Counsellor job at Bishop Stuart University

Background information about the job or company (e.g., role context, company overview)

Bishop Stuart University (BSU) is a Faith-Based Christian University founded in 2002 by Ankole Diocese of the Church of Uganda. Fully accredited and chartered by His Excellency, the President of Uganda in 2014, the University is located in Mbarara City, Western Uganda. Our Mission is to train and produce Responsible, Ethical, Employable, Entrepreneurial and God-fearing graduates (REEE+G).

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, BSU offers competitive salaries and excellent opportunities for career growth and professional development. The University now seeks to recruit competent and highly qualified professionals to contribute to the implementation of its 10-Year Strategic Plan (2025–2035) and the efficient operationalization of the University Council policies in a highly competitive higher education environment.

The Counselor provides holistic, faith-integrated counseling to support students in overcoming academic, personal, emotional, and spiritual challenges, while actively promoting their overall well-being, retention, and growth into ethical, servant-hearted leaders, thereby directly advancing the University’s mission of character formation and the 2025-2035 Strategic Plan’s core priority of student-centered transformation in a compassionate and Christ-centered environment. Reports to the Dean of Students.

Qualifications or requirements (e.g., education, skills)

Basic qualifications

• Minimum of a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Social Work and Social Administration, or Guidance and Counseling.
• Must be below 45 years of age.
• Professional membership and/or certification shall be an added advantage.

Personal Competencies

• Deep faith in Jesus Christ, with training in Christian counseling to blend spiritual and psychological support compassionately.
• Empathetic, non-judgmental listening skills with proficiency in therapeutic techniques like cognitive-behavioral therapy.
• Crisis management abilities, with cultural competence for Uganda’s diverse student body.
• Organizational skills for program development using tools like counseling software.
• Commitment to confidentiality, ethical practice, and relentless service, embodying the university’s values of compassion and pursuit of knowledge.

Experience needed

• At least 5 years of experience in student counseling, preferably in a University context.

Responsibilities or duties

• Conduct individual, group, and crisis counseling sessions to support students facing stress, mental health issues, academic difficulties, or spiritual doubts.
• Design and facilitate wellness programs, workshops, and peer support groups on topics like resilience, time management, and faith-based coping strategies.
• Collaborate with academic staff, chaplaincy, and external professionals to identify and intervene with at-risk students, ensuring timely referrals.
• Maintain accurate, confidential records of counseling interactions in compliance with ethical guidelines and university policies.
• Integrate Christian counseling approaches, such as prayer and scripture-based guidance, while respecting diverse beliefs.
• Contribute to student affairs policies, including orientation sessions on mental health and holistic development.
• Evaluate counseling program effectiveness through student feedback and outcome tracking, reporting to the Dean for continuous improvement.

Any other provided details (e.g., benefits, work environment, team info, or additional notes)

Note: Foreign applicants will be responsible for their own work permit and related fees.

• Conduct individual, group, and crisis counseling sessions to support students facing stress, mental health issues, academic difficulties, or spiritual doubts.
• Design and facilitate wellness programs, workshops, and peer support groups on topics like resilience, time management, and faith-based coping strategies.
• Collaborate with academic staff, chaplaincy, and external professionals to identify and intervene with at-risk students, ensuring timely referrals.
• Maintain accurate, confidential records of counseling interactions in compliance with ethical guidelines and university policies.
• Integrate Christian counseling approaches, such as prayer and scripture-based guidance, while respecting diverse beliefs.
• Contribute to student affairs policies, including orientation sessions on mental health and holistic development.
• Evaluate counseling program effectiveness through student feedback and outcome tracking, reporting to the Dean for continuous improvement.

• Empathetic, non-judgmental listening skills
• Proficiency in therapeutic techniques like cognitive-behavioral therapy
• Crisis management abilities
• Cultural competence for Uganda’s diverse student body
• Organizational skills for program development
• Commitment to confidentiality
• Ethical practice
• Relentless service

• Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Social Work and Social Administration, or Guidance and Counseling.
• Below 45 years of age.
• Professional membership and/or certification (added advantage).
• Deep faith in Jesus Christ.
• Training in Christian counseling.