Transitional Counsellor : Career Advice

Department Description/Departement Beskrywing

Centre for Student Counselling and Development

Transitional Counsellor: Career Advice (Post Level 10)

(Three-year fixed-term contract)

(Stellenbosch Campus)

Ref. SSVO/076/0425

This three-year contract position within the Academic Advice Project is a crucial part of the Student Success Initiative at Stellenbosch University (SU). Based at the Unit for Graduand Career Services within the Centre for Student Counselling and Development, the role of the Transitional Counsellor: Career Advice is to support students as they navigate key transitions in their career development journey. This position, in collaboration with academic advisors and career psychologists, provides career exploration support and personal development coaching, ensuring that students develop SU's graduate attributes and successfully transition into the world of work.

The Transitional Counsellor: Career Advice will work closely with Faculty and institutional support services to provide general guidance on career exploration and psycho-social support with regards to the professional development of SU students. They will also be part of a multidisciplinary team that uses data-driven decision-making to enhance student outcomes. The incumbent should have experience in recruitment and career development, be adept at managing complex student issues with empathy and professionalism, and be dedicated to student retention and success initiatives.

Duties/Pligte

• Providing individualised guidance on career exploration, job search strategies, and professional development;
• Assisting students with CV's, cover letters, and LinkedIn profile reviews to enhance employability;
• Connecting students with up-to-date career information, including industry trends, career guides, and reports;
• Organising and supporting online and on-campus career-related events, such as lunch-time or after-hours company presentations and career development workshops;
• Engaging with employers to recruit representatives for panel discussions and networking events such as Career Khulumas;
• Collaborating with student bodies, faculties, and departments to promote UGCS services;
• Arranging World of Work events for specific faculties and academic departments in collaboration with academic advisors;
• Assisting with the distribution of mailshots with job opportunities and career resources to targeted student groups;
• Utilising social media and other digital platforms to enhance student engagement with career services;
• Maintaining effective communication with stakeholders, including students, Faculty, and employers.

Job Requirements/Pos Vereistes

• A post-matric qualification (at least at an NQF level 8) in industrial psychology, recruitment, psychology, human resources management or a related field;
• At least two years¿ relevant experience in career counselling, student advising, or student support services;
• Strong understanding of recruitment and selection processes;
• Proficiency in social media, marketing, and event planning;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills (bilingual proficiency preferred);
• Strong computer literacy and information management skills;
• Organisational, presentation, and conflict management skills;
• Strong attention to detail and professionalism;
• Computer skills in the MS Office environment;
• Objectivity and a student-centred approach;
• Empathy, friendliness, and the ability to connect with students;
• The ability to work under pressure;
• The ability to work effectively in a team;
• The ability to work according to a fixed schedule in a structured environment and deliver a quality service;
• Independent worker;
• Transparent and effective communication styles;
• Conscientious;
• Punctual;
• Strong ethical orientation;
• Proactive and collaborative mindset.

Recommendation/Aanbeveling

• Specific experience in the duties as indicated above;
• Experience in multidisciplinary cooperation;
• Training and/or experience in career support;
• Experience of rendering services within a higher education or post-secondary education training systems environment;
• Experience in developing and presenting workshops on topics related to personal development and self-management;
• Experience in service delivery to a diverse client population;
• The ability to interpret data and use it to inform programme adjustments and outcomes reporting.

How To Apply/Hoe Om Aansoek Te Doen

Stellenbosch University is committed to employment equity (EE). In accordance with the institutional EE Plan of the University and that of the specific environment, only South African citizens from the designated groups will be considered for appointment.

Stellenbosch University reserves the right not to make an appointment.

Your application, comprising a comprehensive curriculum vitae (including the names and email addresses of at least three referees), must reach the University before or on the closing date of the advertised post.

APPLY ONLINE AT https://www.sun.ac.za/english/careers BY USING THE APPLY NOW LINK AT THE TOP RIGHT-HAND CORNER OF THE SPECIFIC VACANCY PAGE.

The University reserves the right to investigate qualifications and conduct background checks on all candidates.

Should no feedback be received from the University within four to six weeks of the closing date, kindly accept that your application did not succeed.

Enquiries/Navrae

Enquiries regarding this post: Mr M. Timmey on 021 808 4707, or at timmey@sun.ac.za

Enquiries regarding remuneration/benefits, as well as technical assistance with the electronic application process: Human Resources Client Services Centre on 021 808 2753 (Stellenbosch) / 021 938 9636 (Tygerberg), or at sun-e-hr@sun.ac.za