Sports Psychologist

Placements24; Soweto; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a qualified Sports Psychologist to support athletes in Soweto, Gauteng, helping them develop mental resilience, manage pressure and optimize wellbeing. The role requires clinical and counseling expertise, strong knowledge of performance psychology, and the ability to work with diverse athletes, coaches and support staff, including evenings and weekends.

Join a dedicated team focused on athlete development and peak performance, with opportunities for ongoing professional

Qualifications

• Master's or Doctoral degree in Sports Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Counseling Psychology, or a related field.
• Professional registration with a relevant psychological board or association.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience working as a Sports Psychologist, preferably with competitive athletes.
• Proven experience in delivering mental skills training, counseling, and performance enhancement interventions.
• Strong understanding of human performance, motivation, and the psychological aspects of sport.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and active listening skills.
• Ability to build rapport and trust with athletes from diverse backgrounds.
• Proficiency in assessment tools and intervention techniques.
• Knowledge of ethical guidelines and best practices in sports psychology.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, to accommodate training and competition schedules.

Responsibilities

• Conduct psychological assessments and evaluations of athletes to identify mental strengths and areas for development.
• Develop and implement individualized mental skills training programs to enhance performance, focus, and confidence.
• Provide counseling and support to athletes dealing with performance anxiety, stress, injury recovery, and team dynamics.
• Facilitate workshops and seminars for athletes, coaches, and support staff on topics related to sports psychology and mental well‑being.
• Collaborate with coaches and other members of the performance team to integrate psychological strategies into training and competition plans.
• Assist athletes in setting realistic goals and developing effective coping mechanisms.
• Maintain confidential records of client sessions and progress.
• Stay current with the latest research and advancements in sports psychology.
• Promote a positive and healthy sporting culture that prioritizes mental health.
• Provide crisis intervention and support when necessary.

Skills

Mental skills training

Counseling

Communication

Interpersonal

Education

Master's or Doctoral degree in related field

Tools

Assessment tools

Intervention techniques

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent organization within the Leisure & Sports domain, is seeking a qualified and dedicated Sports Psychologist to support athletes in achieving peak mental performance in Soweto, Gauteng . This role is crucial for helping athletes develop mental resilience, manage pressure, and enhance their overall well‑being. The ideal candidate will possess strong clinical and counseling skills, combined with a deep understanding of sports dynamics and performance psychology. Join a team committed to athlete development and contribute to the sporting excellence in the Soweto community.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct psychological assessments and evaluations of athletes to identify mental strengths and areas for development.
• Develop and implement individualized mental skills training programs to enhance performance, focus, and confidence.
• Provide counseling and support to athletes dealing with performance anxiety, stress, injury recovery, and team dynamics.
• Facilitate workshops and seminars for athletes, coaches, and support staff on topics related to sports psychology and mental well‑being.
• Collaborate with coaches and other members of the performance team to integrate psychological strategies into training and competition plans.
• Assist athletes in setting realistic goals and developing effective coping mechanisms.
• Maintain confidential records of client sessions and progress.
• Stay current with the latest research and advancements in sports psychology.
• Promote a positive and healthy sporting culture that prioritizes mental health.
• Provide crisis intervention and support when necessary.

Requirements

• Master's or Doctoral degree in Sports Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Counseling Psychology, or a related field.
• Professional registration with a relevant psychological board or association.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience working as a Sports Psychologist, preferably with competitive athletes.
• Proven experience in delivering mental skills training, counseling, and performance enhancement interventions.
• Strong understanding of human performance, motivation, and the psychological aspects of sport.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and active listening skills.
• Ability to build rapport and trust with athletes from diverse backgrounds.
• Proficiency in assessment tools and intervention techniques.
• Knowledge of ethical guidelines and best practices in sports psychology.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, to accommodate training and competition schedules.

Benefits

This position offers a competitive annual salary of approximately R per annum , along with comprehensive benefits including medical aid and opportunities for continuous professional development. As part of the vibrant Leisure & Sports community in Soweto, Gauteng , you will have the chance to make a tangible difference in the lives of athletes, contributing to their success and well‑being, and advancing the field of sports psychology.