Psychologist

Durban University of Technology; KwaZulu-Natal; On-site; ZAR 300,000 - 400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional development opportunities

Engagement in community wellness initiatives

Job summary

Durban University of Technology is looking for a qualified Psychologist to provide counselling, assessment, and mental health support services to students. The ideal candidate will have a Master’s Degree in Psychology, HPCSA registration, and at least three years of experience.

The role includes providing individual and group counselling, conducting assessments, and developing wellness programmes. A commitment to the University's transformation and inclusivity agenda is essential.

Qualifications

• Registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as a Psychologist.
• A minimum of three (3) years' experience in psychological counselling.
• Knowledge of Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and Higher Education Act.

Responsibilities

• Providing individual counselling for academic, emotional, and social challenges.
• Conducting psychometric and diagnostic assessments.
• Designing and facilitating wellness workshops.

Skills

Individual and group counselling

Crisis intervention

Interpersonal communication

Record-keeping and reporting

Education

Master's Degree in Psychology at NQF Level 9

Job description

Psychologist

Steve Biko Campus, Durban

The Durban University of Technology (DUT) is seeking to appoint a suitably qualified and experienced Psychologist to provide professional psychological counselling, assessment, and mental health support services to students. The successful candidate will contribute to student well‑being, academic success, personal development, and the University's transformation and inclusivity agenda.

Minimum Requirements

• Master's Degree in Psychology (Counselling, Clinical, or Educational Psychology) at NQF Level 9.
• Registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as a Psychologist.
• A minimum of three (3) years' experience in providing psychological counselling and assessment services.

Knowledge of

• Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA).
• Higher Education Act.
• Professional ethical codes and standards applicable to psychological practice.

Recommendations

• Registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) in the appropriate category (Counselling, Clinical, or Educational).
• Five (5) or more years' experience in higher education, youth development, or clinical practice.
• Membership of professional mental health associations such as PsySSA.
• Familiarity with student mental health frameworks within higher education.
• Experience in youth and student development initiatives.
• Expertise in psycho-educational programme design and delivery.
• Established relationships with external mental health service providers.
• Knowledge of programme evaluation, mental health data analytics, and evidence-based intervention design.

Key Competencies

Applicants must demonstrate knowledge and technical competencies in the following areas.

• Competence in individual and group counselling, therapy, and psychological assessment.
• Strong crisis intervention and mental health support capabilities.
• Ability to manage confidential and sensitive information.
• Excellent interpersonal, empathy, advocacy, and communication skills.
• Strong administrative, record-keeping, and reporting abilities.
• Ability to align psychological interventions with institutional transformation and student success goals.

Key Responsibilities

Psychological Counselling and Therapy

• Providing individual counselling for academic, emotional, and social challenges.
• Facilitating group therapy and psycho-educational programmes.
• Delivering crisis counselling and psychological interventions.
• Developing treatment plans and monitoring student progress.
• Referring students to specialised services where appropriate.

Psychological Assessment and Diagnosis

• Conducting psychometric and diagnostic assessments.
• Preparing comprehensive psychological reports and recommendations.
• Supporting academic concession applications.
• Identifying learning difficulties and recommending interventions.
• Maintaining assessment records in accordance with HPCSA and POPIA requirements.

Wellness Promotion and Preventative Programmes

• Designing and facilitating wellness workshops and mental health awareness programmes.
• Coordinating wellness campaigns and awareness events.
• Training peer counsellors and student wellness ambassadors.
• Evaluating the effectiveness of wellness interventions.

Student Support and Referral Services

• Collaborating with Social Workers, Nurses, Disability Coordinators, and academic departments.
• Liaising with external mental health professionals and service providers.
• Coordinating and monitoring referral processes and continuity of care.
• Advocating for student mental health support within the institution.

Risk, Ethics and Compliance

• Ensuring compliance with HPCSA ethical standards and professional practice requirements.
• Managing mental health risk identification and reporting.
• Maintaining confidentiality and ethical record management.
• Contributing to governance reports, audits, and compliance initiatives.

Administration and Reporting

• Maintaining accurate case records and documentation.
• Preparing monthly, quarterly, and annual reports.
• Monitoring service utilisation statistics.
• Supporting audit and compliance requirements.
• Managing appointment scheduling and attendance records.

Special Requirements

• Willingness to work extended hours during crises or major wellness campaigns.
• Ability to manage highly confidential and emotionally sensitive matters.
• Commitment to DUT's inclusivity, transformation, and holistic student development objectives.
• Ability to function effectively in a dynamic higher education environment.

Applications Should Include

• A fully completed prescribed application form which can be obtained from www.dut.ac.za (under the QUICK LINKS tab – @careers).
• A detailed curriculum vita (explicitly stating experience or knowledge in the above mentioned fields).
• Certified copies of all academic records and certificates.
• Current contact information of referees.
• Please email application to [e-mail] and quote the post reference and post description in the subject line.

Contact Person: Pirya Naidoo
Contact Email: [e-mail]
Status: Permanent
Salary: Market Related
Closing Date: 03 July 2026

The University reserves the right to not appoint, re‑advertise to widen the pool of applicants, and will conduct verification of information. Verification will be conducted on preferred candidates only.