Student Life Officer

As a Student Life Officer, you will play a pivotal role in enhancing the overall student experience throughout the academic calendar. You will be responsible for fostering a supportive environment for students, managing various student activities, and ensuring effective communication between students, the university, and external stakeholders.

Assist with the day-to-day operations of student life and support activities and be available after hours to attend to queries like:
a.      Roommate personal disputes
b.      Student counselling
c.      Behavioral matters
Deal with queries and emergencies professionally and communicate same to the relevant parties that need to be informed.
Manage and expand effective engagement and communication with students.
Manage the daily tasks and workload of the student assistants.
Consult daily with Centre Management and operational staff on student incidents, wellbeing, and behavior.
Weekly records of incidents must be documented and distributed to Centre Management and the University.
Co-ordinate new arrivals and conduct exit interviews where students vacate during the academic year.
Manage student conflicts professionally and consult with Centre Management if required.
Manage the events on behalf of Centre Management by:
a.      Developing an events calendar together with the team so that they speak to social, academic and student development.
b.      Co-ordinating programs/events
c.      Consulting with suppliers and managing those relationships.
d.      Manage the promotional budget with Centre Management
e.      Ensuring maximum participation from our students
f Manage the facility so that it is ready for an event.
g.      Ensure that events are planned with the five pillars of Residence life in mind i.e., Academics, Leadership, Community Engagement, Culture and Sport
10.   Remain compliant in terms of CPA policies and procedures.
11.   Facilitate student support services, including welfare, medical, and social assistance, utilizing both university-provided resources and external channels and keep abreast of University of Pretoria's Residence rules and regulations to ensure that our policies align and manage communication between students, the university, and landlord, ensuring timely escalation of relevant information.
12.   Assist the administration/leasing team during peak seasons and off-peak times during the academic year.
13.   Will be required to live on-site and adhere to student accommodation rules.
14.   Cultivate a positive environment conducive to student well-being and academic success.
 
15.   Collaborate with the Marketing Department to enhance social media presence and increase student interaction online.
16.   Serve as the primary point of contact for student inquiries, excluding leasing and property management matters.

Working conditions: Site based and will live on-site.  Due to the nature of the position the imcumbent will be required to attend to other functions, duties, or responsibilities in the absence of a colleague/s after hours and on specific Saturdays as required.

Qualifications & Experience:
Tertiary Education/ Psychology/Counselling or similar qualification required.
At least three years' experience in a similar student counselling required.
Basic computer skills including MS Office:
a.      MS Word – Basic
b.      MS Excel – Intermediate
c.      MS Outlook - Basic
Proficiency in English and another African language required.
Good communication skills.
Student counselling experience required.
Events planning is preferred.
Knowledge of the residential leasing process preferred. Skills & Knowledge Required:  
Problem solving – finding solutions when emotions are involved.
Reality testing – be objective; see things as they really are.
Impulse control – resist or delay impulse to act.
Flexibility – adapting emotions, thoughts, and behaviors.
Stress tolerance – coping with stressful situations.
Interpersonal relationships – building mutually satisfying relationships.
Empathy – understanding & appreciating how others feel.
Independence – be self-directed and free from emotional dependency.
Assertiveness – communicating feelings and beliefs; being non-offensive.
10.   Social confidence – be self-assured and at ease with people in all types of social situations.
11.   Persuasion – negotiating, selling, influencing, and attempting to persuade people or trying to change the point of view of others.
12.   Multitasking – dealing with several activities at a time, enjoying being given new tasks before they have finished another.
13.   Teamwork – cooperation with others, good-natured attitude and encouraging people.
14.   Persistence – sticking with tasks, not giving up, dislike leaving things unfinished.
15.   Rule following – adhere to rules and strictly follow work regulations.
16.   Attention to detail – focus on details, strive for perfection and be well organized.
17.   Planning – enjoy making detailed plans and long-terms plans.
18.   Good Listening Skills – Taking the time to listen and to listen closely as clients are talking to efficiently and effectively assist with enquiries and/or specific needs.