Psychologist - Student Wellness Service

About the role

The Department of Student Affairs, through its Student Wellness Service (SWS) at the University of Cape Town, is seeking a permanent psychologist (payclass 11) to join the service as soon as possible. The post reports to the Principal Psychologist and is based on one of the university's campuses within a faculty. The psychologist provides psychological services to students, assessing, intervening and managing their psychological concerns, and works in line with the regulations of the HPCSA.

Key responsibilities

• Provide brief assessment consultations, psychotherapy, psychoeducation and support mental health promotion drives.
• Deliver short-term clinical and psychoeducational interventions in a student-centred, multidisciplinary primary mental health care service.
• Assess, diagnose and treat students with psychological, psychosocial and/or psychiatric problems within the scope of practice of the professional board.
• Plan, coordinate and take part in mental health promotion activities of the team.
• Refer to other members of the multidisciplinary team when needed.
• Take part in policy work and projects promoting the mental health of the UCT student community.
• Promote mental health education, awareness and life-skills programmes.
• Facilitate admission to an appropriate hospital or health facility in cases of mental health or psychiatric emergency.
• Co-ordinate and take part in SWS portfolios and projects, and assist colleagues.

Required profile

• NQF Level 9 qualification.
• Current HPCSA registration as a Clinical or Counselling Psychologist.
• Two years of experience as a practising psychologist.
• Good interpersonal skills, empathy for students, and ability to work under pressure in a demanding, multidisciplinary setting.
• Advantageous: counselling or therapeutic experience in higher education, fluency in one or more indigenous languages.

Annual cost of employment, including benefits, is between R812 303 and R955 647. Applicants must submit a motivational letter, CV, three referees with contact details, highest qualification, ID/passport and proof of HPCSA registration. Shortlisted candidates may be asked for competency and medical assessments, and references may be requested at any stage. Applications close on 05 November 2026.