Join the University of South Africa (UNISA) as a Student Counsellor and contribute to the well-being and academic success of our diverse student body. UNISA is looking for compassionate individuals who are committed to providing vital counselling support. If you have a background in counselling or psychology, along with exceptional interpersonal skills and a passion for helping others, we encourage you to apply.
University of South Africa-Student Counsellor Position Overview:
- Job Title: Student Counsellor P7
- Employment Type: Permanent
- Portfolio: Registrar
- Directorate: Midlands Region (Rustenburg – Potchefstroom, Mahikeng)
- Purpose: Deliver professional counselling services to prospective, enrolled, and exiting students within the Midlands Region of UNISA.
- Assumption of duty: Commencement of employment
- Salary: Remuneration is aligned with the seniority of the position
- Closing date: Application deadline is on 04 July 2024
- Enquiries: For inquiries, please contact Mr. H. Mokotjo at (014) 594-8847
Requirements:
- Completed Honours Degree in Psychology: Applicants must possess a recognized Honours degree in Psychology from an accredited institution.
- Registration with HPCSA: Candidates must be registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as either a Counsellor or Psychologist in a category pertinent to Student Counselling.
- Minimum Five Years Relevant Experience: Applicants should have a minimum of five years of relevant experience in counselling or psychology, particularly in contexts relevant to student counselling.
- Valid Driver’s License: Possession of a valid driver’s license is mandatory for this position, indicating the ability to travel as required for counselling services within the Midlands Region of UNISA.
Recommendations:
- Masters Qualification: A postgraduate qualification such as a Masters in Counselling, Clinical Psychology, or Educational Psychology is highly recommended.
- Experience in Digital Counselling: Previous experience in developing and providing digital counselling services and resources, as well as familiarity with using social media in an educational context, will strengthen the application.
Knowledge:
- Current Higher Education Policies and Legal Frameworks: Familiarity with recent developments in policies and legal frameworks related to higher education in South Africa and globally is advantageous.
- HPCSA Guidelines: Understanding and adherence to guidelines set by the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA), particularly those from the Board of Psychology, is essential.
- Impact of Technology on Counselling Practices: Awareness of how technology influences counselling practices, especially in open and distance learning environments, including MOOCs, is beneficial.
- Counselling Diverse Populations: Competence and experience in counselling diverse populations, including different racial and ethnic groups, LGBTQ+ individuals, and persons with disabilities, are important for effective student counselling.
Duties & Competencies:
- Counselling: Provide professional counselling services to prospective, enrolled, and exit-level students in accordance with established ethical and professional standards.
- Training: Conduct training sessions or workshops for students and staff on relevant topics related to mental health, coping strategies, and personal development.
- Professional Development: Engage in continuous professional development activities to stay updated with best practices in counselling and psychology.
- Effective Communication: Maintain clear and effective communication with students, colleagues, and other stakeholders to ensure comprehensive support and guidance.
- Liaison: Collaborate and liaise with academic departments, administrative staff, and external service providers to enhance student support services and facilitate holistic student development.
Application Process:
- Application Form Requirement: Applicants must complete the prescribed application form (HR-PA 001) for a permanent administrative or professional post.
- Accompanying Documents: The application must include a comprehensive curriculum vitae (CV) and original certified copies of:
- All educational qualifications
- Driver’s license
- Identity document (ID)
- Proof of SAQA verification for foreign qualifications
- Authentication of Qualifications: UNISA reserves the right to verify all qualifications without further consent from the applicant.
- References: Provide contact details of three references, including one from the current line manager.
- UNISA’s Discretion: UNISA is not obligated to fill any advertised position.
- Application Submission: Late, incomplete, or incorrect applications will not be considered.
- Obtaining Application Form: The prescribed application form (HR-PA 001) can be obtained from http://www.unisa.ac.za/vacancies.
- Employment Equity: Appointments will adhere to UNISA’s Employment Equity Plan and relevant legislation.
- Persons with Disabilities: UNISA welcomes applications from Persons with Disabilities.
- Submission Details:
- Applications should be submitted in an envelope clearly marked with the name of the relevant Regional Service Centre, position applied for, and the reference number.
- Hand-delivered applications can be submitted at UNISA, 19 Steen Street, Rustenburg.
- Alternatively, applications can be emailed to hr-midlands@unisa.ac.za.
- Application Deadline: Ensure applications reach UNISA by 16:00 on the closing date.
- Correspondence: Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. If no contact is made within 2 months after the closing date, consider the application unsuccessful.
Prospective applicants are encouraged to submit their applications using the prescribed form (HR-PA 001) along with all necessary documents to the designated address or via email before 16:00 on the closing date. UNISA maintains the right to authenticate qualifications and will follow its Employment Equity Plan and relevant legislation during the selection process. The university values your interest in becoming part of its team and advises that only short-listed candidates will receive further communication.