Psychological Counselor

Position Overview

UPM is seeking a distinguished Saudi national holding a PhD in Psychology or a closely related field to join our team as a Psychological Counselor within the Deanship of Student Affairs. This pivotal role is designed to foster the psychological wellbeing, emotional resilience, and personal growth of students, ensuring they thrive both academically and personally within the university environment. The successful candidate will provide expert counseling services, develop and implement mental health initiatives, and collaborate with academic and administrative units to support student success and holistic development.

Core Responsibilities

The Psychological Counselor will play a central role in enhancing the student experience by addressing emotional, behavioral, social, and academic challenges that may impede academic performance and overall wellbeing. Key responsibilities include:

• Assessment and Evaluation: Conduct comprehensive psychological and behavioral assessments for prospective and enrolled students, including regular and scholarship students, to identify personal characteristics, learning motivations, and any psychological or behavioral concerns that may impact their academic journey. Provide professional support to assist students in making informed academic and career decisions, such as major selection.
• Individual and Group Counseling: Deliver one-on-one counseling sessions to students experiencing behavioral, psychological, social, or academic difficulties, employing evidence-based counseling approaches to enhance their personal, social, and academic adjustment. Facilitate group counseling sessions and developmental activities aimed at improving coping skills, emotional resilience, and social integration.
• Confidentiality and Documentation: Uphold the strictest standards of confidentiality regarding student information, ensuring compliance with university policies and ethical guidelines. Maintain meticulous and up-to-date clinical and case records, documenting sessions, assessments, and follow-up actions until cases are resolved.
• Collaborative Support: Actively engage with faculty and student support units to address academic or behavioral concerns, ensuring early identification, intervention, and appropriate referrals. Participate in university events to promote counseling services and raise awareness of psychological and academic support resources.
• Workshops and Development Programs: Design and deliver self-development workshops and psychoeducational programs that support students’ academic, personal, and social growth. Organize seminars and training sessions on study skills, time management, exam preparation, and other strategies essential for academic success.
• Program Development and Implementation: Collaborate with academic departments and university units to create and execute programs that enhance student wellbeing and academic achievement. Develop and oversee ongoing support initiatives aimed at unlocking students’ full academic potential.
• Resource Guidance and Follow-Up: Direct students to appropriate learning resources and support services tailored to their identified academic or developmental needs. Conduct and coordinate assessments to pinpoint student requirements and recommend targeted interventions and support plans. Monitor and track ongoing student cases to ensure continuity of care and proper follow-up.

Qualifications and Competencies

To excel in this role, candidates must meet the following qualifications and possess the following skills:

• A PhD in Psychology, Counseling Psychology, Clinical Psychology, or a closely related field.
• Professional certification or licensure in psychological counseling, where applicable.
• Proven experience in psychological counseling, with a preference for candidates with prior experience in higher education or student services environments.
• In-depth knowledge of counseling theories, psychological assessment tools, and evidence-based intervention strategies.
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and active listening skills, with the ability to build trust and rapport with students from diverse backgrounds.
• Strong organizational and time management abilities, with a commitment to maintaining accurate records and adhering to deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team, including faculty, administrative staff, and external stakeholders.
• Cultural sensitivity and an understanding of the unique challenges faced by students in a university setting.

This role offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of students, contributing to their academic success and personal development while fostering a supportive and inclusive university community.