Position Title: University Psychologist
Reports to: Director of Student Services
Location: Astana
Role Purpose
The University Psychologist is responsible for providing psychological support, promoting student wellbeing, and fostering a safe, inclusive, and positive learning environment. The role combines direct student services with preventive, developmental, and consultative functions to strengthen the University’s social and educational climate in compliance with Kazakhstan’s legal standards for psychological and social work in education.
Key Responsibilities
Psychological and Wellbeing Support
- Provide professional psychological services to students, including counselling, consultations, assessments, and rehabilitative support.
- Assist students, their parents/guardians, staff, and faculty in resolving psychological and pedagogical issues.
- Conduct psychological assessments and prepare reports to guide faculty and parents/guardians in student development.
- Refer student to external mental health services when necessary.
- Maintain strict confidentiality of student records in accordance with professional ethics and University policy.
Preventive and Developmental Work
- Develop and implement programmes for the adaptation of first-year and international students.
- Identify students at risk of academic, social, or psychological difficulties and provide timely and/or early intervention strategies.
- Deliver psychological trainings, workshops, and awareness sessions on stress management, resilience, and healthy lifestyles.
- Promote psychological literacy and wellbeing practices among students, staff, and faculty.
Collaboration and Consultation
- Collaborate with tutors, faculty, and other University departments to identify challenges affecting student success.
- Provide guidance to academic staff on student wellbeing and inclusive practices.
- Advise faculty and staff and support initiatives for creating a safe, inclusive, and supportive campus environment.
- Liaise with external organisations and services when specialist interventions are required.
Research, Planning, and Reporting
- Analyse psychological and social factors affecting student performance and propose solutions to improve outcomes.
- Contribute to the planning and development of corrective, rehabilitative, and preventive programmes.
- Participate in drafting plans, reports, and recommendations for student wellbeing and social development.
- Implement innovative methods and technical tools in psychological practice.
- Undertake relevant CPD to stay up to date with best practices and innovations in psychological services
Crisis and Risk Management
- Assess and respond to crisis cases (e.g., risk of self-harm, violence, severe conflicts), escalating appropriately to University leadership and external services.
- Undertake preventative measures to reduce negative social phenomena within the student community.
- Develop and implement risk mitigation strategies and crisis protocols
Person Specification / Candidate Profile
Essential Qualifications
- Master’s degree or higher in Psychology (Clinical, Counselling, or Educational Psychology).
- Additional certifications in trauma-informed care, crisis response, or student development.
Experience
- Minimum 2 years of experience in counselling or psychological services, preferably in educational settings.
- Experience working in other higher education institutions, especially internationally.
Skills
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills;
- Proficiency in psychological assessment tools;
Ability to work in a multicultural environment.
- Familiarity with digital counselling platforms and mental health promotion programs.
Languages
- Fluency in English;
- Professional proficiency in Kazakh and/or Russian.
Values
Commitment to student wellbeing, confidentiality, and inclusive education.
Behaviours
Cultural sensitivity; Ethical practice; Collaborative approach with faculty and staff.
Applications are accepted until 6:00 p.m. on 15 October 2025