Student Counsellor

Position Summary

The Student Counsellor provides confidential, professional, and culturally sensitive counseling support to students to promote mental health, emotional well-being, academic success, and personal development. This role involves individual and group counseling, crisis intervention, outreach, referral, and collaboration with university stakeholders to foster a supportive campus environment.

Key Responsibilities

1. Individual & Group Counseling

• Provide one-on-one academic, career, and personal counselling to students.
• Conduct group counselling sessions and workshops on topics such as stress management, coping skills, relationships, transition challenges, time management, and resilience.
• Use evidence-based therapeutic approaches (e.g., CBT, person-centered, mindfulness).

2. Assessment & Referral

• Conduct initial assessments to identify student needs and appropriate interventions.
• Refer students to external mental health professionals, psychiatric services, or community resources when needed.
• Collaborate with faculty, residence life, and student services to support students at risk.

3. Crisis Intervention

• Provide immediate response and support during student crises
• Follow established protocols for crisis management, safety planning, and follow-up.

4. Prevention & Wellness Programs

• Design and deliver preventive, educational wellness programs.
• Organize mental health awareness campaigns, seminars, and community events.
• Promote emotional well-being across campus.

5. Recordkeeping & Reporting

• Maintain confidential and accurate records of counseling sessions in compliance with ethical and legal standards.
• Prepare periodic reports on counseling activities, trends, and outcomes for management review.

6. Collaboration & Consultation

• Work closely with faculty, staff, and parents (when appropriate) to support students.
• Advise on psychological insights related to student behavior and academic engagement.
• Participate in departmental meetings and student support committees.

7. Training & Professional Development

• Stay updated with current counseling practices, research, and mental health trends.
• Attend training, certifications, and workshops relevant to student mental health.
• Train faculty/staff on topics like identifying distress signs and making appropriate referrals.

Qualifications & Skills

Education & Certification

• Masters degree or higher in Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Counselling, Social Work, or related field.
• Registered Counsellor/Psychologist with relevant national/state board (if applicable).
• Additional certifications in counselling or therapeutic modalities are preferred.

Experience

• Minimum 24 years of professional counseling experience, preferably in educational or youth settings.
• Experience with crisis intervention, mental health assessment, and program development.

Skills & Competencies

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Strong empathy, active listening, and rapport building.
• Understanding of diverse student needs and multicultural competence.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, ethics, and professional boundaries.
• Effective time management, record-keeping, and organizational skills.
• Knowledge of higher education systems, student behavior, and developmental psychology.