Associate Director of Recovery

Under the Direction of the Senior Associate Director and Director of CARE and Support, the Associate Director of Recovery (AD) is responsible for advancing student wellbeing through the strategic development, implementation, execution, and facilitation of the Flames [Re]ignited initiatives. The AD is responsible for providing support to individuals recovering from substance use disorders and/or other life-controlling behaviors. This role is centered on fostering hope, supporting recovery, and helping individuals navigate their personal journeys by drawing on lived experience. The AD serves as a role model, mentor, advocate, and motivator, promoting engagement in treatment, preventing relapse, and encouraging long-term recovery. The AD must clearly understand substance use and related mental health and addiction challenges, and the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Develop, implement, monitor, and evaluate the University’s recovery program and support initiatives. Provide individual coaching and mentorship to the university community in or exploring recovery, which includes helping discover personal interests, goals, strengths, and areas for growth related to the recovery journey. Facilitate and lead recovery support meetings, workshops, wellness events, and community activities. Deliver recovery-focused education to individuals throughout all stages of the recovery process—beginning with pre-recovery engagement, through recovery initiation and stabilization, and continuing into sustained recovery maintenance. Serve as a role model for both individuals in recovery and staff by exemplifying that recovery is achievable. Share personal recovery experiences and various recovery pathways through presentations to faculty and staff. Assist with outreach efforts to raise awareness of recovery resources on campus. Help build a supportive, judgment-free, and inclusive environment within the Flames [Re]ignited community. Facilitate connections to on- and off-campus resources and refer individuals to appropriate professional resources as needed. Offer hope and encouragement rooted in a forward-looking vision, promoting engagement in various community activities such as employment, education, relationships, physical wellness, and self-directed hobbies. Assist with tracking program data, outcomes, and student engagement for reporting and program improvement purposes. Maintain strict confidentiality and uphold ethical boundaries in all interactions. Participate in training, supervision, and continuing education as required. Execute administrative tasks related to the recovery email inbox, responding to phone inquiries, and other related tasks. Engage in CARE and Support initiatives as well as other Student Affairs activities and meetings. Oversee the maintenance of physical spaces, including the lounge and conference room. Submit necessary referrals when there are concerns regarding an individual's safety to themselves or others. Collaborate with other CARE staff regarding case information, communication with Liberty community members, communication with external parties, etc. Strictly adhere to Liberty University policies, representing the University in an exemplary manner. Work effectively as a team member, embracing and fostering LU’s Christian model and Mission – Training Champions for Christ. Other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position assists in the supervision of the Student Work Assistant designated to the recovery program.

QUALIFICATIONS AND CREDENTIALS

Education and Experience

A master’s degree in substance use, counseling, social work, public health, higher education administration, or closely related field is required, with minimum 1 year experience preferred; no minimum years of experience required. A personal background in recovery is required, and a Peer Recovery Support Specialist (PRSS) certification or commitment to complete certification within 1 year of hire is also required.

Required Application Documents

A cover letter and resume are required in addition to the application.

ABILITIES AND COMPETENCIES ESSENTIAL TO THE FUNCTION OF THE JOB

Communication and Comprehension

• Strong communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Possess public communication skills that allow professional representation of Liberty University.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Excellent computer skills.
• A commitment to Liberty University’s mission.
• Discretion and the ability to maintain confidential information.
• Demonstrated leadership qualities and experience.
• Ability to train and coach others.
• Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing to convey clear, well articulated information.
• Ability to understand, speak, and write English in order to convey messages and correspond in an articulate and professional manner.

Other Essential Abilities and Competencies

• Thorough understanding and knowledge of addiction, recovery, and recovery support services
• Experience facilitating recovery groups, mentoring, or advocacy.
• Familiarity with college systems and student life.
• Knowledge of harm reduction, trauma-informed care, and wellness strategies.
• Experience working with diverse populations. Knowledge and understanding of multiple paths to recovery.
• Demonstrated commitment to recovery values and peer-based support principles.
• Experience planning, implementing, and evaluating health promotion programs.
• Experience collaborating, volunteering, or working with recovery community organizations.
• Ability to be flexible, work independently, and be proactive in pursuing collaborations.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule that includes some evenings and weekends.
• Ability to supervise and train several student personnel.
• Ability to ethically maintain standards of professional care and confidentiality.
• Participate in continuing professional development activities to maintain competency.

Problem Solving

• Possesses intuitive reasoning and analytical skills, enabling the application of sound judgment to solve both routine and complex problems.

Physical and Sensory Abilities

• Occasionally required to travel to local and campus locations.
• Frequently required to sit for extended periods to perform deskwork or type on a keyboard.
• Regularly required to hear and speak in order to effectively communicate orally.
• Frequently required to stand and walk to move about the building.
• Handle materials, reach overhead, kneel or stoop in order to conduct business.
• Regularly lift 10 or fewer pounds.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work Environment

The working environment in which one will typically perform the essential functions of this position is a climate-controlled office setting. It is well lighted and the noise level is moderate. Occasionally required to participate in events that will take place outdoors or in other settings outside of the office.

Driving Requirements

If the employee is required to travel in performing the duties and responsibilities of the position, the use of one’s personal vehicle (or LU vehicles) may be required for travel. Proof of a valid driver’s license, an acceptable DMV record, LU Driving Approval, and liability insurance is required when driving in the performance of the employee’s position.

Time Type

Full time

Location

Onsite

Pay Range

Compensation is determined based on factors such as qualifications, experience, education, skills, and certifications, along with University needs and external market conditions. Market benchmarks may be used, as appropriate, in combination with internal equity to ensure pay is fair and aligned with the broader compensation structure.

The position may also be eligible for comprehensive benefits , including health insurance, retirement plans, and tuition assistance.

$50,000.00 - $65,000.00

The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe it is our moral and legal obligation to meet the responsibility of ensuring that all management practices regarding employees are conducted in a nondiscriminatory manner. In compliance with Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, and other applicable federal and state statutes, all recruiting, hiring, training, and promoting for all job classifications will be administered without regard to race, color, ancestry, age, sex, national origin, pregnancy or childbirth, disability, military veteran status or other applicable status protected by law, including state of employment protected classes. It is, therefore, our policy and intention to evaluate all employees and prospective employees strictly according to the requirements of the job. All personnel related activities such as compensation, benefits, transfers, job classification, assignments, working conditions, educational assistance, terminations, layoffs, and return from layoffs, and all other terms, conditions and privileges of employment will be administered without regard to race, color, ancestry, age, sex, national origin, pregnancy or childbirth, disability, military veteran status or other applicable status protected by law, including all applicable state of employment protected classes. The University is a Christian religious-affiliated organization; and as such, is not subject to religious discrimination requirements. The University’s hiring practices and EEO discrimination practices are in full compliance with both federal and state law. Federal law creates an exception to the “religion” component of the employment discrimination laws for religious organizations (including educational institutions), and permits them to give employment practice preference to members of their own religious beliefs.