Working for others

After graduating from Wright State in April 2024 with his bachelor’s degree in social work, Kaleb Matteson was hired as a job developer at United Rehabilitation Services of Greater Dayton. He currently is assisting 15 clients with employment. (Photo by Erin Pence)

When Kaleb Matteson graduated from Fairborn High School in 2011, he didn’t know what he wanted to do for a career but knew he wanted to help others. He pondered his next move and two years later joined the Navy.

For six years, Matteson sailed the world and was stationed in Japan for a period of time. After his military commitment ended, he worked as a boiler operator at The Ohio State University. During his time at OSU, he decided to enroll at Wright State and major in social work.

“I was originally hoping to help veterans,” said Matteson. “I wanted to be able to help people better their lives.”

While studying at Wright State, he interned as a job coach at United Rehabilitation Services (URS) of Greater Dayton. He assisted his clients on-site, helping them develop soft skills, improve punctuality and enhance their interactions with coworkers.

“It was rewarding,” he said. “I love the clients and it was a great experience.”

For many of Matteson’s clients, it was the first time in their lives they were making decisions for themselves. Having a job gives them more independence and is empowering, Matteson said.

During his internship, Matteson helped dozens of clients retain employment at various businesses, including retail stores, fast food restaurants and warehouses.

Dennis Grant, the CEO of United Rehabilitation Services, said the agency’s employment services program helps high school students and adults with disabilities develop the vocational skills they need to succeed in life.

“We have been successful in helping individuals with disabilities get jobs in this community and creating a more inclusive workplace,” said Grant, who serves on the advisory committee for Wright State’s integrated health services program.

Grant said the long-lasting partnership between URS and Wright State has been a pipeline for student internships in numerous departments. Wright State students receive hands-on experience of working with individuals with disabilities and URS benefits from student employees who appreciate the work it does every day.

“One of the things we are proud and happy about at URS is when one of these individuals are really committed to the mission of what we do here, we are bringing them on as a regular staff person to be a part of the future,” said Grant.

Matteson is the last Wright State student to go from intern to full-time employee at United Rehabilitation Services.

After graduating from Wright State in April 2024 with his bachelor’s degree in social work, he was hired as a job developer at URS. He currently is assisting 15 clients with employment.

“Right now, I’m enjoying what I do and I want to stay on this path,” said Matteson.

Matteson said 70% of people with disabilities are unemployed so it is important to help them achieve employment and gain their independence.

Matteson said Wright State’s partnership with URS gave him the confidence and the skills to help others and succeed in his current role. He said he enjoys his job but he would like to return to Wright State and pursue a master’s degree and possibly help veterans in the future.