Coordinator: Social Support Office x1
Job Details
- Job Title: Coordinator: Social Support Office (Post Level 12)
- Job ID: 6585
- Company: University of the Free State (UFS)
- Department: Student Affairs, Sport, Arts and Culture – Institutional Social Support Office
- Location: Bloemfontein Campus, Free State
- Employment Type: Permanent
- Salary: R403,692.54 – R506,869.63 per annum
- Closing Date: 9 September 2026
- Assumption of Duties: As soon as possible
Job Description
The University of the Free State is seeking a Coordinator: Social Support Office to provide comprehensive social support and administrative coordination services to students at the Bloemfontein Campus.
The successful candidate will be responsible for supporting students experiencing bereavement, emergencies, distress and other challenging circumstances. The role also involves office administration, financial administration, procurement, student support interventions and coordination of social-support programmes and events.
The Coordinator will work closely with various university departments and external stakeholders, including SAPS, Protection Services and the Health and Wellness Centre, to ensure that students receive appropriate and timely assistance.
Key Responsibilities
Social Support
- Provide bereavement support to students.
- Support families and friends in collaboration with Student Affairs departments.
- Act as the primary contact for bereavement-related cases.
- Provide assistance in accordance with student crisis, death and funeral-support protocols.
- Provide standby support outside normal working hours, including evenings, weekends and public holidays.
- Conduct hospital, morgue and police-station visits when required.
- Visit students experiencing distress in on-campus and off-campus accommodation.
- Conduct needs assessments for students in hospitals and police stations.
- Assist with pregnancy-related cases and situational needs assessments.
- Work with SAPS, Protection Services and the Health and Wellness Centre on student cases.
- Manage referrals to appropriate university departments.
- Maintain and distribute student-support resources, guides and policies.
- Manage the availability of hygiene packs.
- Prepare Social Support Office reports and evaluate student-centred programmes.
Office Management
- Ensure the effective day-to-day operation of the Social Support Office.
- Manage student enquiries and requests.
- Maintain accurate client records, databases and files using the case-management system.
- Handle enquiries from students, clients and members of the public.
- Direct individuals to appropriate services.
- Coordinate and attend meetings, events, workshops, wellness days and other activities.
- Participate in the recruitment of SSO ambassadors.
Financial Administration
- Receive and refer student sponsorship applications.
- Assist with financial forecasting and cost estimates.
- Facilitate journal transfers for institutional service providers.
- Assist with procurement processes and campus-based requests.
- Manage requisitions and purchase orders.
- Oversee invoice approvals and payments.
- Process Travel Authorisations and Cash Advances for student travel.
- Maintain records of expenses, invoices, purchase orders and approvals.
- Procure office supplies.
- Administer student financial-support interventions, including assistance with food, transport, hygiene packs and bereavement-related needs.
- Compile monthly, quarterly and annual financial reports.
- Approve student-support and programme expenditure within delegated authority.
Project Coordination
- Coordinate SSO programmes and events on the Bloemfontein Campus.
- Ensure programmes comply with procurement and health and safety requirements.
- Follow institutional standard operating procedures.
- Assist with institutional project implementation.
- Compile programme reports within 10 working days after programme completion when acting as institutional leader.
Requirements
Applicants must have:
- A relevant Bachelor’s degree, Advanced Diploma, BTech degree or Postgraduate Certificate at NQF Level 7.
- The qualification should be in Humanities, Social Sciences, Psychology, Social Work, Community Development, Student Affairs/Development, Public Administration or a related field.
- At least 1 year of relevant working experience in student support, social support, case management, community services, Student Affairs or a related environment.
- A valid driver’s licence. A copy must be attached to the application.
Recommended
- Experience working in a higher-education environment, particularly Student Affairs or student-support services.
- Advanced project-management experience.
Skills and Competencies
The ideal candidate should demonstrate:
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- Good organisational and time-management skills.
- Ability to work under pressure.
- Ability to manage multiple activities simultaneously.
- Strong leadership and decision-making abilities.
- Good computer literacy and MS Office skills.
- Knowledge of financial and procurement policies.
- Knowledge of university structures and services.
- Knowledge of IT systems and PeopleSoft.
- Ability to work according to rules, policies and procedures.
- Sensitivity and understanding when dealing with students and their needs.
- Ability to build relationships and collaborate with different stakeholders.
Benefits
The remuneration package includes benefits, subject to applicable conditions:
- Pension scheme
- Medical aid scheme
- Group life insurance
- Housing allowance
- Leave and sick leave
- Service bonus
- Study benefits