Iowa State University·Ames, Iowa
The specialist will develop and deliver substance use prevention, recovery, and harm reduction programs while coordinating the Collegiate Recovery Program. They will also collaborate with campus partners to implement health promotion initiatives and report program data to support continuous improvement.
Position Title: Substance Use and Behavioral Health Specialist Job Group: Professional & Scientific Required
Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree and 3 years of related experience
Job Description: Summary of
Are you passionate about creating a holistic student experience that supports mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing? Are you interested in an opportunity where you get to engage with students and help them reach their full potential—academically and beyond? If so, Student Wellness with the Division of Student Affairs at Iowa State University is currently seeking applicants for a Substance Use and Behavioral Health Specialist! This individual plays a key role in advancing student health and wellbeing through strategic communication, data-informed storytelling, and health promotion initiatives. This position will be hired as a Wellness Program Specialist II. This position will focus on alcohol, substance use, and process/behavioral addiction prevention, recovery, and education. What You’ll Do: Develop and deliver substance use prevention, recovery, and harm reduction programs for students. Coordinate and support the Collegiate Recovery Program, including student outreach, recovery coaching, and community-building initiatives. Plan, implement, and evaluate health promotion and educational programs related to alcohol, substance use, and behavioral addictions. Facilitate BASICS and CASICS interventions for self-referred students. Collaborate with campus and community partners to advance prevention, recovery, and wellness initiatives. Lead campus-wide substance use prevention and recovery projects and training programs. Coordinate naloxone education, distribution, and evaluation efforts. Develop and deliver presentations, workshops, and educational content for students, faculty, and staff. Collect, analyze, and report program data to support compliance, assessment, and continuous improvement efforts. Collaborate on marketing and communication strategies that promote wellness and recovery resources. Support broader Student Wellness initiatives, including mental health, violence prevention, basic needs, and other public health initiatives. Ensure compliance with university policies and applicable confidentiality, privacy, and risk management requirements. Occasional weekend/evening hours will be involved in this role.
Specialized training or coursework in substance use prevention or recovery support (i.e. Alcohol, substances and/or behavioral addictions). Training or certification in Recovery Coaching, Certified Prevention Specialist (CPS), or similar prevention credential. Experience facilitating workshops, presentations and health promotion training. Experience applying motivational interviewing techniques. Experience using tools such as Smartsheet and/or Qualtrics. Department Description: Student Wellness at Iowa State University provides leadership in university strategy for health promotion and provides support programs aimed at creating a campus culture of wellbeing so that all students can thrive. Student Wellness plans, implements, and evaluates health education and prevention strategies that focus on health and wellness issues that directly affect student success, higher learning, and personal development such as: violence prevention, suicide, mental health, substance use, and more. To learn more, please visit Student Wellness. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position. This posting will be open until filled. However, to receive full consideration, applications need to be submitted before August 17th, 2026. Application Instructions: To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following: Resume/Curriculum Vitae Letter of Application/Cover Letter Why Choose Iowa State University? Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental, as well as: Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa) Life insurance and long-term disability Flexible Spending Accounts Various voluntary benefits and discounts Employee Assistance Program Wellbeing program Iowa State offers WorkFlex options for some positions. WorkFlex offers flexibility on when, where, and how you do your work. For more information, please speak with the Hiring Manager. If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu, or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485. Appointment Type: Regular Number of Months Employed Per Year: 12 Month Work Period Time Type: Full time Pay Grade: PS807 Original Posting Date: August 3, 2026 Posting Close Date: Job Requisition Number: R19709 Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu. General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.
Candidates must possess a bachelor's degree and at least 3 years of related experience. Preferred qualifications include specialized training in substance use prevention, recovery coaching certification, and experience with motivational interviewing.
Market context
In Iowa, substance use and behavioral health specialist roles are often driven by ongoing demand in community health, schools, and treatment settings. These positions can be competitive because employers look for a bachelor’s degree, several years of related experience, and preferred training in substance use prevention, recovery coaching, and motivational interviewing. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to quickly compare fit and identify where your background aligns before applying.