Psychologist

GLA UNIVERSITY

CHAITANYAM – GUIDANCE & COUNSELLING CELL

Job Description: Psychologist / Counsellor

Location: GLA University, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh

Employment Type: Full-time

1. Job Purpose

To provide psychological counselling, guidance and well-being services to students, faculty members and university staff, promoting mental health, emotional resilience, academic adjustment, personal development and a supportive university environment.

2. Key Roles and Responsibilities

A. Student Counselling and Support

• Provide individual counselling for stress, anxiety, emotional difficulties, low self-esteem, relationship concerns, family issues and adjustment problems.
• Help students manage examination anxiety, academic pressure, procrastination, motivation difficulties, homesickness, peer pressure and hostel-related challenges.
• Support students in developing emotional regulation, resilience, problem-solving, decision-making and interpersonal skills.
• Assist students experiencing academic setbacks, social isolation, personal crises or difficulties adjusting to university life.

B. Student Development and Preventive Services

• Conduct workshops and awareness programmes on stress management, mental health, self-care, personality development, healthy relationships and emotional well-being.
• Support student orientation, adjustment to campus life, career-related concerns, confidence-building and personal growth.
• Promote early help-seeking, mental health awareness and a non-judgmental campus environment.
• Collaborate with faculty mentors, student welfare personnel and hostel authorities to facilitate appropriate student support while maintaining confidentiality.

C. Psychological Assessment and Referral

• Conduct preliminary psychological assessments to understand presenting concerns and determine appropriate support needs.
• Identify individuals requiring specialised psychological, psychiatric or medical intervention and facilitate referrals.
• Recognise psychological crises and follow established protocols for risk assessment, emergency response and follow-up.
• Work within professional competence and applicable qualification and registration requirements.

D. Faculty and Staff Well-being

• Provide counselling for occupational stress, burnout, interpersonal difficulties, emotional concerns and work–life balance.
• Conduct well-being programmes for faculty members and staff.
• Facilitate appropriate referrals and recommend preventive initiatives based on anonymised workplace well-being concerns.

E. Documentation and Institutional Coordination

• Maintain accurate, confidential counselling records and periodic activity reports.
• Coordinate with the other Psychologists/Counsellors and relevant university departments to facilitate appropriate support.
• Uphold professional ethics, informed consent, confidentiality and appropriate professional boundaries.
• Contribute to the planning and evaluation of counselling services and mental health initiatives.

3. Essential Qualifications

• Master's degree in Psychology, Counselling Psychology, Clinical Psychology or Applied Psychology from a recognised university.
• Sound understanding of counselling principles, psychological concerns, professional ethics and referral procedures.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, listening and documentation skills.

4. Desirable Qualifications and Experience

• M.Phil. in Clinical Psychology.
• Postgraduate Diploma in Guidance and Counselling (PGDGC) or Rehabilitation or an equivalent recognised qualification.
• Relevant experience in student counselling, university counselling centres, educational institutions, hospitals or mental health settings.
• Training in evidence-informed counselling approaches, psychological assessment, crisis intervention and mental health awareness programmes.

5. Key Competencies

• Empathy, active listening and effective counselling skills.
• Understanding of student development and university adjustment.
• Sound professional judgement, confidentiality and ethical conduct.
• Ability to conduct workshops, manage referrals and work collaboratively.

Overall Objective: To strengthen Chaitanyam as an accessible, professional and student-centred service promoting the psychological well-being and personal development of the GLA University community.