Senior Officer: Registered Counsellor (post level 9) at University of the Free State

Duties and responsibilities:

• Act in accordance with the scope of practice and ethical guidelines for a registered counsellor as set out by the HPCSA / ASCHP.
• Provide confidential counselling in various psychological, emotional, and developmental issues, with the aim to support students in the resolution of challenges that may impede the fulfilment of their potential.
• Equip students with the necessary skills, knowledge, and tools to effectively overcome their personal and academic challenges and to become well-rounded, optimally developed students.
• Evaluate and prevent emotional, behavioural, cognitive, and mental processes and personality adjustments of students through the use or interpretation of scientific psychological methods or practices.
• Promote positive personality change, growth, and development of students by scientific psychological methods or practices.
• Liaise with Student Counselling and Development, management, student affairs, faculties, academic departments, support services and student representatives.
• Conduct Psychometric assessments and provide Career Counselling for students.
• Perform psychological screening and first-level interventions aimed at enhancing student functioning.
• Design and present developmental workshops and programmes for students.
•  Responsible for marketing of SCD services within campus-context.
• Responsible for office management, diary management and administration.
• Participate in the Division of Student Affairs strategic goals and objectives.

Inherent requirements:

• A Bachelor Honours Degree on NQF Level 8 in Psychology OR Professional Bachelor’s Degree on NQF Level 7 in Psychology (BPsych).
• Registration as a Registered Counsellor with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) and / or with the Association for Supportive Counsellors and Holistic Practitioners (ASCHP).
• A minimum of Two (2) years’ relevant working experience related to the duties and responsibilities.

Recommendations:

• Experience within the higher education environment.
• Knowledge of university systems, policies, procedures.
• Member of a or registration at a professional body.
• 1 - 2 years’ relevant experience within a counselling setting and higher education environment.

Competencies

Required competencies: 

Results oriented.

• The ability to cope with a frequently changing environment and to adapt to evolving situations. 
• The ability to deal calmly and effectively with high stress situations.

Strategic thinking.

• The ability to deal with several activities at a time.
• The ability to be creative and open-minded when addressing work issues.

Business Acumen:

• The ability to adhere to rules and strictly follow work regulations.
• Proficient in using MS Office.

Leading.

• The ability to maintain high levels of personal motivation, energy and enthusiasm.
• The ability to be cooperative with others, display a good-natured attitude and encourage people to work together.

Building coalitions

• The ability to be sensitive and understanding to the needs and feelings of others.
• The ability to interact with others and establish personal connections with people.