Wellness Practitioner / Coach

The Wellness Practitioner/ Coach is responsible for delivering comprehensive psychosocial support and wellness interventions to programme participants, ensuring their mental, emotional, and personal development needs are effectively addressed.

The role provides individual and group counselling, wellness coaching, and developmental support services, enabling participants to overcome barriers, build resilience, and achieve optimal wellbeing and programme success.

The Practitioner also leads wellness awareness initiatives, supports participant retention, and contributes to a holistic, supportive programme environment aligned with Knowledge Pele’s human development objectives.

1. Psychosocial Support and Counselling

• Provide individual and group counselling sessions, including crisis intervention and debriefing support to programme participants.
• Conduct basic mental health and wellbeing assessments for participants who self-refer or are referred.
• Provide solution-focused guidance, coping strategies, and wellness plans tailored to individual participant needs.
• Maintain a confidential, ethical, and participant-centred approach in all interactions.
• Identify at-risk participants and implement appropriate support interventions, referrals, and follow-ups.
• Maintain accurate, confidential records of all counselling sessions, progress notes, and intervention plans.

1. Wellness Programme Implementation

• Design and facilitate wellness workshops focused on self-awareness, emotional intelligence, stress management, and resilience.
• Deliver group coaching sessions to foster peer support, shared learning, and personal development.
• Provide one-on-one coaching to address individual participant challenges and development goals.
• Develop and implement mental health outreach initiatives, including campaigns, workshops, and awareness programmes.
• Lead participant wellness orientation sessions for new programme cohorts.

1. Participant Support and Development

• Act as the primary point of contact for participant wellness, psychosocial support, and development needs.
• Provide guidance on study plans, career pathways, and personal development.
• Support participants with disability-related needs and ensure appropriate accommodations and referrals.
• Assist in improving participant retention through proactive engagement and early intervention strategies.
• Respond to participant queries within stipulated timeframes.

1. Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting

• Track and document participant wellness metrics, engagement levels, and developmental progress.
• Administer pre- and post-programme assessments to evaluate impact and effectiveness of interventions.
• Compile monthly, quarterly, and ad hoc reports detailing participant progress, challenges, and outcomes.
• Maintain accurate participant records and ensure proper documentation for reporting and audit purposes.
• Provide insights and recommendations to improve programme effectiveness.

1. Stakeholder Collaboration and Engagement

• Collaborate with internal teams, facilitators, and programme staff to support participant wellbeing.
• Engage with external stakeholders (health professionals, organisations, and support services) to facilitate referrals and holistic care.
• Contribute to the development of policies, frameworks, and interventions that promote participant wellbeing.
• Support a conducive and inclusive programme environment that enhances participant success.

1. Programme Administration and Coordination

• Manage wellness programme logistics, including scheduling sessions and coordinating resources.
• Utilise the organisation’s management systems to track participant engagement and provide support.
• Support the coordination of counselling interns or practitioners completing Work Integrated Learning (WIL), where applicable.
• Ensure compliance with organisational procedures, ethical standards, and reporting requirements.

• Bachelor’s degree in Counselling, Psychology, Coaching, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3-5 years’ experience in counselling, wellness coaching, or psychosocial support.
• Registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as a Registered Counsellor.
• Experience in programme-based or community-based environments (preferred).
• Valid driver’s licence and willingness to travel to programme sites.

• Strong counselling, coaching, and psychosocial support skills.
• Competence in mental health assessment, crisis intervention, and referral systems.
• Facilitation and group engagement skills.
• Monitoring, evaluation, and report writing capabilities.
• Strong administrative and documentation skills.
• Proficiency in digital systems and participant management platforms.

• High emotional intelligence and empathy.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Professional, ethical, and confidential approach.
• Ability to manage sensitive situations with diplomacy and care.
• Resilient and able to work under pressure.
• Self-motivated, adaptable, and results-driven.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to work with a diverse group of participants and navigate complex socio-economic circumstances.

• Office-based role with regular travel to communities.
• Flexible working hours aligned with participant availability and programme schedules (including occasional evenings or weekends).
• Delivery of services both in-person and virtually, as required.