Student Development Instructor Life Orientation

The Student Development Instructor - Life Orientation (LO Instructor) plays a vital role in delivering the Life Orientation curriculum based on the CASEL framework for socio-emotional learning. This position involves facilitating both individual and group counseling sessions to support students facing career and emotional challenges. The instructor takes full responsibility for designing, planning, and executing the student development calendar, while also leading initiatives to promote mental health awareness and well-being among staff and students at TCF College.

Key Responsibilities

Life Orientation (LO) Curriculum Delivery:
Facilitate the LO curriculum using interactive, student-centered methods aligned with the five core competencies of the CASEL framework. Adapt session plans to address the socio-emotional needs, personal growth, and academic transitions of students. Continuously evaluate student engagement and socio-emotional progress, refining instruction to build resilience and responsible decision-making.

Career & Socio-Emotional Counseling:
Conduct regular individual and group counseling sessions to assist students in managing academic stress, interpersonal difficulties, and career uncertainties. Guide students in identifying their strengths, values, and interests to help them explore appropriate higher education and career pathways. Maintain strict confidentiality and uphold professional ethical standards in all counseling activities and documentation.

Student Development Calendar Ownership:
Take end-to-end ownership of the student development calendar, including the design, planning, scheduling, and execution of workshops, career sessions, guest lectures, and student engagement events. Ensure 95% accuracy in scheduling and quality across all activities. Assess the impact of events through post-session feedback and student outcome metrics.

Mental Health & Well-being Awareness:
Design and implement mental health awareness campaigns, workshops, and seminars for both students and staff. Equip college staff to recognize early signs of socio-emotional distress and apply supportive classroom interventions. Promote wellness practices, stress reduction techniques, and institutional support systems throughout the college community.

Collaboration & Institutional Alignment:
Work closely with the College Leadership Team, University Admissions & Alumni leads, and instructional staff to integrate socio-emotional development into broader college programs. Align student development activities with key institutional goals such as student retention, academic success, and smooth tertiary transitions. Coordinate with external mental health professionals or career counselors when specialized support is needed.

Data Management & Reporting:
Maintain accurate and confidential records of counseling cases, workshop attendance, and socio-emotional development indicators. Prepare regular reports and analytics on student development targets, workshop outcomes, and mental health initiatives for management review.

Required Qualifications

- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Psychology, Behavioral Sciences, Counseling, Education, or a related field from a recognized institution.
- Strong mastery of the CASEL framework, including Self-Awareness, Self-Management, Social Awareness, Relationship Skills, and Responsible Decision-Making.
- Proven experience in empathetic counseling, active listening, and career guidance tailored to adolescents and college students.
- Demonstrated ability to design, schedule, and execute student development calendars and events with a high degree of accuracy.
- Sound knowledge of mental health strategies, stress management, and crisis referral protocols.
- Excellent communication, public speaking, and group facilitation skills, with the ability to build rapport and inspire youth.
- Strong organizational skills for maintaining confidential records and tracking program performance metrics.

Experience

1 to 3 years of relevant experience in youth instruction, socio-emotional coaching, student counseling, or workshop facilitation, preferably within the education or development sector.

This role offers a meaningful opportunity to impact student well-being and development by combining curriculum delivery, counseling, event management, and mental health advocacy within a dynamic college environment.