Graduate Assistant, Workforce Development & Adventure Lab Research Project

Graduate Assistant, Workforce Development & Adventure Lab Research Project

Department: Institute for Disability Empowerment and Advocacy (IDEA) Supervisor: Principal Investigator / IDEA Faculty and Staff Position Type: Graduate Assistantship Location: Duquesne University Campus, Pittsburgh, PA Compensation: $20/hour, 10 hours/week (November 2026-May 2027) Position Summary The Institute for Disability Empowerment and Advocacy (IDEA) at Duquesne University seeks a motivated Graduate Assistant to support an innovative workforce development initiative for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The position will assist with the development, implementation, and evaluation of a campus-based Adventure Lab (AL) program designed to enhance vocational skills, promote community engagement, and improve employment readiness for young adults participating in the St. Anthony Post-Secondary Program. Adventure Lab, developed by Groundspeak, Inc., uses GPS-based technology to create location-triggered learning experiences. Participants travel to designated locations where they complete vocationally relevant tasks, answer questions, and engage in skill-building activities. The Graduate Assistant will play an important role in supporting this research and workforce development initiative while contributing to the ongoing mission of IDEA to expand employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Funding for this position is provided wholly or in part by a grant to the University from Disability Empowerment and Advocacy Grant, certain terms of which may apply to your employment.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the design, creation, and maintenance of Adventure Lab stations across Duquesne University's campus.
• Develop educational and vocational training content, including text, images, prompts, and task sequences.
• Collaborate with IDEA staff and the St. Anthony Post-Secondary Program to align activities with employment readiness objectives.
• Collect, organize, and analyze project data related to participant engagement, skill acquisition, and program outcomes.
• Support participant training sessions and provide assistance during field implementation activities.
• Conduct literature reviews and assist with dissemination of findings through reports, presentations, and publications.
• Develop instructional materials and documentation for future program sustainability.
• Assist with grant reporting and project evaluation activities.
• Participate in team meetings and collaborate with faculty, staff, students, and community partners.

Preferred

Qualifications

• Enrollment in a graduate program in Special Education, Occupational Therapy, Psychology, Educational Technology, Public Health, Social Work, Counseling, or a related field.
• Strong interest in disability services, workforce development, assistive technology, or inclusive education.
• Experience working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Familiarity with data collection, research methods, and Microsoft Office applications.

Application Materials

Interested applicants should upload:

• Resume or Curriculum Vitae
• Applicants should submit by 11/15/2026

Please reach out to Dr. Bridget Green with any questions at greenb@duq.edu.