Qualified HIV Counsellor post level 11)2 positions)

University of the Free State; Bloemfontein; On-site; ZAR 465,000 - 585,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme

Medical aid

Group life insurance

Housing allowance

Leave and sick leave

Service bonus

Study benefits

Job summary

The University of the Free State invites applications for a Qualified HIV Counsellor (post level 11) at the Health and Wellness Centre within Student Affairs, Sport, Arts and Culture. The role focuses on confidential, professional HIV counselling and creating a safe space for students to discuss personal challenges.

Responsibilities include adherence counselling, case management, referrals to healthcare providers, coordination of HIV/AIDS programmes and wellness activities, and promoting routine

Qualifications

• Postgraduate qualification in HIV and AIDS Counselling or related field.
• Honours degree in Psychology (NQF Level 8).
• Driver's license and willingness to obtain necessary training.

Responsibilities

• Provide professional HIV counselling with confidentiality and ethics.
• Create a safe space for students to discuss personal challenges.
• Adherence counselling and psychosocial support for students with HIV.
• Refer students to healthcare providers, psychologists and support organisations.
• Maintain case management and follow-up of referred students.
• Coordinate HIV/AIDS programmes, workshops and wellness activities.

Education

Honours degree in Psychology

Postgraduate qualification in HIV & AIDS Counselling

Qualification in HIV testing

Job description

Qualified HIV Counsellor (post level 11)(2 positions) (Job ID: 6623) - (2329)

Qualified HIV Counsellor (post level 11)(2 positions) (Job ID: 6623)

Organizational Unit

University of the Free State -> Student Affairs, Sport, Arts and Culture -> Health and Wellness Centre

Contract Type

Occupational Level

Location

Closing Date

5/11/2026

Description

• Provide professional HIV ongoing post-test counselling while maintaining strict confidentiality and ethical practice.

• Create a safe space where students can openly discuss personal challenges

• Provide adherence counselling and ongoing psychosocial support to students living with HIV.

• Refer students to appropriate healthcare providers, psychologists, social workers and external support organisations.

• Maintain effective case management and follow-up of referred students.

• Facilitate early linkage to HIV care and monitor referrals to the Health and Wellness Centre.

• Support students with HIV disclosure decisions through professional counselling and risk assessment.

• Promote routine HIV testing and early diagnosis among the student population.

• Plan and coordinate HIV/AIDS programmes, dialogues and workshops in collaboration with healthcare professionals.

• Coordinate wellness activities for HIV/AIDS support group throughout the year.

• Coordinate workshops for Treatment ambassadors.

• Support initiatives promoting awareness and prevention of HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

• Promote treatment adherence, early screening, and preventive healthcare services.

• Support students infected and affected by HIV-related stigma, discrimination, and challenges to disclose.

• Assist vulnerable students in accessing support services where appropriate.

• Coordinathe WhatsApp HIV/AIDS Support Group for people living with and/or affected by HIV/AIDS. This might include responding after normal working hours.

• Coordinate chatrooms, meetings and other gatherings as necessary

• Contribute to annual operational plans and budgets for HIV/AIDS support group, prevention, awareness, and health promotion programmes.

• Prepare budget estimates and funding for HIV/AIDS campaigns, initiatives, wellness activities, and community outreach projects.

• Coordinate the procurement of goods and services required for HIV/AIDS marketing materials, activities, and educational materials.

• Maintain accurate financial records and prepare expenditure reports for HIV/AIDS programme activities.

• Maintain confidential HIV counselling records in accordance with POPIA and professional bodies' ethical requirements.

• Maintain client records and data.

• Capture statistical data in a shared folder

• Compile monthly, quarterly, and annual HIV programme reports.

• Contribute to programme evaluation and continuous quality improvement.

• Respond to incoming calls, e-mails, and WhatsApp messages.

• Schedule appointments on electronic systems for clients and patients.

• Conduct general administration and reporting.

• Coordinate the procurement and distribution of food parcels and toiletries to vulnerable students and perform other responsibilities as assigned.

A postgraduate qualification in HIV and AIDS Counselling or social and behavioural studies (attach a copy).

A qualification in HIV testing (attach a copy) or a willingness to complete the required theoretical and practical training and pass the relevant assessments as soon as possible after appointment.

Minimum of two (2) years’ relevant working experience in HIV prevention, counselling and support.

Honours degree on NQF Level 8 in Psychology.

A valid driver’s license (attach a copy).

Experience working with young adults or in a Higher Education Institution

Experience in a Primary Health Care or Student Counselling Setting in Higher Education.

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.

Strategic Thinking:

• The ability to deal with several activities at a time.
• The ability to plan work and to follow plans.

Business Acumen:

• The ability to adhere to rules and strictly follow work regulations.
• Proficient in using MS Office.

Leading:

• The ability to maintain high levels of personal motivation, energy and enthusiasm.
• The ability to lead, take charge of situations, and offer opinions and directions to others.

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.

As soon as possible.

The annual remuneration package, including benefits is R 464 881,91- R 585 070,51 per annum, depending on the budget available for the position, relevant work experience and qualifications.

(Subject to specific conditions): pension scheme, medical aid scheme, group life insurance, housing allowance, leave and sick leave, service bonus and study benefits.

For enquiries, please feel free to contact 051 401 7659 or email [e-mail] or [e-mail]. Additionally, kindly contact 051 401 2558/2876 for assistance.

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: ufs-employment-equity-plan_2025.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.

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