Counselling Psychologist

**UP Professional and Support**:
DEPARTMENT FOR EDUCATION INNOVATION

MASTERCARD FOUNDATION SCHOLARS PROGRAM

POST TITLE: COUNSELLING PSYCHOLOGIST (3-YEAR RENEWABLE CONTRACT)

PEROMNES POST LEVEL: 007- The University of Pretoria's commitment to quality makes us one of the top research Universities in the country and gives us a competitive advantage in international science and technology development._

RESPONSIBILITIES:
The incumbent will be responsible for:

- Rendering counselling and other psychological services to Mastercard Foundation Scholars at postgraduate and undergraduate levels;
- Rendering transition support for exiting Scholars and to Alumni Scholars through counselling and psychotherapeutic support;
- Developing and/or identifying training and guidance programmes to enhance the academic success of Scholars;
- Referring academically struggling Scholars to their Academic Success Coaches (ASC) for Faculty-specific academic skills training workshops or any developmental workshops delivered on campus;
- Identifying potential developmental handicaps and needs through informal and formal communication consultation, testing and counselling services;
- Conducting career re-direction sessions with undergraduate Scholars who are not performing academically or are at risk of academic exclusion to support them in obtaining a qualification;
- Developing strategies for proactive and preventative services in consultation with the relevant UP stakeholders, Program Manager, Colleagues and possibly the Mastercard Foundation;
- Consulting with academic personnel, applicable internal and external role players and students to determine needs, problems, possibilities for programmes and other relevant tendencies;
- Identifying psychiatric difficulties and complaints and making referrals to psychiatrists for further treatment where indicated;
- Assisting Scholars in securing admission to psychiatric facilities by liaising with hospitals and medical aid for a smooth admission process and follow-up on their well-being;
- Employing culturally sensitive approaches in counselling to respect and understand the diverse backgrounds and experiences of African youth.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

- Master’s in Counselling Psychology;
- At least two years’ proven experience as a registered Counselling Psychologist, excluding internship year;
- Proven experience in working with students/young adults as registered Counselling Psychologist;
- Experience in working with diverse populations and an understanding of how cultural background, socioeconomic status, and refugee experiences impact mental health and access to services;
- Registration as a Counselling Psychologist with the Health Professional Council of South Africa (HPCSA).

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES (SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND BEHAVIOURAL ATTRIBUTES):

- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite;
- Report writing;
- Case Management;
- Administrative skills;
- Knowledge of Health and well-being in a tertiary environment;
- Proficiency in conducting assessments, diagnoses, and interventions for a range of psychological issues that students might face, such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and stress-related disorders;
- Proficiency in various counselling methods suitable for individual and group therapy, which can address the specific issues that financially constrained students might face;
- Knowledge in providing care that recognizes and responds to the effects of all types of trauma, particularly for refugees or those who have experienced significant adversity;
- A good communicator;
- Leadership skills;
- Interpersonal skills;
- Empathy and cultural sensitivity;
- Motivational skills;
- Adhere to professional ethical standards and guidelines in all aspects of practice.

ADDED ADVANTAGES AND PREFERENCES:

- PhD in Counselling Psychology;
- At least three years’ work experience in:

- Working in different countries in Africa;
- Working with students with disabilities and refugees;
- Working at an institution of higher learning.

The all-inclusive remuneration package for this contract position will be commensurate with the incumbent’s level of appointment, as determined by UP policy guidelines.
- A comprehensive CV;
- Certified copies of qualifications;

CLOSING DATE: 14 March 2025
- The University of Pretoria is committed to equality, employment equity and diversity._- The University of Pretoria reserves the right to not fill the advertised positions._