Senior School Counselor

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 660,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior School Counselor for our client in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga. The role focuses on emotional, social, and academic well-being of students, providing individual and group counseling, and developing prevention programs within a supportive school community.

The successful candidate will hold a Master's degree, professional licensure, at least five years of experience in school counseling, and strong skills in crisis intervention, confidentiality, and collaboration with

Qualifications

• Master's degree in School Counseling, Psychology, Social Work or related field.
• Professional licensure or registration as a counselor/psychologist required.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience as a school counselor, preferably secondary level.
• Demonstrated expertise in adolescent psychology, counseling techniques and crisis intervention.
• Strong understanding of child development and educational systems.
• Excellent communication, active listening, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive situations with discretion and empathy.
• Experience in developing and delivering psychoeducational programs.
• Proficiency in record-keeping and case management.
• Genuine commitment to student welfare and academic success.

Responsibilities

• Provide individual and group counseling to students addressing academic stress, personal challenges, social difficulties, and mental health concerns.
• Develop and implement comprehensive school-wide counseling programs focusing on prevention, early intervention, and crisis management.
• Conduct assessments to identify students' needs and provide appropriate referrals to internal or external resources.
• Collaborate with teachers, administrators, and parents to support students' holistic development and address behavioral or emotional concerns.
• Facilitate workshops for students, staff, and parents on topics related to mental health, well-being, and coping strategies.
• Maintain confidential and accurate student records in compliance with ethical and legal standards.
• Participate in school safety planning and crisis response teams.
• Stay current with best practices, research, and ethical guidelines in school counseling and adolescent psychology.
• Mentor and support junior counselors or counseling interns if applicable.
• Promote a positive and supportive school climate that encourages student success and well-being.

Skills

Counseling

Crisis intervention

Adolescent psychology

Confidentiality

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Empathy

Record-keeping

Team collaboration

Psychoeducational programs

Education

Master's degree in School Counseling or related field

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a highly respected academic institution in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga , is seeking an experienced and compassionate Senior School Counselor. This role is integral to supporting the emotional, social, and academic well-being of students. The Senior School Counselor will provide individual and group counseling services, develop and implement prevention programs, and collaborate with staff, parents, and external agencies to ensure a supportive and safe school environment. This is a key pastoral care role for a professional dedicated to fostering student resilience and positive development within a vibrant school community.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide individual and group counseling to students addressing issues such as academic stress, personal challenges, social difficulties, and mental health concerns.
• Develop and implement comprehensive school-wide counseling programs focusing on prevention, early intervention, and crisis management.
• Conduct assessments to identify students' needs and provide appropriate referrals to internal or external resources.
• Collaborate closely with teachers, administrators, and parents to support students' holistic development and address behavioral or emotional concerns.
• Facilitate workshops for students, staff, and parents on topics related to mental health, well-being, and coping strategies.
• Maintain confidential and accurate student records in compliance with ethical and legal standards.
• Participate in school safety planning and crisis response teams.
• Stay current with best practices, research, and ethical guidelines in school counseling and adolescent psychology.
• Mentor and support junior counselors or counseling interns if applicable.
• Promote a positive and supportive school climate that encourages student success and well-being.

Requirements

• A Master's degree in School Counseling, Psychology, Social Work, or a related field.
• Professional licensure or registration as a counselor or psychologist is required.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience as a school counselor, preferably at the secondary school level.
• Demonstrated expertise in adolescent psychology, counseling techniques, and crisis intervention.
• Strong understanding of child development and educational systems.
• Excellent communication, active listening, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive situations with discretion and empathy.
• Experience in developing and delivering psychoeducational programs.
• Proficiency in record-keeping and case management.
• A genuine commitment to student welfare and academic success.

Benefits

This position offers a competitive salary, commensurate with experience, alongside a comprehensive benefits package including medical aid and a retirement fund. Our client provides excellent opportunities for professional development and growth within a supportive and collaborative educational setting in Nelspruit . The role allows for direct impact on student well-being and offers the satisfaction of contributing to a positive school culture. Employees benefit from access to modern facilities and a dedicated team committed to student success.