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%)

Supervision / Administration (15%)

Collaboration (15%)

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 :

Preferred Qualification s :

Key Skills

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 :

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.