Professional Counsellor

Botho University, Lesotho Campus, is a dynamic institution committed to growth and innovation. We continuously introduce new programmes and facilities to meet evolving industry demands and equip our graduates with future-ready skills. The University offers Campus Learning in Eswatini and other African countries, alongside Blended and Distance Learning programmes via our Online Learning Campus.

We invite applications from exceptional leaders for the following position. Preference will be given to suitably qualified Lesotho citizens.

Professional Counsellor

Qualifications and Experience Required:

- Bachelor of Social work, BA Pastoral Care and Counselling or any other relevant field.
- Candidates who have 2 years of experience in handling similar roles in Higher Education Institutions will be given preference.

Key Performance Areas (KPAs)

- Provide confidential professional counselling and psychosocial support to Botho University students and staff experiencing personal, emotional, academic, social, or work-related challenges.
- Conduct basic mental health screening.
- Identify individuals experiencing signs of depression, anxiety, stress, substance use, trauma, relationship difficulties or other psychosocial distress, and provide appropriate initial support.
- Provide individual and, where appropriate, group counselling focused on emotional wellbeing, stress management, coping strategies, resilience, relationships, adjustment, and personal development
- Provide psychosocial support to students and staff experiencing academic, financial, family, workplace, bereavement, or other personal challenges that may affect their well-being and functioning.
- Provide appropriate crisis intervention and psychological first-line support and facilitate timely referral of individuals presenting with significant or complex mental health concerns.
- Refer students and staff with moderate to severe mental heath conditions or other specialised needs to qualified psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, medical practitioners, or other relevant professional services, in accordance with established referral protocols.
- Support students and staff affected by trauma, bereavement, harassment, bullying, violence, discrimination, or other critical incidents, while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries and confidentiality.
- Promote mental health awareness, emotional wellbeing, resilience, and help-seeking behaviours through workshops, health talks, awareness campaigns, and educational programmes.
- Provide counselling and psychosocial support that contributes to students retention, academic success, staff wellbeing, and a positive university environment.
- Maintain accurate, confidential, and secure counselling and client records in accordance with professional ethical standards and Botho University policies.
- Uphold confidentiality, informed consent, professional ethics, safeguarding principles, and appropriate boundaries in all counselling interactions.
- Develop and maintain appropriate referral networks and partnerships with external mental health and psychosocial service providers to ensure continuity of care.
- Collaborate with relevant University departments, including Student and Alumni Affairs, Human Resources, academic departments, Health Services and student leadership, where appropriate, to promote holistic student and staff well being while protecting client confidentiality.
- Conduct regular wellbeing needs assessments and trend analysis, using appropriately anonymised information, to inform the development of relevant student and staff support programmes.
- Provide support during university crises, emergencies, and critical incidents as part of the University’s response and student/staff wellbeing mechanisms.
- Participate in professional development, supervision, case consultation, and other activities necessary to maintain professional competence and quality counselling services.
- Prepare appropriate confidential and aggregated reports on counselling and psychosocial services for management, ensuring that individual client identities and sensitive information are protected.

Core Competencies:

- Professional counselling skills.
- Mental health screening skills.
- Strong listening and communication skills.
- Empathy and emotional intelligence.
- Crisis intervention skills.
- Problem-solving skills.
- Confidentiality and ethical practice.
- Referral and case management skills.
- Report writing and record-keeping.
- Group facilitation skills.
- Mental health awareness skills.
- Teamwork and collaboration.
- Cultural Sensitivity.
- Sound professional judgement.

Closing Date

Submissions should be sent on or before Nov 18, 2026.

Please note:

- Shortlisting will be based on academic qualifications, relevant experience, and overall suitability.
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.

NB: In line with the Botho University Data Protection Policy, all personal information provided will be used solely for recruitment purposes. If your application is unsuccessful, your data will be securely stored for future openings.