Deputy Manager, Welfare and Counselling

Newcastle University; Newcastle; On-site; ZAR 788 000 - 836 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in KwaZulu-Natal seeks a Deputy Manager for Welfare and Counselling Services. This role involves operational leadership, providing support for student health and well-being. Candidates should have experience in crisis management and communication, alongside a relevant degree. Responsibilities include leading service delivery, managing a team, and collaborating with various stakeholders to create a positive environment. Competitive salary and inclusive work culture offered.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to inspire and support a team through change.
• Experience managing high-risk situations and providing expert advice.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a professional, accessible service for students.
• Coordinate data recording and report planning.
• Provide effective line management to direct reports.

Skills

Crisis Management

Leadership

Communication

Data & Reporting

Collaboration

Resilience

Education

Degree level professional qualification appropriate to mental health care

Job description

Deputy Manager, Welfare and Counselling Services

Newcastle University – dynamic and impactful opportunity for a leader in student health and wellbeing. The Deputy Manager reports directly to the Manager of Welfare and Counselling Services and plays a pivotal role in the operational leadership and team management of the department.

Key Accountabilities

• Service Leadership: Lead and develop a professional, welcoming and accessible service that responds to the diverse needs of the student population.
• Integrated Student Support: Coordinate with other SHWS colleagues to ensure comprehensive data recording, reporting and resource planning.
• Representation and Partnership: Represent the service and the university at local and national multi‑disciplinary groups, building and maintaining partnerships to support a safe and positive student experience.
• Line Management & Development: Provide effective line management to direct reports, monitor performance against agreed targets and support staff development.
• Operational Oversight: Support day‑to‑day operational processes including induction, absence and leave management, probation, performance reviews, staffing and finance.
• Policy and Procedure Development: Develop, review, implement and evaluate policies and procedures for effective and inclusive service delivery.
• Governance and Quality Assurance: Oversee compliance with training, supervision and data reporting systems and use data to inform planning and resource allocation.
• Training and Guidance: Deliver education and training to the wider university community.
• Legislative and Sector Knowledge: Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of relevant legislation, sector standards and policy developments.
• Professional Standards and Student Support: Promote ethical practice, uphold professional standards, maintain a student‑facing role where appropriate and take proactive responsibility for personal wellbeing and professional development.

The Person – Essential

• Leadership: Proven ability to inspire and support a team through change.
• Crisis Management: Experience managing high‑risk situations and providing expert advice to internal and external colleagues.
• Communication: Excellent written and oral communication, training delivery and stakeholder engagement.
• Data & Reporting: Capacity to design and manage service data recording and reporting systems to inform service delivery plans.
• Resilience: Ability to maintain personal and professional resilience in a demanding environment.
• Collaboration: Experience working with external providers to effect positive change.

Attributes and Behaviour

• Planning and Organising: Organise and manage complex responsibilities, remain flexible to changing circumstances and set priorities in line with institutional objectives.
• Finding Solutions: Encourage creative and innovative thinking, recognise urgency, take decisive action and handle a broad range of information.
• Influencing: Use a variety of influencing styles tailored to the audience and plan suitable approaches.
• Communicating: Tailor communication content and tone, use face‑to‑face and written communication, listen, respect and present own views.
• Embracing Change: Take initiative, accept reality of change, anticipate and prepare for change to support organisational goals.

Other Relevant Information

A DBS check is required for this post.

The post requires out of hours work to support the Evening Clinic and occasional crisis management support for students.

Qualifications

A degree level professional qualification appropriate to mental health care (e.g. Mental Health, Social Work, Nursing, Safeguarding, Counselling).

EEO and Inclusive University Statements

Newcastle University is an equal opportunities employer, a disability‑confident organisation and awards both a gold Athena Swan award and a Race Equality Charter bronze award. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and provide interview support for disabled applicants.

Closing Date

17 November 2025

Salary

£35,608 – £37,694 per annum