Senior Counsellor / Counselling Lead

Role and Key Responsibilities:

A. Strategic Leadership and Oversight of Counselling Services
-Lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of counselling services aligned with the university’s mission and student well-being objectives.
-Supervise and mentor a team of counsellors, interns, or mental health professionals, ensuring high standards of practice and ethical conduct.
-Establish and maintain policies, procedures, and protocols for counselling services, confidentiality, crisis response, and student referrals.
-Monitor service delivery effectiveness and provide regular reports and recommendations to university management.

B. Provision of Counselling and Psychological Support
-Provide advanced-level individual and group counselling to support students’ mental health, emotional well-being, and academic success.
-Manage complex or high-risk cases, including students experiencing trauma, suicidal ideation, or behavioural challenges.
-Maintain comprehensive, confidential case documentation and ensure data protection compliance.

C. Capacity Building and Outreach
-Design and deliver proactive mental health programs, life skills workshops, and psychoeducational seminars for students and staff.
-Foster mental health awareness across campus through campaigns, collaborations, and training initiatives.
-Provide guidance and consultation to academic and administrative staff on student mental health matters and referral procedures.

D. Crisis Management and Risk Mitigation
-Lead the university’s mental health crisis response efforts, including the assessment and management of high-risk cases.
-Serve as the primary point of contact during mental health emergencies in coordination with internal stakeholders and external agencies.
-Contribute to the university’s overall risk management strategy through early intervention and post-crisis support plans.

Requirements / Qualifications:
-A Master’s Degree in Counselling, Clinical Psychology, or a related field (preferred), with a Bachelor’s Degree as a minimum requirement.
-Must be a Registered or Licensed Counsellor with Lembaga Kaunselor Malaysia.
-At least 5 years of relevant counselling experience, preferably in a higher education setting, with demonstrated leadership or supervisory responsibilities.
-Excellent communication and interpersonal skills in English.
-Proven ability to lead teams, manage complex cases, and build partnerships across university departments.
-Strong knowledge of counselling ethics, mental health trends, and crisis intervention practices.
-Able to work outside of regular office hours when required, especially during emergency situations.