Social Worker, Department of Student Services

Company Description

Nazarbayev University Department of Student Services

Job Description

Job Purpose

Social Worker carries out activities aimed at supporting the psychosocial well-being of students. Special attention is given to persons with disabilities and representatives of vulnerable groups, ensuring their adaptation and integration into the educational environment.

Responsibilities (tasks, key areas of responsibility, and functions):

1. Provision of services aimed to improve and support the health and well-being of members of the NU community (students, faculty, and staff):

1.1. Participation in comprehensive psycho/social assessment of clients, including vulnerable groups.

1.2. Providing support in adapting to the educational process when the student returns after academic leave or crisis situation.

1.3. Providing community liaison and referral for behavioral and physical health issues.

1.4. Participation in the multidisciplinary team of the Division and preparing recommendations for psychosocial assistance to clients.

• 1.5. Liaising with Divisions working with students on problematic issues related to student well-being.
• 2. Counseling and psychosocial support for students:
• 2.1. Providing consultations on the comprehensive psychosocial needs of students.

2.2. Providing psychosocial support when the student returns after academic leave, after inpatient treatment at mental health centers.

2.3. Participation in providing counseling, therapy, and/or psychotherapy to clients and families (case management); preparing treatment plans, management, and follow-up care programs; providing therapeutic crisis intervention and emergency care as required.

2.5. Consulting with other therapists and relevant professional and non-professional staff, as appropriate.

3. Organization of works on research and meeting the needs of persons with disabilities and special needs and inclusive education:

3.1. Participation in the process of creating conditions for people with disabilities and special needs at the University.

3.2. Monitoring and analyzing the needs of students with disabilities and special needs.

3.3. Collaborating with faculty and staff to adapt the educational process to accommodate the needs of students with disabilities.

3.4. Providing consultative support to students with disabilities to facilitate their academic and social integration.

3.5. Participating in planning, organizing, and coordinating events aimed at fostering an inclusive culture within the University.

3.6. Participating in the development and implementation of support programs for persons with disabilities and special educational needs.

4. Participation in the implementation of informational and communication activities, as well as outreach programs to raise awareness within the University community on issues of inclusion, mental health, crisis situations, stigma, and the prevention of mental disorders:

4.1. Organizing educational and awareness-raising events on mental health and well-being.

4.2. Preparing informational materials and conducting training sessions for University staff and students.

4.3. Organizing outreach programs aimed at increasing community awareness on issues of inclusion, mental health, crisis situations, and the prevention of mental disorders.

4.4. Delivering lectures, webinars, training sessions, and other educational initiatives focused on psychosocial well-being and inclusion.

5. Administrative Tasks:

5.1. Participating in maintaining personal records of students with special needs, individuals with disabilities, and participants in crisis programs.

5.2. Preparing reports on counseling sessions, crisis interventions, and support programs.

5.3. Participation in the planning process of the budget of the Division, as well as the preparation of annual reports.

5.4. Participating in the development and revision of policies and procedures related to inclusive education and psychosocial support.

5.5. Compiling, analyzing, and submitting statistical data, reports, and analytical briefs to University leadership and relevant departments.

Qualifications

• Education requirements (level, field, licenses, professional certifications, etc.):
• Higher professional degree, preferably from an English-taught higher education institution.
• Preferably at least a Master's or specialist degree in social work

Preferably a certificate of professional training in social work and special needs support, inclusive education as well as law and psychology.

Priority Areas Of Specialties:

- Social Work

• social work and psychology
• pedagogy and social work
• law and social work

Work Experience Requirements:

At least 3 years experience as a social worker or related field in education, healthcare, or other areas confirmed by documents is preferable

Knowledge, Skills, And Competencies Requirements:

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of regulations on social work of the Republic of Kazakhstan;
• Knowledge of MS Office, Excel, PowerPoint

Skills:

• Analytical and creative skills;
• Skills in preparing reports, and analytical notes

Competencies Requirements:

• commitment to the goals and values of the University;
• sociability;
• ability to work in a team; 
• responsibility; 
• stress tolerance

Social worker must possess knowledge of the Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On the status of the Nazarbayev University, Nazarbayev Intellectual Schools, Nazarbayev Fund”, legislative and other legal acts in the area of healthcare and health services.

Language Requirements:

Fluent in Kazakh, Russian, and English for professional business correspondence, preparation of analytical materials, and effective communication with internal and external partners.

Additional Information

Recruitment and selection process
Recruitment and selection at Nazarbayev University include the following process: preliminary selection based on experience and qualifications, assessments (e.g. technical skills/capabilities, aptitude, personality, work samples, in-basket exercises, and informal interviews), and motivation.

Formal interviews form the final stage of the selection process.
They are typically based on organizational values and behaviors and conducted in English.
You are encouraged to share your views and values  to identify how they fit into  Nazarbayev University core values