Senior Educational Psychologist position.

Independent Schools Association of Southern Africa; Meyerton; On-site; ZAR 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational academy located in Meyerton is seeking a full-time Senior Educational Psychologist. This role involves overseeing the psychology unit, ensuring high-quality educational and psychological services, and contributing to strategic development. Candidates must have a Master’s degree in Educational Psychology and at least five years of relevant experience. The position offers an opportunity to shape a supportive environment for students while contributing to their holistic development.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience as an Educational Psychologist.
• At least 3 years’ experience in a management or leadership position.
• Proven experience working with vulnerable children.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day operations of the psychology unit.
• Develop strategies to achieve the Academy's goals.
• Oversee implementation of psychological services.

Skills

Management experience

Crisis management

Trauma-informed care

Team management

Strategic planning

Financial resource management

Excellent communication

Cultural diversity awareness

Education

Master’s degree in Educational Psychology

Registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa

Job description

JOB PROFILE

Applications are invited for this full-time permanent Senior Educational Psychologist position.

Key Details

Start Date: 01 January 2026
Department: Psychology
Reports to: Head of Student Affairs
Closing Date: 10 November 2025

Organisation

The Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls (The Academy) is a world-class educational platform for girls aimed at nurturing a new generation of dynamic women leaders. This residential boarding school is situated in Meyerton, Gauteng Province, with just over 300 students enrolled in Grades 8-12.

Minimum Academic Requirements and Experience

• A Master’s degree in Educational Psychology;
• Registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa;
• A minimum of 5 years’ experience as an Educational Psychologist, ideally in a school or learning environment;
• A minimum of 3 years’ experience in a management or leadership position;
• Proven experience working with vulnerable children and adolescents with a history of trauma experiences;
• Experience in promoting the holistic well‑being and development of all students, academically, psychologically, and socially;
• Proven experience in working within a multi‑disciplinary team.

Main Purpose of the Job

The Senior Educational Psychologist provides management and oversight of the day‑to‑day operations and key initiatives related to the Unit. The incumbent will also contribute to the development of a strategy to achieve the Academy’s goals. This role ensures the delivery of a high‑quality educational and psychological service by implementing evidence‑based interventions and aligning departmental functions with the Academy’s broader vision.

With a strong focus on department management and supervision, the psychologist is responsible for developing and refining standard operating procedures (SOPs), policies, and strategic plans, ensuring compliance with best practices and HPCSA regulations. Additionally, the role involves preparing board and related reports, monitoring budgets and spending, and recommending strategic pivots to adapt to emerging learner needs and institutional priorities.

Beyond direct learner support, the Senior Educational Psychologist leads the Unit’s implementation plan, monitoring and evaluating services to measure impact and drive continuous improvement. The role involves extensive stakeholder engagement, fostering collaboration with internal and external partners to enhance service delivery and learner outcomes. By overseeing the development and execution of psychological services, in line with the budget, and continuously assessing programme effectiveness, the psychologist plays a crucial role in shaping a resilient, well‑supported student body while strengthening the Academy’s commitment to holistic education.

Knowledge, Skills, and Attitude

• Proven ability to deliver expert psychological services within an educational setting, addressing the needs of both staff and learners.
• Specialised knowledge in developmental psychology and educational strategies for children and adolescents.
• In‑depth knowledge of trauma‑informed care, applying this approach in support of learners’ well‑being.
• Willingness to learn how to use and implement a trauma‑informed Model of Therapeutics.
• Expertise in crisis management, providing effective support and intervention during critical situations to ensure the safety and well‑being of students and staff.
• Demonstrated experience in contributing to both the strategic and operational planning, ensuring alignment with broader organisational goals.
• Skilled in developing systems, procedures, and policies, with a track record of implementing new strategies to improve operations.
• Experience in forecasting and managing financial resources effectively to support organisational objectives.
• Superior planning and organisational capabilities, ensuring the smooth execution of tasks and initiatives.
• Exceptional organisational and administrative skills, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and compliance in all tasks.
• Strong team management and supervision abilities.
• Skilled in managing both internal and external relationships, fostering collaborative partnerships, and effective communication.
• Ability to convey complex technical issues and concepts clearly to diverse stakeholders through both written and verbal communication, including presentations and proposals.
• Deep understanding and respect for cultural diversity, ensuring inclusive practices in all interactions and services.
• Solution‑oriented with strong analytical and statistical abilities, effectively addressing challenges and developing actionable solutions.
• Committed to continuously improving customer service delivery and enhancing the overall experience through service excellence.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet tight deadlines without compromising on quality and attention to detail.
• Proven ability to uphold the highest standards of confidentiality in all professional interactions and processes.
• Act with the highest integrity and always uphold the Academy’s standards and values (Respect, Honour, Compassion, Service, Responsibility, and Accountability).

‘The Academy is an equal opportunity employer.’

“The Academy, in line with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), is committed to ensuring the confidentiality of all applicants for this role. Reasonable measures will be taken to safeguard personal information; however, such information will be used for the purposes of recruitment, selection, and reporting. By submitting your application, you acknowledge and accept this disclaimer”.

Location

534 Wargrave Road, Henley on Klip, Meyerton, 1961, South Africa