Hazing Prevention Specialist

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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.

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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, and 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.

• 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.

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Health, Health Education, or a related field preferred.
• One year implementing hazing prevention programs, alcohol and other drug prevention, or a…