Student Counsellor at Africa International University

Main Responsibilities

Counselling and Student Support

• Counsel students (and staff/faculty/University community as needed).
• Conduct assessments and develop intervention plans.
• Maintain confidential counselling records.
• Offer support and referrals for specialized mental health services.
• Recommend students/staff needing assistance.
• Establish and manage a peer counselling program.

Crisis Intervention and Mental Health Care

• Respond to crises (trauma, bereavement, abuse, self-harm, mental health emergencies).
• Conduct risk assessments and implement interventions.
• Collaborate with departments and external professionals for continuity of care.

Student Wellness and Prevention Programs

• Design and implement mental health awareness, wellness, and resilience programs.
• Conduct seminars, workshops, and life-skills training (stress management, relationships, anxiety, depression, healthy living).
• Promote positive mental health practices.

Academic and Career Support

• Assist with academic adjustment difficulties and personal barriers.
• Support development of coping strategies, decision-making skills, and personal growth plans.
• Collaborate with academic departments.

Referral and Case Management

• Establish and maintain referral networks (healthcare providers, psychologists, psychiatrists, hospitals, community agencies).
• Monitor and follow up on referred cases to ensure adequate support and progress.

Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement

• Work with faculty, residence staff, chaplaincy, disability support, and other support units.
• Participate in multidisciplinary student welfare meetings.
• Provide consultation to staff on student wellbeing concerns.

 Policy Compliance and Professional Practice

• Adhere to professional counselling ethics and confidentiality standards.
• Ensure compliance with university policies, legal requirements, and safeguarding regulations.
• Prepare periodic reports and maintain counselling statistics.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Maintain counselling records and databases.
• Develop annual work plans and budgets for counselling activities.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual reports.
• Participate in departmental and university committees as assigned.

Working Conditions / Additional Requirements

• Willing to teach at least one unit per semester in a relevant area.
• Office-based with occasional evening/weekend work for student activities and emergencies.
• Frequent interaction with students, faculty, parents/guardians, healthcare providers, and external partners.

Qualifications and Experience

Academic Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Counselling Psychology, Psychology, Clinical Psychology, or a related field.
• PhD in Counselling Psychology, Clinical Psychology, or a related field will be an added advantage.

Professional Qualifications

• Registered and licensed counsellor with the relevant professional body.
• Member of a recognized counselling or psychological association.

Experience

• Minimum of three (3) years’ experience in counselling, preferably in a higher education institution or youth-focused environment.

Competencies, Skills and Abilities

• Must be a born-again Christian in good standing in family, church, and society.
• Strong counselling and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent listening, communication, and report-writing skills.
• Crisis intervention and conflict-resolution skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries.
• Knowledge of student development and mental health issues affecting young adults.
• Ability to work with diverse cultural and religious backgrounds.
• Strong organizational and record-management skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and counselling management systems.