Student Counselling - Intern Counselling Psychologist

DEPARTMENT OF STUDENT AFFAIRS

INTERN: COUNSELLING PSYCHOLOGIST (SEVEN POSTS, ONE-YEAR CONTRACT, 2026)

In pursuit of the ideals of excellence and diversity, the University of Pretoria wishes to invite applications for the following vacancy.

The University of Pretoria's commitment to quality makes us one of the top research Universities in the country and gives us a competitive advantage in international science and technology development.

JOB PURPOSE:

This post is related to professional psychology internship training. The incumbent will be responsible for rendering counselling psychology services to students/young adults to promote academic success and emotional wellness. This will include psychotherapeutic services and the development and identification of preventative and self-help programmes for the purposes of the promotion of well-being, and to enhance the academic success of students/young adults. The incumbent will have to comply with the requirements of the HPCSA in the above regards.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The successful candidate will actively participate in the following areas:

• Psychotherapeutic counselling services to students/young adults, to promote academic success and emotional wellness:
  • Rendering counselling services (individually and group work), and present programmes to enhance student emotional wellness;
  • Providing therapeutic services to children, adolescents and other client profiles at other campuses and sites, as part of training requirements;
  • Consultation with Head: Student Counselling, internship supervisors, and colleagues;
• Development of preventative and self-help, academic and therapeutic programmes in view of the identified needs of students:
  • Developing new programmes according to the identified needs;
  • Co-operating and receiving feedback from internal role players according to applicable data and research;
• Career testing and academic support services and programmes:
  • Developing and delivering academic support services and programmes;
  • Providing feedback to students and parents after testing/counselling;
  • Consulting with academic personnel, relevant internal and external role players, and students, to determine needs, problems and possibilities for programmes and other relevant interventions;
• Research:
  • Contributing to research to support the department in developing tailor-made programmes in line with the academic and emotional needs of the student population at the University of Pretoria;
• Professional development;
  • Enhancing personal level of knowledge by way of studying applicable literature and research to ensure continuous learning and training;
  • Participating in case presentation for the purpose of evaluation by supervisors and/or other professionals;
  • Undergoing mandatory weekly supervision;
• Participation in institutional activities:
  • Participating as a team member within the Student Counselling Unit in all its activities and its networks within the University.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Proven registration as a MA student in Counselling Psychology at an accredited university;
• Completed course work as part of the first year MA/MSc Counselling Psychology training programme at an accredited university;
• Registration as student/intern with HPCSA;
• Compliance in the above with the HPCSA regulations;
• Successful completion of practical work as part of first year MA/MSc Counselling Psychology training.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES (SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND BEHAVIOURAL ATTRIBUTES):

• Knowledge of the following:
  • Psychological interventions at a professional level;
  • Short term and brief therapy techniques;
  • A range of psychometric assessments;
  • The Code of Ethics and Conduct for Psychologists (HPCSA);
• Ability to diagnose psychological problems and psychopathology within the scope of practice for Counselling psychologists;
• Flexibility as the service demands require;
• Good interpersonal skills;
• Ability to work in a multi-disciplinary team;
• Efficient planning, organising and prioritising skills;
• Ability to work under pressure and manage crisis interventions;
• Professionalism, confidentiality and sensitivity towards the diversity of students;
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal);
• Computer skills in MS Word, PowerPoint and e-mail;
• Ethical insight and reliability.

ADDED ADVANTAGES AND PREFERENCES:

• Practical experience within a mental health clinic environment;
• Experience with psychological assessments and psychometric tests;
• Experience with report writing;
• Registration with the Professional Board for Psychology of the HPCSA as an intern Psychologist, prior to or simultaneous to, taking up the position.

The total remuneration package for this training position is R126,000.00 per annum as determined by UP policy guidelines.

Applicants are requested to apply online at www.up.ac.za

In applying for this post, please attach:

• A cover letter which includes a short, narrative self-evaluation;
• A comprehensive CV;
• Certified copies of registration as a current MA or MSc Counselling Psychology student;
• Certified copy of registration as a current Student Psychologist with the HPCSA;
• Certified copies of undergraduate qualifications;
• Certified copies of academic results;
• Names, e-mail addresses and telephone details of three referees whom we have permission to contact.

CLOSING DATE: 01 September 2025

No application will be considered after the closing date, or if it does not comply with at least the minimum requirements. Please ensure to submit and upload ALL documents stipulated above.

ENQUIRIES: Ms. Neo Kwadibane, email: [email protected] for application-related enquiries, and Dr. Hanle Kirkcaldy, email: [email protected] enquiries relating to the post content.

Should you not hear from the University of Pretoria by 31 October 2025, please accept that your application has been unsuccessful.

The University of Pretoria is committed to equality, employment equity and diversity.

In accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets, preference may be given, but is not limited to candidates from under-represented designated groups.

All candidates who comply with the requirements for appointment are invited to apply.

By applying for this vacancy, the candidates consent to undergo verification of personal credentials and related information including, but not limited to, qualifications, criminal record, credit record, current and historic disciplinary proceedings as part of the selection process.

The University of Pretoria reserves the right to not fill the advertised positions.