The University of Virginia's number one ranked Department of Student Health and Wellness (SHW) provides a comprehensive range of medical, mental health, well-being, and disability support services to all enrolled undergraduate and graduate students. The University of Virginia’s Well-being Services, a unit within the Department of Student Health and Wellness, is seeking a Healthy Relationship and Interpersonal Violence (IPV) Prevention Specialist. This role is designed to empower UVA’s undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in achieving their health and wellness goals. The Specialist will plan, implement, and evaluate evidence-based and theory-informed initiatives as part of a holistic health promotion strategy focused on fostering lifelong well-being.

This role is instrumental in promoting sustainable lifestyle changes and fostering a campus culture of health and well-being.

Key Responsibilities

Program Planning, Implementation & Evaluation

• Design, deliver, and evaluate comprehensive health promotion initiatives, with a focus on healthy relationships, sexual health and IPV harm prevention.
• Advance prevention strategies that address the intersection of alcohol and other substance use and interpersonal violence harm.
• Provide engaging programs to students, faculty, and staff across a range of health promotion topics.
• Collaborate with SHW marketing and communications team to create inclusive and impactful social marketing campaigns that support sexual health and healthy relationships skills building.
• Use qualitative and quantitative data to assess the impact of programs.
• Collaborate with the Well-being leadership team to produce reports and demonstrate program outcomes.
• Participate in occasional evening and weekend activities as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Early Intervention & Individual Strategies

• Conduct one-on-one wellness coaching and early intervention sessions using motivational interviewing and other evidence-based approaches.
• Develop personalized wellness plans that may include stress management, sleep hygiene, healthy relationships, and AOD harm reduction.
• Maintain accurate, confidential records and track student progress through assessment tools and electronic systems.
• Serve in a back-up capacity for on-call advocacy support services.

Community Engagement

• Partner with university and community stakeholders to develop a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach to wellness and safety.
• Participate in UVA and local SART teams and other coalitions.
• Recruit, train, and supervise Graduate Assistant and interns.
• Support and mentor student-led wellness initiatives, including events focused on healthy relationships, bystander intervention, and harm prevention.
• Foster strong campus and community relationships to support a broad spectrum of wellness efforts.
• Collaborate with peer institutions to share resources and best practices.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Health, Social Work, or a related field.
• One year of experience; 3 years in wellness coaching, health education, or a similar role is preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to work with diverse populations and address health disparities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Public Health, Social Work, Higher Ed Administration, or a related field.
• Completion of, or eligibility to complete within one year, a Health and Wellness Coach training program approved by the National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching (NBHWC).
• Demonstrated skills in motivational interviewing, positive psychology, BASICS, or strengths-based coaching.
• Proficiency in applying behavior change theories and models in program design.
• Skilled in various educational strategies, including workshops, trainings, group facilitation, and individual coaching sessions.

Key Skills

• Strong interpersonal, communication, and facilitation skills.
• Ability to inspire and engage individuals across diverse backgrounds.
• Familiarity with wellness trends, coaching methodologies, and behavioral theories.
• Comfort leading sensitive or challenging conversations with empathy and respect.
• Trauma-informed approach to working with individuals who may have experienced violence or other hardships.

The anticipated hiring range for this position is $60,000-$63,000, commensurate with qualifications and experience.

About the Position

This is a full-time, 40 hours/week, benefits-eligible position with UVA benefits. The selected candidate will pass a background check and drug screen. This position will not sponsor applicants for work visas now or in the future.

The preferred deadline for applications is May 29, 2026.

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

Please apply at the UVA employees' job board, by searching for requisition number R0083467. Complete an application with the following documents:

• Resume

• Cover Letter – must be included to be considered. Cover letter should include your interest in the position and how your relevant experience pertains to this position.

Upload all materials into the resume submission field. You can submit multiple documents into this one field or combine them into one PDF. Applications without all required documents will not receive full consideration. Internal applicants may search and apply for jobs on the UVA Internal Careers website.

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.

For more information about UVA and the Charlottesville community please see www.virginia.edu/life/charlottesville and https://embarkcva.com/.

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