Job Description

Job Title
Officer: Spiritual Support Practitioner (post level 10) (Job ID: 6299)
Organizational Unit
University of the Free State -> Student Affairs -> Student Counselling and Development
Contract Type
Permanent
Occupational Level
Semi-Skilled
Location
Bloemfontein Campus - Bloemfontein, FS ZA (Primary)

Closing Date
29/11/2025
Description

KINDLY TAKE NOTE: Applications may only be submitted online through the official UFS vacancy website: https://ufs.hua.hrsmart.com/hr/ats/JobSearch/viewAll - Applications submitted through any other platform will not be considered.

The system allows a maximum of eight attachments. To avoid upload issues, we recommend merging some or all documents into fewer files before submitting.

INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED!

To ensure your application is complete, you must submit

ALL documents listed under the inherent requirements

, as well as the

following standard documentation

:


A detailed Curriculum Vitae. Copies of your qualifications, or official proof of qualifications obtained (If you hold foreign qualifications, please include SAQA accreditation). A copy of your identity document (South African ID or passport for foreign nationals). Confirmation of employment in the form of a letter, appointment contract, service certificate, or recent payslip from your current or most recent employer (applicable to external applicants only).

Duties and responsibilities:

Provide psychoeducation to students experiencing challenges with spiritual matters, specifically within an African indigenous context. Provide guidance and support to students experiencing spiritual callings. Liaise with the families of students experiencing spiritual callings. Establish an office for spiritual support on Bloemfontein campus and rolling out this initiative on both QwaQwa and South campuses. Provide training to mental health practitioners, as well as support staff and academic staff, where needed, to assist with the manifestation of these matters. Function as part of the multi-disciplinary team at the Health and Wellness Centre. Assist with the development of a guideline, protocol and/or policy for the management of students experiencing challenges with African indigenous spirituality at UFS (including the management of spaces needed for rituals in residences, etc). Participate in the Division of Student Affairs strategic goals and objectives.

Inherent requirements:

A bachelor's degree or an Advanced Diploma/B. Tech degree/Postgraduate Certificate on NQF Level 7 or a 3-year National Diploma on NQF Level 6. Registration with the Traditional Healer's organisation, or with the South African National Traditional Healers Association (SANTHA)(attach proof). Minimum of one (1) year's relevant experience working within African Indigenous spiritual support with students in Higher Education.

Recommendations:

One (1) year of experience in providing spiritual support within a counselling setting in a higher education environment. Competency in an additional African Language.

Competencies

Required competencies

:

o Results Orientated:

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.

o Strategic Thinking:

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

o Business Acumen:

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

o 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.

o 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.

Assumption of duties:

01 January 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.

Closing date:

29 November 2025

Salary:

The annual remuneration package, including benefits is R 447,323.31- R 562,750.48 per annum, depending on the budget available for the position, relevant work experience and qualifications.

Fringe benefits:

(Subject to specific conditions): pension scheme, medical aid scheme, group life insurance, housing allowance, leave and sick leave, service bonus and study benefits.

Enquiries:

For enquiries, please feel free to contact

051 401 2558

or email

ManzanaL@ufs.ac.za

or

Recruit@ufs.ac.za

. Additionally, kindly contact 051 401 9813 / 2979 / 9629 for assistance.

General:

The UFS is a designated employer and is committed to the pursuit of excellence, diversity, and redress in achieving its equity targets in accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets. Preference will be given to candidates from the under-represented designated groups including candidates with disabilities. Our Employment Equity Plan is available at:

EEA13Report_UNIVERSITY OF THE FREE STATE FINAL SEP 2025.pdf

The University processes personal information in line with its obligations under the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and any personal information provided to the University will be treated as confidential and processed in accordance with the rights provided to data subjects under POPIA.

The University reserves the right not to fill the post. The UFS will only consider applications of candidates who meet all the inherent requirements of the position. Applications that are incomplete will not be considered. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. Should you not be contacted within six weeks of the closing date for applications, you may assume that your application was unsuccessful.