Student Success Coach Medical School

NMU; Gqeberha; On-site; ZAR 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Gqeberha seeks a Student Success Coach to develop impactful student engagements and support. This role involves mentoring diverse students, leading programs to enhance retention and success in the Medical and Health Sciences. Candidates should possess an M+4 degree and experience in student coaching. The position requires flexibility in work hours to meet student needs.

Qualifications

• 3 – 5 years' experience in student coaching or advising.
• Professional registration with HPCSA or applicable body required.
• Experience with diverse university student populations.

Responsibilities

• Develop and coordinate student success interventions.
• Conduct individual and group coaching sessions.
• Coordinate the First-Year experience program.

Skills

Coaching and mentoring

Knowledge of higher education trends

Critical thinking

Organizational skills

Education

M+4 degree in Counselling or Educational Psychology

Job description

Overview

Nelson Mandela University reserves the right not to make an appointment. In considering candidates for appointment into the advertised posts, preference will be accorded to persons from a designated group in accordance with the approved Nelson Mandela University Employment Equity Plan.

Core purpose of the job

The core purpose of the post is to develop a high-impact connection with a diverse student body on their journey through university, by actively and intentionally engaging them in developing a personalized success plan through goal-directed and collaborative learning experiences. Student Success Coaching helps create a sense of belonging and student ownership that aims to increase retention, persistence, and graduation, enabling students to change their world.

Key performance areas

Reporting to the Head of Unit/Co-ordinator, the Student Success Coach at the Medical School is required to:

• Develop and coordinate tailored student success interventions and strategies, coaching and mentorship programs for Medical and Health Science students.
  • Conduct individual and group coaching sessions with the focus on academic and psycho-social support and development for Medical and Health Science students.
  • Refer students to appropriate academic, personnel and support resources.
  • Coordinate the First-Year experience program for Medical and Health Science students.
  • Collaborate and communicate with relevant internal and external stakeholders.
  • Provide case management and administrative systems that ensure quality and ethical standards.
  • Develop and implement policies and procedures to facilitate the student success program.
• Contribute to research in a relevant field within Health Sciences.

Core competencies

1. Knowledge of coaching and mentoring in a university environment.
   1. Knowledge of higher education trends, both nationally and internationally, with a focus on student success and student development.
   2. Knowledge of student learning and development theories, as well as student success strategies.
      1. Ability to work collaboratively and communicate effectively with a diverse group of students, academics, professional and administrative staff members.
      2. Experience in individual case management for at-risk students to track their counselling and development progress, which is embedded in ethical and professional practices.
      3. Knowledge and/or understanding of university processes, rules, resources, and national legislation related to Higher Education.
      4. Critical thinking, problem-solving and conflict resolution skills.
      5. Proven organisational, technological, and administrative skills.
      6. Proven research knowledge and data analysis skills.

Requirements

Education

M +4 degree in Counselling or Educational Psychology, Social work, or equivalent.

Registration

Professional registration with the HPCSA or applicable professional body.

Experience

3 – 5 years’ experience at university level in student coaching, advising, and teaching of diverse university students related to enhancing academic success and retention in a higher education/university setting.

In conducting individual and group coaching sessions, candidates must be willing to have flexible work arrangements including consultations with students after hours and on weekends as required to meet student needs. Providing evidence of experience with innovative student centred service delivery models may serve as an advantage.

Additional information

Notes for candidates: Candidates must provide a cover letter indicating exactly how their skills match the post requirements, and provide a Curriculum Vitae including the names of three referees, certified copies of their qualifications, current HPCSA or relevant registration with an applicable professional body, and a valid Driver’s License. Candidates may be required to give a PowerPoint presentation and participate in such recruitment and selection assessments as determined by the university.

Please note that no late applications will be accepted.