Head of Department: Student Counselling at Cape Peninsula University of Technology

Job Purpose

• To effectively manage the Student Counselling functions and services at the University, aimed at facilitating student access, development, wellness, retention and throughput.
• To effectively control the support and professional assistance that are provided by Student Counselling’s staff to CPUT students, prospective students and staff, through strategic planning, quality assurance, financial management, staff performance management, staff development, internal and external liaison.

Job Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Minimum requirements:

• Master’s Degree (M+5) in Counselling Psychology / Clinical Psychology / Educational Psychology, or Master of Social Work.
• Registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as psychologist, or registration with the South African Council for Social Services Professional (SACSSP) as social worker.
• Seven years’ work experience as registered psychologist, or social worker.
• 3 years’ experience in management of a Student Counselling in a Higher Education Department / Centre.

Recommended experience:

• Five years’ work experience in rendering psychological or social welfare services in a Higher Education environment.
• Applicants applying with Masters in Social Work is recommended to have Clinical Social Work Masters.

Key Performance Areas / Principal Accountabilities

• Manages the Operational functioning and Strategic Planning for Student Counselling services and projects in the institution
• Manages Student Counselling’s Human Resources
• Manages and takes responsibility for quality Management, records management and compliance in the department
• Manages and takes responsibility for Financial Planning (budgeting), Expenditure and Administration of department
• Develops and maintains Partnerships and Liaise with both internal and external Stakeholders and oversees the Marketing of department
• Manages the Department’s Professional Counselling (psychological and Welfare welfare) Services to registered CPUT students related to their academic, career and personal /social well-being, psychometric assessment, as well as career assessment and counselling.

Competencies

• Technical and professional knowledge
• Customer / client focus
• Demonstrate professional and ethical behavior
• Communication
• Building trust
• Gaining commitment
• Administrative skill and managing work (incl. time management)
• Adaptability
• Contributing to team success
• Computer literacy
• Research

Closing Date: 01 November 2026