Student Counsellor

Africa International University is a private Chartered International Christian University with its main Campus located in Karen, Nairobi. Our Mission is to educate Christ-centred leaders for the transformation of God’s people and the world through innovative programs, research, and community engagement. We are seeking highly motivated professionals to fill the following positions: 

STUDENTS’ COUNSELLOR (1 POSITION)

This position reports to the Dean of Students and Community Life. The purpose of this position it to address and respond to the diverse needs of university students by promoting their psychological, emotional, social, academic, and personal wellbeing. The role involves providing professional counselling services, addressing mental health concerns, delivering preventive mental health programmes, offering crisis intervention, and implementing student support initiatives that foster holistic student development, wellbeing, and academic success.

Main Responsibilities

1. Counselling and Student Support
  1. Counsel students (and staff/faculty/University community as needed).
  2. Conduct assessments and develop intervention plans.
  3. Maintain confidential counselling records.
  4. Offer support and referrals for specialized mental health services.
  5. Recommend students/staff needing assistance.
  6. Establish and manage a peer counselling program.
2. Crisis Intervention and Mental Health Care
  1. Respond to crises (trauma, bereavement, abuse, self-harm, mental health emergencies).
  2. Conduct risk assessments and implement interventions.
  3. Collaborate with departments and external professionals for continuity of care.
3. Student Wellness and Prevention Programs
  1. Design and implement mental health awareness, wellness, and resilience programs.
  2. Conduct seminars, workshops, and life-skills training (stress management, relationships, anxiety, depression, healthy living).
  3. Promote positive mental health practices.
4. Academic and Career Support
  1. Assist with academic adjustment difficulties and personal barriers.
  2. Support development of coping strategies, decision-making skills, and personal growth plans.
  3. Collaborate with academic departments.
5. Referral and Case Management
  1. Establish and maintain referral networks (healthcare providers, psychologists, psychiatrists, hospitals, community agencies).
  2. Monitor and follow up on referred cases to ensure adequate support and progress.
6. Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement
  1. Work with faculty, residence staff, chaplaincy, disability support, and other support units.
  2. Participate in multidisciplinary student welfare meetings.
  3. Provide consultation to staff on student wellbeing concerns.
7. Policy Compliance and Professional Practice
  1. Adhere to professional counselling ethics and confidentiality standards.
  2. Ensure compliance with university policies, legal requirements, and safeguarding regulations.
  3. Prepare periodic reports and maintain counselling statistics.
8. Administrative Responsibilities
  1. Maintain counselling records and databases.
  2. Develop annual work plans and budgets for counselling activities.
  3. Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual reports.
  4. Participate in departmental and university committees as assigned.
Working Conditions / Additional Requirements
  1. Willing to teach at least one unit per semester in a relevant area.
  2. Office-based with occasional evening/weekend work for student activities and emergencies.
  3. Frequent interaction with students, faculty, parents/guardians, healthcare providers, and external partners.

Qualifications and Experience

Academic Qualifications
  1. Master’s Degree in Counselling Psychology, Psychology, Clinical Psychology, or a related field.
  2. PhD in Counselling Psychology, Clinical Psychology, or a related field will be an added advantage.
Professional Qualifications
  • Registered and licensed counsellor with the relevant professional body.
  • Member of a recognized counselling or psychological association.
Experience
  • Minimum of three (3) years’ experience in counselling, preferably in a higher education institution or youth-focused environment.
Competencies, Skills and Abilities
  • Must be a born-again Christian in good standing in family, church, and society.
  • Strong counselling and interpersonal skills.
  • Excellent listening, communication, and report-writing skills.
  • Crisis intervention and conflict-resolution skills.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries.
  • Knowledge of student development and mental health issues affecting young adults.
  • Ability to work with diverse cultural and religious backgrounds.
  • Strong organizational and record-management skills.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and counselling management systems.

How to Apply

Applications should be emailed to job.application@aiu.ac.ke ensure the vacancy code is in the subject. The applicants should attach, a cover letter, detailed resume, copies of academic credentials, and duly filled job application form. The deadline for application is 7th September 2026 at 5.00pm.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

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