in addition to any other documentation required.
  • Assist participants with transportation to and from community activities.
  • Act as an advocate for participants.
  • Assist in maintaining safe and healthy lifestyles.
  • Monitor for changes in participants' general health.
  • Monitor and maintain a clean, safe and secure environment.
  • Support clients in daily 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.