Senior Assistant Officer- University of the Free State x1
Job Details
- Position: Senior Assistant Officer (Post Level 12)
- Job ID: 6448
- Institution: University of the Free State
- Department: Student Affairs, Sport, Arts and Culture
Student Counselling and Development (SCD) - Campus: University of the Free State
- Contract Type: Permanent Position
- Occupational Level: Semi-Skilled
- Closing Date: 18 May 2026
- Starting Date: 01 July 2026 or as soon as possible
- Salary: Annual remuneration package:
- R403,692.54 – R506,869.63 per annum
(depending on qualifications, experience, and budget availability)
- Application Method: Applications must be submitted online through the official UFS vacancy website:
- UFS Careers Portal
Job Description
The University of the Free State is seeking a Senior Assistant Officer to support the Student Counselling and Development (SCD) unit at the Qwaqwa Campus.
The role focuses on:
- Administrative support
- Reception management
- Student support coordination
- Communication and marketing assistance
- Financial administration
- Coordination with mental health and counselling professionals
The successful candidate will work closely with:
- Psychologists
- Counsellors
- Social workers
- Student interns
- Health and Wellness staff
The position requires someone who is organised, professional, student-focused, and able to handle sensitive information in a counselling environment.
Main Responsibilities
Administrative Duties
The successful candidate will:
- Coordinate diary planning for counselling staff
- Schedule student appointments
- Notify mental health practitioners of client arrivals
- Receive and assist clients at reception
- Handle telephone calls and enquiries
- Open and maintain client files
- Capture and manage electronic data
- Respond to student and stakeholder email enquiries
- Perform general office administration
- Schedule meetings and compile agendas
- Take meeting minutes
- Ensure efficient operation of the reception area
- Work with student administrative interns
SADAG Administration
The role includes coordination with the:
South African Depression and Anxiety Group
Responsibilities include:
- Sending student referrals to SADAG
- Following up with students regarding assistance received
- Reconciling monthly SADAG and SCD statistics
- Monitoring referral processes
- Providing reports and feedback to management
Communication and Marketing
The candidate will:
- Organise awareness campaigns
- Support UFS marketing activities
- Manage and monitor marketing materials stock
- Promote counselling and wellness services to students
Financial Administration
Responsibilities include:
- Assisting with departmental budget administration
- Obtaining quotations
- Creating requisitions
- Assisting with:
- Travel authorisations
- Expense reports
- Cash advances
- Booking accommodation and vehicles
- Processing expense claims
- Liaising with the Finance Officer
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must have:
- Grade 12 or National Vocational Certificate (NQF Level 4)
- Minimum of one year relevant administrative experience
- Experience working with:
- Students
- Young adults
- Administrative environments aligned to the role
Recommended Requirements
Preference may be given to candidates with:
- Sesotho and/or Zulu language ability
- Experience in:
- Student counselling environments
- Higher Education institutions
- Student wellness support settings
Required Competencies
Professional Skills
- Ability to multitask
- Good organisational skills
- Strong attention to detail
- Ability to work under pressure
- Ability to adapt to changing situations
Technical Skills
- MS Office proficiency
- Administrative and data capturing skills
- Record management ability
Interpersonal Skills
- Strong communication skills
- Sensitivity and empathy toward students
- Ability to build positive relationships
- Teamwork and cooperation
- Professional client service skills
Benefits
Subject to university conditions:
- Pension scheme
- Medical aid
- Housing allowance
- Group life insurance
- Leave and sick leave
- Service bonus
- Study benefits
Required Application Documents
Applicants must submit:
- Detailed CV
- Certified qualification copies
- SAQA accreditation (if foreign qualifications)
- ID/passport copy
- Employment confirmation or recent payslip
- Additional supporting documents required by UFS
Contact Information
For enquiries:
- Tel: 051 401 2876
- Email: SeitlhekoLP@ufs.ac.za
- Email: Recruit@ufs.ac.za