Employment Opportunities
The Center for Disability Services is hiring students and community members to work as Direct Support Professionals to assist individuals with disabilities and the aging population. If you are a student studying in a health-related field, employment at the Center for Disability Services and WMU Aging Services could count as valuable contact hours in certain disciplines.
Employment opportunities
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 of $16.10 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):
Application Process
Employment applications can either be submitted by applying on WMU's Handshake site or by completing one of the following applications below.
WMU Student Application
Community Member Application (Non-WMU Student)
Submission Process
Please submit your application using the link above or email your completed application to the appropriate person listed below.
Senior Day Services and In-Home Care - please email your application to dawn.robarge@wmich.edu or submit using the link above.
Community Connections Skill-Building Program - please email your application to sandra.wagner@wmich.edu or submit using the 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) and turn in your application in person.
Full-time employment opportunities
Regular, benefit eligible positions are posted on the WMU Careers website.
General responsibilities of a direct support professional
- 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.
