Job Description

Job Title
Senior Officer: Registered Counsellor (post level 9) (Job ID: 6260)
Organizational Unit
University of the Free State -> Student Affairs -> Student Counselling and Development
Contract Type
Permanent
Occupational Level
Junior Management
Location
Qwaqwa Campus - Qwaqwa, FS ZA (Primary)

Closing Date
20/10/2025
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:

Act in accordance with the scope of practice and ethical guidelines for a registered counsellor as set out by the HPCSA/ ASCHP Provide psychotherapy and counselling regarding personal, social, emotional and career development as well as trauma-related incidents. Identify, diagnose, and treat serious psychological problems and refer to other professionals when the need arises. Lialise with Student Counselling and Development, Health and wellness, management, student affairs, faculties, academic departments, support services and student representatives. Conduct Psychometric assessments and provide Career Counseling for students. Design and present developmental workshops and programmes for students Responsible for marketing of SCD services within campus-context. Responsible for office management, diary management and administration. Participate in the Division of Student Affairs strategic goals and objectives. Continuous Professional Development and Training

Inherent requirements:

Bachelor Honours Degree or Professional Bachelor's Degree in Psychology (BPsych) on NQF Level 8. Active registration as a Registered Counsellor with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) and/ or with the Association for Supportive Counsellors and Holistic Practitioners (ASCHP) for at least 1 year (attach proof). Minimum one (1) year relevant experience in a higher education environment or in working with young adults.

Recommendations:

Two (2) years' relevant experience within a counselling setting in a higher education environment. Proven experience in providing career counselling to young adults. Proven experience in providing trauma counselling to young adults.

Competencies

Required competencies:

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.

Closing date:

20 October 2025

Salary:

The salary is available on request.

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 2876 or email SeitlhekoLP@ufs.ac.za or Recruit@ufs.ac.za. Additionally, kindly contact 051 401 9813 / 2979 / 2558 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:

EEA13-UFS EE Plan 1 March 2025_28 Feb 2026.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.