Graduate Assistant - Institute for Disability Empowerment and Advocacy

Graduate Assistant - Institute for Disability Empowerment and Advocacy

Secondary Transition Initiative for Students with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

The Institute for Disability Empowerment and Advocacy at Duquesne University is seeking a graduate assistant to support a recently funded grant initiative focused on strengthening secondary transition skills for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in partnership with the New Kensington–Arnold School District. Particular emphasis will be placed on employment readiness, self-determination, and workplace communication.

The graduate assistant will report to the Executive Director and Chief Administrative Officer of the Institute for Disability Empowerment and Advocacy and work collaboratively with Institute faculty and staff, as well as New Kensington–Arnold School District educators.

Responsibilities

The graduate assistant will:

• Assist with the coordination and implementation of the grant-funded program at New Kensington–Arnold School District.
• Support transition activities addressing areas such as career exploration, employment readiness, and workplace expectations.
• Assist with the research and data collection procedures
• Gather feedback from students, educators, and stakeholders on the effectiveness and relevance of transition activities.
• Maintain documentation of student participation, program activities, and grant-related deliverables.
• Assist with preparing reports, presentations, and other materials describing program implementation and outcomes.
• Participate in regular meetings with Institute leadership and project personnel.
• Support additional Institute transition-related programming with New Kensington as appropriate.

Position Details

This is a grant-funded graduate assistantship for the 2026–2027 academic year. The graduate assistant will work approximately 20 hours per week during the fall and spring semesters, excluding University breaks and holidays.

A portion of the graduate assistant’s weekly hours will involve direct engagement with students and school personnel at New Kensington–Arnold School District. Additional hours will support program planning, development of transition materials, data collection and organization, program evaluation, and collaboration with the Institute team.

The graduate assistant must have reliable transportation and be comfortable working in school and community-based settings.

Compensation

The graduate assistant will receive the equivalent of six credits in the academic year and a stipend of $18 per hour for 20 hours per week.

Application Process

Interested graduate students should submit:

• A letter of interest describing their interest in secondary transition and relevant experience working with adolescents or young adults with disabilities; and
• A current resume or curriculum vitae highlighting relevant academic, professional, research, school-based, and community experience.

Application materials should be submitted to [email protected] by 8/31/26.