A Sample Role Description for the Guidance and Counselling Specialist/Associate Counsellor
K Richards-Govere
University of Zimbabwe

Context:
This is an appendix developed by the University of Zimbabwe to outline the roles of counsellors towards students, staff or administration and the community. It has been adapted from Guidelines for Guidance Services produced by Manitoba Education and Training

Source:
Richards-Govere, K. 1995. Appendix F: A sample role description for the guidance abnd counselling specdialist/associate counsellors. Guidelines for distance education guidance and counselling services. Harare, Zimbabwe, University of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe.

Copyright:
Permission granted

APPENDIX F

A SAMPLE ROLE DESCRIPTION FOR THE GUIDANCE AND COUSELLING SPECIALIST/ASSOCIATE COUNSELLOR
 
1.   Services of the Guidance and Counselling specialists to students:

 -  Develops guidance and counselling programmes based on the periodical 
    assessment of students needs.

     -  Develops  a network of  student  resources/referrals within each region

     -  Establishes orientation programmes for students at transitional stages of their 
          studies  (e.g. entering distance  education  studies,  after  exams,  before 
          completion of studies).

     -  Develops  a  crisis  intervention  service  for  the students.

     -  Maintains up-to-date and confidential guidance arid counselling records of 
          students.

      -  Supplies  information  on  issues  relevant  to  the students  (e.g. health,  
          social, career,  employment, family life).

     -  Counsels students.

2.   Services of the guidance and counselling specialists to staff/administration

 -  Provides  guidance  and  counselling  supervision  to personnel in the 
     regional centres.

 -  Organises or assists with research studies (e.g. needs analysis, student 
     profiles, student follow-up)

 -  Uses  their  expertise  to  develop  guidance  and counselling programmes in 
     consultation with Distance Education staff.

 -  Directs,  organises,  integrates  and  appraises  the guidance and counselling 
     services.

     -  Provides  guidance and counsellinq services to Distance Education staff.

     -  Attends and/or prepares workshop, training courses conferences etc 
          related to guidance and counselling, mental health and distance education.

3.   Services of the guidance and counselling specialists to the community .

      -  Develops and maintains resource/service network in the regions

      -  Forms strategic alliances with appropriate community organisations

      -  Canvasses regional employers for careers/employment information.     

      -   Organises  community extension programmes  involving guidance/                   counselling activities.

      -   Presents a positive image of the Centre for Distance Education to the 
           community.

       - Adapted  from  Guidelines  for  Guidance  Services,  Manitoba Education and
          Training.