FWS , Early Childhood, Special Education Counselor Education Research Assistant

Overview

Job Title: FWS Spring 2026, Early Childhood, Special Education, & Counselor Education Research Assistant

Requisition Number: DU14329

Department Name: 1B531:

Federal Work Study

Work Location: 229 Taylor Education Building Lexington, KY, 40508

Salary Range: $12.00 - $15.00

Type of Position: Student

Position Time Status : Part-Time

Required

Education:

N/A

Required Related

Experience:

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Required License/Registration/Certification: N/A

Physical Requirements: N/A

Shift: Weekdays between 8:00 am – 5:00 pm.

Job Summary: I am seeking to hire a motivated undergraduate student to support several ongoing research projects focused on the transition to adulthood for students with disabilities (ages 14–22). Much of my work centers on transition-aged youth with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDD). Broadly, these projects examine transition planning and services, with specific emphasis on:

• Supporting special educators to plan and implement Individualized Education Program (IEP) transition services that are student- and family-directed.
• Understanding the self-advocacy experiences of transition-aged youth with IDD.
• Engaging in accessible and inclusive research practices with and alongside individuals with disabilities.

Current Projects Include:

• Co-developing and adapting a two-hour training for transition-aged youth with IDD focused on the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), students’ rights under the law, self-advocacy skills, IEP transition services, and the development of an advocacy project to share with their IEP team.
• Examining advocacy experiences of transition-aged youth with disabilities using photovoice and/or photo elicitation methodologies.
• Adapting and updating an asynchronous professional learning program for special educators focused on developing and implementing transition services in Kentucky. This program was previously piloted in Illinois and demonstrated effectiveness in improving special educators’ self-efficacy. Planned expansion includes gathering feedback from youth, families, and educators in Kentucky, as well as adding new materials and resources for practitioners.

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities: N/A

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? No

Preferred Education/

Experience:

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Final date to receive applications: 02/13/2026

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Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.