Psychologist at St John's College

St John’s College is a world-class Christian, African school, situated on a magnificent campus in Houghton, Johannesburg, offering quality education from Pre-Primary to Post-Matric. The school has an outstanding academic record, entering candidates for the examinations of the IEB and the Cambridge A Levels.

We are looking for an experienced school psychologist to join our team of psychologists who will have the ability to build rapport with youth, have outstanding judgment and boundaries, with excellent communication skills and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced and youth-focused environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide counselling services to learners;
• conduct student observations and/or Functional Behaviour Analyses for learners who have behavioural issues;
• assist in coordinating events that support and train families with learners identified as at-risk;
• assist in interpreting information and recommendations from psycho-educational evaluations, including cognitive and academic achievement testing;
• collaborate with the pastoral team, teacher(s) and other relevant staff in developing behaviour plans to ensure students’ progress through the right supports and interventions;
• collaborate with the leadership team in overall parent communication with regard to all students, including at-risk learners or students receiving counselling services;
• maintain case history records and prepare reports where appropriate;
• design and implement wellbeing awareness programmes for learners, staff and parents;
• assist with crisis management for students in need of this support; and
• prepare leaners and families for referrals to external professional therapists, where necessary.

Your skills and competencies as an effective psychologist should include:

• Ability to use psychological models and practices to enhance the learning, cognitive and emotional skills of the students in order to prepare them for adult life
• Individual clinical assessments and treatment for some students
• Providing consultation, support or guidance to the academic team with regards to students in their care
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships with a wide range of people including students, colleagues and parents
• A strong sense of ownership and professional accountability, with an understanding of when to consult and when to act, within professional ethical codes and HPCSA Scope of Practice.
• Knowledge of relevant laws pertaining to engagements with children and adolescents
• Excellent judgement in managing sensitive and complex situations with clarity and care 
• Demonstrating an ongoing commitment to his or her own professional development 
• Effective time management and organisation
• A positive attitude and approach to change and development

Minimum requirements:

• Relevant Masters Degree in Clinical, Educational or Counselling Psychology
• 2 years relevant experience
• HPCSA registration as a Psychologist

Desirable attributes:

• Experience in a similar position