Wellness Navigator

Direct Reporting Line

Head: Academic Operations

Vega School is an educational brand of The Independent Institute of Education (The IIE). The IIE enjoys the reputation of being at the forefront of private higher education in South Africa and is registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) to provide higher education qualifications accredited by the Council on Higher Education (CHE).

The IIE Vega, Durban Campus has a vacancy for a Wellness Navigator.

Duties And Responsibilities

Provision of Student Emotional and Mental Counselling Services

• Creates a plan and schedule of provision of counselling services for on campus students
• Provides individual primary counselling to The IIE Vega School students and explores/determines if the student should be referred for secondary counselling and unpacks their referral options if necessary. (Up to 6 Sessions)
• Provides students with coping techniques and skills to deal with life challenges
• Receives the signed consent form from the student prior to the commencement of the first counselling session
• Establishes trustworthy relationships with students that opens channels for communication between the The IIE Vega School campus and students
• Facilitates group counselling for students with similar problems
• Establishes a referral network for secondary counselling services
• Presents Life Skills workshops addressing relevant social and emotional problems experienced by students
• Assist with mediation and conciliation with students during brand activation and brand challenge
• Creates awareness campaigns surrounding universal social and emotional issues and sources relevant guest speakers to add value to the campaign to address students on relevant topics

Creation, Rollout and Monitoring of Awareness Campaigns

• In collaboration with the academic, academic operations co-navigators and student experience teams, sets a bi-annual calendar for the following semester of awareness campaigns, based on the reports compiled throughout the previous year
• Identifies key themes, suggests possible campaigns and plans awareness campaigns accordingly
• Designs, develops, implements and manages awareness programmes and campaigns and includes and oversees the IIE Vega School Voice committee to assist with marketing and creating awareness for these campaigns.

Planning, Rollout and Monitoring of Community Engagement Programmes

• Facilitates engagements between The IIE Vega School students, staff and Non Government Organisation (NGO's) and identifies opportunities for Community Engagement projects
• In collaboration with the academic, academic operations co-navigators and student experience teams, sets the bi-annual community engagement and outreach programme calendar
• Markets sustainable community engagement outreach programmes and encourages student participation in these programmes
• Creates awareness amongst students regarding social issues and volunteerism opportunities
• Manages logistics and implementation plans for the successful rollout of community outreach programmes
• Empowers students with a sense of citizenship and encourages students to get involved in activities for community projects in their area (e.g. by donating blood in their area, donation drives and outreach projects)
• Educates students about giving back and sharing the skills with them to do so
• Co-ordinates communication and visibility of campaigns (including sharing posters on the WhatsApp community groups)
• Identifies beneficiary organisations with students for community outreach programmes.

Budget and Vega Voice Committee

• Identifies, appoints and manages the Vega Voice Committee to ensure involvement, creation and rollout of sporting, social, career, wellness and community engagement initiatives and projects on and off campus
• Organises students clubs and societies that cater for a range of social and cultural needs to promote social interaction and cultural diversity
• Conduct mid year reviews with the Vega Voice committee to monitor academic performance and provide feedback on roles and responsibilities. Ensuring Vega Voice training and development programmes are curated to ensure upskilling of committee
• Manage the Vega Voice budget to ensure projects and initiatives are aligned with the financial requirements
• Augments budgets through fundraising initiatives

Wellness Navigator Administration and Reporting

• Provides annual registration process support specifically relating to the marketing of the Wellness Navigator services
• Communicates and liaises with students specifically in relation to Wellness services available on campus
• Compiles and submits weekly Wellness status and progress reports as well as the weekly Student Activity Report to the National Student Wellness Manager including statistics and details of counselling sessions and referrals
• Markets, uploads and maintains a monthly register of workshops and awareness campaigns available and in the designated wellness weeks
• Ensure all marketing material / posters / infographics / videos are approved and available to students prior to the commencement of the initiatives
• Compiles and submits the necessary reports to the national office and ADvTECH head office as and when required
• Ensure effective and efficient service delivery to students by monitoring and communicating with students via the various platforms (Online Booking form, IIE Assist, Email)
• Assist HR with staff wellness days / events, through outsourced resources, catering and campus logistics
• Workshop facilitation (Midas Touch) such as WRP (Work Readiness Programme)
• Compiles and reports on monthly Corporate Social Investment (CSI) activities on the CSI Tertiary Hub

Competencies Required:

• Approachable and able to work in a team
• Calm and composed demeanour
• Advanced Communication and Interpersonal skills
• Organisational and Planning skills
• Analytical skills
• Counselling
• Computer skills

Minimum Qualification Requirements:

• Minimum of Postgraduate Diploma / Bachelor Honours Degree (NQF Level 8) in Counselling Psychology or Social Work.
• Ideal qualification Social Worker / Psychologist (NQF Level 9)
• Legal Requirements - Registered with Social Work Council or Health Professions Council of South Africa as a counsellor and Driver's License

Minimum Work Experience Requirements:

• Minimum of 2 years Trauma Counselling and 2 years Community Engagement experience

Ideal

• Canva Training / experience
• Professional Indemnity and medical malpractice insurance.
• Well-rounded individual with additional understanding of sports, social events, career readiness

Special Requirements:

• Registered with the Social Work Council (SACSSP) or Health Professions Council of South Africa as a Registered Counsellor (HPCSA)
• CPD Compliant Certificate with applicable professional body
• Driver's licence

The IIE's Vega School is an Equal Opportunity Employer . However, preference will be given to previously underrepresented groups in accordance with the South African Employment Equity Act.