Hazing Prevention Specialist

The University of Virginia’s Student Health and Wellness Center is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Hazing Prevention Specialist to join our Well-being professional staff team. This pivotal role supports students’ health and wellness goals through evidence-based prevention strategies. The position empowers undergraduate, graduate, and professional students by fostering sustainable behavior change and lifelong wellness.

Position Summary

As a core member of the Student Health and Wellness team, the Hazing Prevention Specialist will design, implement, and evaluate comprehensive public health initiatives. Key focus areas include hazing prevention, active bystander intervention, and holistic well-being.

This individual will lead the University’s hazing prevention efforts and collaborate with team members to provide support, education, and resources for student organizations. The role includes supervising a graduate assistant, coordinating leadership development, and delivering harm reduction programming for student organizations and other specialized student groups.

Key Success Measures

Program Development, Implementation, and Evaluation

• Design, deliver, and evaluate culturally relevant hazing prevention education and outreach to shift university culture away from hazing-related behaviors.
• Analyze patterns in hazing-related behaviors to inform improvements in institutional policies and program development.
• Facilitate interactive workshops for student organizations and their advisors.
• Remain current on federal, state, and institutional hazing policies, compliance, and best practices.
• Collaborate with Associate Directors in Substance Use and Recovery Services and Violence Prevention and Advocacy to integrate messages around well-being and harm reduction. Train students and staff in active bystander intervention strategies.
• Manage and evaluate online training modules for student leaders.
• Conduct regular assessments to ensure programming remains relevant and effective.
• Collaborate with campus partners to develop and advocate for institutional policies that reduce hazing risk and foster a culture of accountability, respect, and inclusion.
• Participate in evening and weekend events to increase student engagement.
• Supervise a Graduate Assistant and student interns supporting hazing prevention and well-being initiatives.

Early Intervention and Individual Support

• Serve as a resource for students reporting hazing incidents.
• Conduct one-on-one sessions using motivational interviewing, and wellness coaching techniques.
• Develop individualized wellness plans using SMART goals and assessment tools.
• Maintain accurate, confidential documentation within the electronic medical record (EMR) system.
• Support students in managing stress, reducing AOD harm, and building healthy relationship skills.
• Serve as an on-call backup to support interpersonal violence advocacy services when necessary.

Community Engagement and Collaboration

• Foster collaboration with campus and community partners for a multidisciplinary prevention approach.
• Consult with the Policy, Accountability, and Critical Events (PACE) unit on hazing-related cases. Collaborate with peer health educators, student organizations, and volunteers to deliver engaging prevention programs.
• Maintain strategic partnerships with internal and external entities to support a unified prevention strategy.
• Network with peer institutions to share and adopt best practices in collegiate Health Promotion.

Key Skills and Competencies

• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to lead presentations, training sessions, small group discussions, and one-on-one coaching.
• Ability to inspire, motivate, and engage assorted audiences.
• Deep understanding of health behavior change theory and emerging wellness trends.
• Skilled in handling sensitive topics with empathy, professionalism, and discretion.
• Experience supporting individuals who may have experienced trauma.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Public Health, Health Education, or a related field preferred.
• Experience: One year implementing hazing prevention programs, alcohol and other drug prevention, or a related area.
• Experience working with unique student populations and addressing health disparities is highly valued.
• Strong communication skills—verbal, written, and presentation-based.
• Experience advising student organizations on risk management and hazing prevention.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with campus and community partners.

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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Public Health, Higher Education Administration, or similar field.
• Three or more years of relevant experience, including: Leadership development and risk management experience and Program facilitation and public speaking.
• Demonstrated skills in motivational interviewing, positive psychology, BASICS, or strengths-based coaching.
• Proven ability to manage prevention programs in a higher education setting.
• Demonstrated skills in a variety of educational methods including presentations, training, small group facilitation, and one on one sessions.

About the Position

This is a full-time, 40 hours/week, benefits-eligible position with UVA benefits. The anticipated hiring range for this position is $60,000-$63,000 commensurate with qualifications and experience. The selected candidate will pass a background check and drug screen.

This position will remain open until filled but preference will be given to applications received by November 24, 2025. This position will not sponsor applicants for work visas now or in the future.

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.

Application Process

Create an account or log in and submit an application on the UVA Job Board, search for R0078236. Upload all materials into the resume submission field, multiple documents can be submitted into this one field. Alternatively, merge all documents into one PDF for submission. Applications that do not contain all required documents will not receive full consideration. Attach the following:

• Cover letter

• Resume/CV

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 total of three is required. For questions about the application process, please contact Michele Jarman, Academic Recruiter.

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.