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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

Applicants must have a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree or higher in Public Health, Social Work, Counseling, or a…