Student Life Officer

As a Student Life Officer you will play a pivotal role in enhancing the overall student experience throughout the academic calendar. You will be responsible for fostering a supportive environment for students managing various student activities and ensuring effective communication between students the university and external stakeholders.

• Assist with the day‑to‑day operations of student life and support activities and be available after hours to attend to queries such as roommate personal disputes, student counseling, and behavioral matters.
• Deal with queries and emergencies professionally and communicate the same to the relevant parties that need to be informed.
• Manage and expand effective engagement and communication with students.
• Manage the daily tasks and workload of the student assistants.
• Consult daily with Centre Management and operational staff on student incidents, wellbeing and behavior.
• Document weekly records of incidents and distribute them to Centre Management and the University.
• Co‑ordinate new arrivals and conduct exit interviews where students vacate during the academic year.
• Manage student conflicts professionally and consult with Centre Management if required.
• Manage the events on behalf of Centre Management by developing an events calendar together with the team for social, academic and student development; co‑ordinating programs/events; consulting with suppliers and managing those relationships; managing the promotional budget; ensuring maximum participation; managing the facility; planning events with the five pillars of Residence life in mind (Academics, Leadership, Community, Engagement, Culture and Sport).
• Remain compliant in terms of CPA policies and procedures.
• Facilitate student support services, including welfare, medical and social assistance, utilizing both university‑provided resources and external channels and keeping abreast of University of Pretoria Residence rules and regulations to ensure policies align and manage communication between students the university and landlord and ensure timely escalation of relevant information.
• Assist the administration/leasing team during peak seasons and off‑peak times during the academic year.
• Live on‑site and adhere to student accommodation rules.
• Cultivate a positive environment conducive to student well‑being and academic success.
• Collaborate with the Marketing Department to enhance social media presence and increase student interaction online.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for student inquiries excluding leasing and property management matters.

Site based and will live on‑site. The incumbent will be required to attend to other functions, duties or responsibilities in the absence of a colleague/s after hours and on specific Saturdays as required.

• Tertiary Education in Psychology, Counseling or a similar qualification.
• At least three years experience in a similar student counseling role.
• Basic computer skills including MS Office (MS Word Basic, MS Excel Intermediate, MS Outlook Basic).
• Proficiency in English and another African language.
• Good communication skills.
• Event planning preferred.
• Knowledge of the residential leasing process preferred.

• Problem solving – finding solutions when emotions are involved.
• Reality testing – be objective; see things as they really are.
• Impulse control – resist or delay impulse to act.
• Flexibility – adapting emotions, thoughts and behaviors.
• Stress tolerance – coping with stressful situations.
• Interpersonal relationships – building mutually satisfying relationships.
• Empathy – understanding & appreciating how others feel.
• Independence – be self‑directed and free from emotional dependency.
• Assertiveness – communicating feelings and beliefs; being non‑offensive.
• Social confidence – be self‑assured and at ease with people in all types of social situations.
• Persuasion – negotiating, selling, influencing and attempting to persuade people or trying to change the point of view of others.
• Multitasking – dealing with several activities at a time enjoying being given new tasks before they have finished another.
• Teamwork – cooperation with others good‑natured attitude and encouraging people.
• Persistence – sticking with tasks not giving up dislike leaving things unfinished.
• Rule following – adhere to rules and strictly follow work regulations.
• Attention to detail – focus on details strive for perfection and be well organized.
• Planning – enjoy making detailed plans and long‑term plans.
• Good listening skills – taking the time to listen and to listen closely as clients are talking to efficiently and effectively assist with inquiries and/or specific needs.