Recovery Support Specialist

Well-Being Services at the University of Virginia is seeking a dynamic and compassionate Recovery Support Specialist to contribute to a positive and recovery-friendly university community. This position will play a key role in promoting well-being through the development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of substance use support services. These efforts aim to empower individuals in recovery and engage recovery allies across the University. While students are the primary focus, the position also supports the broader UVA community-including faculty, staff, and alumni-recognizing that student well-being is interconnected with the broader University system. Key responsibilities include fostering a recovery-inclusive environment, coordinating community-building initiatives, and connecting individuals to appropriate support resources both on- and off-Grounds. Reporting to the Associate Director of Substance Use and Recovery Services, this full-time, 12-month University Staff position includes comprehensive state benefits.

Specific responsibilities include:

Recovery Support Initiatives (40%)

• Develop, implement, and evaluate a variety of recovery support initiatives as part of a comprehensive health promotion strategy, including but not limited to oversight of the Hoos in Recovery program, and the recovery ally program.
• Coordinates programs and support services including group meetings, outreach, and educational workshops.
• Serve as a community resource for students in recovery and those exploring the possibility of recovery.
• Facilitates Collegiate Recovery Seminars and programming initiatives to grow recovery capital on-grounds.
• Provide comprehensive educational opportunities to the University community, including students, faculty, and staff, on a variety of recovery support and well-being topics.
• In collaboration with SHW communications team create multi-faceted social marketing campaign to reenforce substance use prevention and strengthen recovery allyship across UVA.
• Available and willing to participate in some evening and weekend activities.

Case Management (30%)

• Provide recovery support for students participating in the CRP program.
• Conduct one on one meetings with students, utilizing motivational interviewing techniques.
• Track and document client progress and case management using assessment tools and the electronic medical record (EMR) system.
• Create referral routes for UVA community members to access support services across Grounds and in the Charlottesville community.
• Develop personalized plans focusing on areas such as recovery capital, stress management, sleep health, alcohol and other drug (AOD) harm reduction, healthy relationships, and overall well-being.

Supervision/Administration (15%)

• Oversee recruitment, supervision, training, and mentoring of student interns, student employees, and volunteer opportunities.
• Manage CRP finances including operating budgets, grants, donations, and grow and distribute scholarship funds to support recovery efforts.
• Collect both qualitative and quantitative data to assess program effectiveness and changing needs of our students.
• Collaborate with the Associate Director of Substance Use and Recovery Services to prepare reports and demonstrate program impact.
• Respond to recovery support inquiries from students, family members, potential donors, media, and other Grounds or community members.

Collaboration (15%)

• Collaborate with university partners, local organizations, and treatment programs to ensure support services for UVA students.
• Work with students to plan social support activities and community service.
• Participate in university, community, and state-wide work groups and coalitions.
• Participate in Well-being team meetings and strategic planning.
• Build capacity for collaboration with student groups, volunteers, and peer education groups.
• Collaborate with peer institutions and national organizations to identify and share best practices.
• Serve as a member of the Student Health Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Consultation Team.

Required Qualifications:

Applicants must have a minimum of a Bachelor's degree or higher in Public Health, Social Work, Counseling, or a closely related field of study.

Applicants also must have:

• Completed a 40-hour training with a Wellness Coach program approved by the National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching (NBHWC) or eligibility to complete training within one year of hire.
• One or more years of relevant professional experience related to recovery support services, health promotion, mental health, or work within a collegiate environment.
• Understanding recovery, addiction services and student development.
• Ability to work with a unique student population in a compassionate and supportive manner.
• Knowledge of best practices in collegiate health promotion and public health.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Public Health, Social Work, Counseling, or related field of study.
• Experience planning, implementing, and evaluating recovery support programs.
• Relevant experience in motivational interviewing, positive psychology, or strengths-based work.
• Experience utilizing behavior change theories and models in the development and implementation of evidence-based programs/initiatives.
• Demonstrated skills in a variety of educational methods including presentations, training, small group facilitation, and individual sessions.

Key Skills

• Ability to relate effectively to and engage graduate and undergraduate students, faculty, administration, and community agencies.
• Ability to lead challenging conversations with respect and empathy.
• Work compassionately with individuals who may have experienced trauma.
• Ability to be flexible, work independently, and be proactive with pursuing collaborations.
• Ability to supervise and train student personnel.
• Ability to ethically maintain standards of professional care and confidentiality.
• Participate in continuing professional development activities to maintain competency.

About the Position

The salary range for this position is commensurate with qualifications and experience. This is a full-time, in person, exempt-level position with UVa benefits. Employees benefits package highlights include:

• 22 days of paid time off, increasing with service; 13+ paid holidays each year, in addition to paid time off
• Parental and Community Service Leave
• Health plan with options to meet healthcare and financial needs available immediately
• Retirement through the Virginia Retirement System
• Tuition and professional development benefits after six months of employment
• Employee wellness program featuring activities to earn up to $500/year.

For more information about UVA please click here; for information about the Charlottesville community please see Charlottesville & Beyond and Embark. The University will perform background and drug screens on all new hires to the Department of Student Health and Wellness prior to employment. This position will not sponsor applicants for work visas now or in the future.

To Apply:

Please apply through the UVA Job Board and search for R0073147. The position is open until filled, but to assure full consideration, candidates are encouraged to have complete applications submitted by November 20, 2025. Requested application materials include a letter of interest or cover letter and resume or curriculum vitae. References will be completed via UVA's standardized process SkillSurvey. A total of five references will be requested via SkillSurvey during the final phase of the interview process. A minimum of three references is required. This position will not sponsor applicants for work visas now or in the future. For questions about the application process, please contact Michele Jarman, Academic Recruiter.

This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings, and programs.

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Click here to read more about UVA's commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.