Health Promotion Specialist - AOD

The University of Georgia; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading public university in Athens is seeking a Health Promotion Specialist to implement alcohol and drug education programs targeting college students. The ideal candidate will have a bachelor’s degree, relevant experience in health promotion, and a commitment to harm reduction. This full-time position offers competitive compensation and benefits eligibility.

Benefits

Benefits eligibility

Health insurance

Retirement plan options

Qualifications

• 2 years of professional experience in health education or related field.
• Experience working with college students preferred.
• Knowledge of harm reduction strategies.

Responsibilities

• Implement alcohol and drug education programming.
• Serve as a Narcan master trainer.
• Manage alcohol education programs and compliance with regulations.

Skills

AOD prevention education

Collaboration

Data analysis

Public health knowledge

Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a related field

Master’s degree in public health or related field

Job description

Overview

Posting Number: S14207P

Working Title: Health Promotion Specialist - AOD

Department: UHC-The Fontaine Center

Location of Vacancy: Athens Area

About the University of Georgia: Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state’s flagship university. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University’s main campus is located in Athens, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including the newly established School of Medicine.

Posting Type: External

Retirement Plan: TRS or ORP

Employment Type: Employee

Benefits Eligibility: Benefits Eligible

Full/Part time: Full Time

Additional Schedule Information: Monday – Friday 8am-5pm

Advertised Salary: Commensurate with Experience

Posting Date: 10/03/2025

Open until filled: Yes

Proposed Starting Date: 11/01/2025

Special Instructions to Applicants: We are unable to offer a work visa sponsorship for this position. You must be authorized to work in the U.S. to apply.

EEO Policy Statement: The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, veteran status, or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR ([e-mail]).

USG Core Values Statement: The University System of Georgia is comprised of 26 institutions of higher education and learning, and the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available online at the USG Policy Manual. USG also supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Policy.

Classification Title: Health Educator II

FLSA: Exempt

FTE: 1.00

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent and 2 years of professional experience

Preferred Qualifications: UHC Minimum: Master’s degree in a relevant field such as public health, health education, or related degree OR Bachelor’s degree in relevant field (see above) and 5 years directly related experience. Relevant experience and demonstrated knowledge of alcohol and other substance misuse prevention and well-being best practices. UHC Preferred: CHES or MCHES; 2+ years’ experience in alcohol and other drug prevention education, health promotion, public health, prevention education, teaching, or harm reduction; experience working with college students in a supervisory role.

Background/Background Check: Be advised a credit check will be required for positions with financial responsibilities. Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including criminal background check and credential verification. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for high-risk positions. See UGA Background Check information for details.

Duties/Responsibilities

Duties/Responsibilities: Plan, implement, evaluate AOD prevention strategies

In coordination with the CRC Coordinator and Fontaine team members, implement alcohol and drug education programming for students focused on harm reduction to reduce underage and high-risk drinking and cannabis or other recreational drug use/abuse.

• Provide targeted prevention education to specific student groups including, but not limited to, residence halls, fraternities and sororities, and athletics.
• Serve as a Narcan master trainer and lead Narcan training for the campus community.
• Serve as the primary community support resource expert for substance misuse concerns and respond to resource requests from campus constituents in a timely manner.
• Coordinate, facilitate and evaluate all on-campus alcohol education classes for student conduct referral program.
• Recruit, train and oversee student employees.
• Support development of Student Wellness peer education training program which fosters resource engagement, targeted skill building, harm reduction and health enhancing behavior change.
• Manage and deliver alcohol education programs, including meeting with students to review personalized feedback and conduct brief motivational interviewing.
• Utilize data and outcomes to demonstrate progress toward Student Wellness goals and monitor trends of student behavior.
• Participate in the delivery and assessment of Student Wellness health promotion activities.
• Create/compile quarterly reports of data and assessment results specific to substance use and misuse.
• Assist Manager with data collection and report for Drug Free Schools and Campuses Act (DFSCA) Biennial Report.
• Work closely with the Collegiate Recovery Center and provide assistance with their programming efforts.
• Assist in the preparation of annual reports and grant documentation, as needed.
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations related to substance use prevention and education (e.g., DFSCA).
• Manage and monitor budget expenditures related to AOD prevention programming, including supplies, events, training, and other materials.
• Track and report on program area budget activity to ensure compliance with institutional policies and procedures.

Percentage of time: 60

Other Duties/Responsibilities

Collaboration, community outreach, peer education and assessment

• Collaborate with key stakeholders to develop a comprehensive multidisciplinary approach to student well-being, with a focus on AOD prevention practices.
• In collaboration with CRC Coordinator, build and maintain effective relationships with key campus and community partners including faculty, staff and local leadership and businesses in ACC.
• Utilize qualitative and quantitative data to inform programs and initiatives.
• Serve on various committees including opportunities in regional and national organizations (NASPA, ACPA, ACHA).
• Collaborate with peer institutions to identify and share best practices.
• Serve as a resource for campus partners regarding their work related to well-being, including alcohol and other substance misuse.
• Other duties as assigned.

Percentage of time: 40

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

• Ability to lead challenging conversations with respect and empathy.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with stakeholders, on campus and in the community.
• Demonstrated knowledge of issues impacting the resiliency and well-being of college students.
• A commitment to working in an inclusive community.
• Work compassionately with individuals who may have experienced trauma.
• Knowledge of current theories of college and community health promotion, environmental change, behavior change and evaluation and the skill to apply them in a college student population and college town environment.
• A working understanding of public health fundamentals and how they apply harm reduction strategies.
• Demonstrated current knowledge of AOD prevention best practices, preferably with respect to the developmental tasks unique to the college-age cohort.
• Demonstrated leadership and ability to work independently.
• Flexibility and able to manage multiple tasks within a dynamic work environment.
• Strong work ethic, and team-oriented player.
• Proven record of successful educational outreach and program delivery.
• Excellent organizational, communication, collaboration, consensus-building and interpersonal skills.

Physical Demands

• Ability to transport light weight equipment (computer and program materials) across campus and to offsite presentations.

Other Information

Is driving a responsibility of this position?: No

Is this a Position of Trust?: Yes

Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources?: No

Does this position require a P-Card? : No

Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? : No

Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care?: Yes

Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications): Yes

Credit and Background

Credit and P-Card policy: A credit check is required for positions with financial responsibilities. See UGA Credit Background Check website for details.

Background Investigation Policy: Offers contingent upon background checks, credential verification and may include pre-employment drug testing as applicable. See UGA Background Check website for details.

Contact Details

Recruitment Contact Name: Ayesha Al-Akhdar

Recruitment Contact Email: [e-mail]