Job Description

Title of Position
Placement Officer
Post Number
SA82
Faculty/Department
University of the Western Cape -> Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Student Development & Support -> Residential Services
Type of Position
Permanent - Full Time
Length of Contract Period
Location
Main Campus - Bellville, WC ZA (Primary)
Closing Date
10/7/2025
Role Clarification & Key Performance Areas
The Division for Student Development and Support (SDS) plays a leading role in creating a holistically focused, enabling environment that provides excellent opportunities for students to develop their full potential as active scholars and responsive citizens in South Africa. We are committed to delivering exceptional support services that enhance the overall university experience and contribute to student success.
We invite applications from dynamic and vibrant individuals for the position of Placement Officer within our Residential Services Department. This is an exciting opportunity for a client-service oriented professional with student housing experience in a tertiary education environment, who demonstrates a commitment to continuous self-improvement and development.
The successful candidate will be passionate about supporting our organizational strategies regarding student co-curricular development and well-being, while playing a pivotal role in the efficient operation of our student accommodation services.
Primary Functions:

• Execute comprehensive application, admission, and billing administration for students entering residence on a cyclical basis
• Provide dedicated support and assistance to the Placement Coordinator in all operational matters

Accommodation Management:

• Monitor accommodation spaces, vacancy tracking, and waiting list management
• Coordinate room allocations, transfers, and optimize residence capacity utilization
• Manage seasonal accommodation cycles and peak

Administrative Excellence:

• Coordinate all administrative functions related to student withdrawals, cancellations, and replacement offers
• Ensure comprehensive communication protocols and systematic follow-up procedures
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records across all operational areas
• Provide detailed reports and monitor feedback received from students and stakeholders

Financial Administration:

• Resolve audit queries related to housing and billing with precision and timeliness
• Ensure accurate reconciliation of student accounts and general ledger entries
• Monitor and adjust income forecasts on a monthly basis
• Maintain current updates on residence management software systems

Student Advisory Services:

• Effectively and professionally advise students and stakeholders on all processes related to:

• Residence admissions procedures
• Application cycles and deadlines
• Student housing processes and policies
• Accommodation options and requirements

Minimum Requirements
Minimum Criteria (Qualifications and Experience)

• A Degree or Advanced Diploma (NQF Level 7)
• 3 to 5 years of relevant experience
• Minimum 2 years' experience specifically in Student Housing Placement Administration

Advantageous:

• Administration experience within an accounting environment
• Experience with student information management systems
• Knowledge of tertiary education residential services

Competencies:

• Client Service Orientation
• Attention to Detail
• Pressure Management
• Communication Skills
• Collaboration
• Professional Attributes:
• Agility
• Administrative Excellence
• Initiative

In your application, you are encouraged to highlight your strengths and include anything else you deem exceptional and outstanding to be considered by the selection panel. In addition, please attach a cover letter motivating your suitability, a detailed curriculum vitae including contact details of three referees, and your highest qualification to your online profile.
DISCLAIMER: By applying for the position, you consent to the University sharing your application, including curriculum vitae, with University stakeholders to process the application. In line with the University's commitment to diversifying its workforce, preference will be given to suitably qualified applicants in line with our Employment Equity Targets. The official retirement age at UWC is 65 years. The University reserves the right to not make an appointment, make an appointment at a different level, seek additional candidates and may conduct competency assessments.