BASICS Intervention Specialist

Job Description

We’re currently searching for a BASICS Intervention Specialist to join our Hokie Wellness team in Blacksburg, VA to help us in our mission. So, if you’re passionate about student well-being, please keep reading.

HERE'S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE ROLE:
1) You’ll be joining the Hokie Wellness team; a department centered on providing holistic well-being resources to the Virginia Tech community by focusing on a variety of health and well-being topics.
2) You’ll be reporting to the Assistant Director for Substance Misuse Prevention, in a 1500-hour, non-benefited position.
3) You’ll be responsible for using a modified BASICS model to facilitate individual sessions with higher-risk students, both mandated and self-referred, with the intent of exploring the role that substances may play in their lives and how that impacts their potential. The substances include, but are not limited to alcohol, cannabis, nicotine, and other drugs.
4) The BASICS model is typically a series of two conversations which use a feedback report to generate discrepancies between a person’s substance use and their other goals. Motivational Interviewing is then used to enhance the person’s drive to make their desired behavioral change.
5) You’ll be offered an hourly rate of $21.50 per hour, along with access to VT discounts and so much more!
6) You'll be offered the flexibility of a hybrid work arrangement once training has been completed and a regular schedule has been established. Employees are expected to work within the hours of 10:00 am - 6:00 pm.

HERE'S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY:
1) THE UNIVERSITY: Virginia tech as an employer is committed to developing well-rounded employees who are active members of the university community as well as the community at-large. From comprehensive insurance plans to tuition assistance, Virginia Tech offers employees a variety of benefits and perks to help team members build a fuller and more balanced life.
2) THE DIVISION: For our students and ourselves, the Division of Student Affairs believes that changing the world requires courageous leadership and commitment to curiosity, integrity, civility, and service to others. Our culture is defined by a commitment to our aspirations for student learning.
3) THE TEAM: The mission of Hokie Wellness is to foster a healthier Virginia Tech community by providing prevention services, education, outreach, and resources to employees and students. The department strives to educate and empower every Hokie to take an active and engaging day-to-day approach to their wellness in order to enjoy a long, healthful, and purpose-filled life.

Required Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree in health education, health promotion, public health, human development, psychology, social work, or related field.
• Demonstrated experience in providing direct services to people with substance use diagnoses.
• Experience with case management and record keeping.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with public speaking experience; small group facilitation; and 1:1 coaching.

Preferred Qualifications
• Proficiency in Motivational Interviewing and/or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and/or ACT.
• Prior experience providing BASICS.
• Prior experience working in health promotion/education in a higher education setting.
• Health coaching experience.

Pay Band

3

Overtime Status

Non-Exempt: Eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Regular

Salary Information

$21.50

Hours per week

25

Review Date

09/14/2026

Additional Information

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance.  These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

For inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies, contact the Office for Civil Rights Compliance and Prevention Education at 540-231-2010 or Virginia Tech, 220 Gilbert Street, Suite 5200, Blacksburg, VA 24061.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Tanya Young at tanyapy4@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.