Behavior Change Specialist

The University of St. Thomas invites qualified candidates to apply for a Behavior Change Specialist (Program Manager II) position within the Health Promotion, Resilience and Violence Prevention department.

This is a ten-month position. The person in this role will work Monday through Friday, 40 hours a week during the school year with two months off, either June and July or January and June. 

The University of St. Thomas embraces belonging and equal opportunity for all. Our convictions of dignity, diversity and personal attention call us to embody and champion an inclusive environment.  The University is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer (EEO).  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, status as a protected veteran, or other protected characteristic.  This commitment to inclusion and equal opportunity is consistent with our mission: Inspired by Catholic intellectual tradition, the University of St. Thomas educates students to be morally responsible leaders who think critically, act wisely, and work skillfully to advance the common good.  A successful candidate will possess a commitment to the ideals of this mission.

JOIN OUR COMMUNITY

The University of St. Thomas offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits program, which includes:

• Up to 100% tuition remission for employees and dependents upon eligibility
• Up to 50% tuition remission for spouses upon eligibility
• A generous Employer retirement contribution of 9.4% of annual salary upon eligibility
• Medical, dental, and vision options
• Employer-paid disability, life, and AD&D benefits

Salary Range: $56,920 to $59,740 

The University of St. Thomas has provided a salary range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The specific salary offered will be determined based on factors such as the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information.

JOB SUMMARY

A commitment to the University’s Catholic mission and the ability to implement policies, programs, services and best practices that are consistent with the Principles of Good Practice for Student Affairs at the Catholic Colleges and Universities.

The Behavior Change Specialist will play a pivotal role in promoting positive behavioral changes among students to enhance their physical, emotional and overall well-being. This position involves developing, implementing, and evaluating programs and interventions aimed at fostering healthy habits, resilience, and effective coping strategies.

The Behavior Change Specialist (Program Manager II) is responsible for developing and implementing evidence-based strategies to support students in adopting and maintaining healthy behaviors. This role involves collaborating with the Center for Well-Being staff, campus departments, faculty, and student organizations to create a supportive environment that fosters well-being and academic success. The Behavior Change Specialist will apply behavior change theories and techniques to address issues such as emotional well-being, substance use, nutrition, physical activity, and stress management.

Must be able to work evenings and weekends as needed.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Behavior Change Specialist

Develop and oversee the Behavior Change program utilizing evidence-based methods, delivered through both individual and group sessions. The Behavior Change sessions will emphasize strengths-based education, covering areas such as resilience, physical well-being, stress management, mindfulness, substance use, and sleep management.

• Utilize behavior change theories and techniques (e.g., Transtheoretical Model, Social Cognitive Theory, Motivational Interviewing) to guide interventions
• Conduct one-on-one behavior change sessions with students to support personal wellness goals, including increasing physical activity
• Provide training and oversight to graduate student coaches
• Assessment and evaluation of the program

Program Development

This involves creating, implementing, and managing health promotion and prevention activities like workshops and training sessions. These strategies will be inclusive, respectful, equitable, and based on data.

• Examples of activities include (but are not limited to):
  • Resilience Education and Promotion events and strategies
  • Emotional Well-Being Education and Promotion: “Yoga for -” series, drop-in meditation, workshops, educational series, etc.
  • General workshops: Transition to College, Getting Sound Sleep, Managing Stress, Science of Happiness, Assertiveness, Skills for Strategic Procrastination, Turning Failure into Success
  • Fitness education strategies
  • Annual 5K event 
  • Assessment and evaluation of strategies

Collaboration and Assistance

Recognizing that individual health status, health behaviors, emotional health, and community factors contribute to overall well-being, the Behavior Change Specialist will:

• Work with university partners to promote a holistic approach to the well-being of the St. Thomas students. Partnerships include but not limited to athletics, Division of Student Affairs, Project for Mindfulness and Contemplation, Morrison Family College of Health – Department of Health and Exercise Science.
• Serve as a source of health information for students, faculty and staff.
• Participate and provide leadership on university committees as it relates to health and wellness.

Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in health education, psychology, exercise science or related field

• Five years of work experience preferably in health education and/or higher education environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in health education, psychology, exercise science or related field

• Minimum of two years of work experience in health education and/or health education work experience

• Certification from a recognized behavior change program approved by the National Board Certified-Health and Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC) or similar

• Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) or the ability and intent to become certified

   

An equivalent combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and skills have been acquired may be substituted. Must be able to work evenings and weekends as needed. 

HOW TO APPLY

All interested candidates must apply online at https://www.stthomas.edu/jobs/. Follow the instructions to complete an online application which includes creating or updating an applicant profile, uploading a resume, and completing a job specific application.

In light of its commitment to create and maintain a safe learning and working environment, employment with the University of St. Thomas requires consent and successful completion of a background screening.

Official job posting is available at www.stthomas.edu/jobs.