EAP Onsite Counsellor

Kaelo provides essential healthcare solutions ensuring the physical and psychosocial wellbeing of all South Africans towards lasting social change. Kaelo meets the Healthcare needs of Corporate and Retail clients across South Africa – products offerings include Medical Insurance, Medical Aid, Gap Insurance, Kaelo Money and employee assistance programmes..

The Onsite Counsellor will provide dedicated, full-time emotional and psychosocial support to employees within a dynamic and operationally complex client environment. The role is focused on delivering high-quality, proactive counselling services, promoting employee wellbeing, and supporting organisational health through a multidisciplinary EAP approach.

KEY RESPONSIBILTIES

1. Counselling & Employee Support

• Provide confidential, short-term counselling to employees dealing with emotional, psychological, and social challenges.
• Support a range of concerns including stress, trauma, relationship issues, workplace challenges, and personal crises.
• Conduct risk assessments and ensure appropriate escalation where required.
• Maintain accurate, ethical, and confidential case records in line with professional standards.

1. Proactive & Preventative Interventions

• Identify emerging trends and risks within the employee population.
• Deliver proactive interventions such as wellness initiatives, psychoeducation sessions, and group support where needed.
• Be visibly present and accessible to employees to encourage early help-seeking behaviour.

1. Onsite Presence & Travel

• Provide consistent onsite support across multiple client locations in Cape Town.
• Travel between sites as required to ensure equitable access to services.
• Build strong relationships with employees, line managers, and key stakeholders at each site.

1. Stakeholder Engagement

• Collaborate with HR, management, and operational teams to support employee wellbeing.
• Provide guidance to managers on handling employee-related concerns (within ethical boundaries)

1. Multidisciplinary EAP Collaboration

• Work closely with the broader EAP team, including psychologists, social workers, coaches and legal / financial advisors.
• Facilitate referrals to appropriate internal or external resources where needed.
• Contribute to integrated case management and holistic employee support.

1. Reporting & Insights

• Provide reports and feedback as required.
• Offer insights and recommendations to enhance employee wellbeing and organisational effectiveness.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, Social Work, or related field (Honours preferred).
• Registration with relevant professional body (e.g. HPCSA / SACSSP).
• Minimum 3 – 5 years’ counselling experience, preferably within an EAP or corporate environment.
• Valid driver’s license and own reliable vehicle (essential).

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Strong counselling and crisis intervention skills.
• Ability to work independently within a complex, high-pressure environment.
• Proactive mindset with the ability to anticipate and address emerging needs.
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship building skills.
• High level of emotional intelligence, professionalism, and ethical conduct.
• Strong organisational and administrative skills.
• Adaptability and resilience.

Personal Attributes 

• Accountability
• Action Orientated
• Collaborative 
• Communication Skills 
• Simple Writing Skills 
• Manages Complexity
• Problem Solving Skills 
• Creative Thinking
• Decision Making SKills 
• Efficient and Effective Mindset
• Financial Acumen
• Planning and Organisation 
• Resilient and adaptive 
• Resourcesful
• Signancance and values orientated