Nazarbayev University is a modern and dynamically developing university located in the heart of Eurasia—the capital of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Astana. Nazarbayev University aims to become an internationally recognized research university whose core principle is the integration of education, science, and innovation. The university strives to train a new generation of leaders in science, technology, entrepreneurship, medicine, public administration, and education, thereby contributing to the further development of the country.

The goal of the Senior Psychologist position is to ensure the psychological and emotional well-being of students and university staff through counseling and therapeutic work, crisis psychological assistance, educational events on mental health issues, and preventive measures aimed at improving psychological support and fostering a positive emotional climate in the educational environment.

Provision of Psychological Assistance Through Counseling

1.1. Conduct mandatory individual consultations for students in Russian and Kazakh (at the student's choice), with English as needed (at least 1 hour per session, 4-5 consultations per day), with mandatory documentation in the relevant software.
1.2. Conduct group counseling sessions at least 1-2 times per week (at least 1.5 hours) with active student participation.
1.3. Provide emergency consultations (1-2 per day) according to the duty schedule for urgent crisis assistance.
1.4. Perform initial risk assessments and crisis intervention in each case.
1.5. Conduct psychodiagnostics using modern methods and record results in the database.

Clinical Work

2.1. Maintain continuous collaboration with the psychiatrist at the City Psychiatric Health Center, including case discussions and hospitalization monitoring.
2.2. Interact with the psychiatrist of the university medical center on crisis cases.
2.3. Cooperate with the Student Affairs Department and student representatives to monitor crisis situations among students.
2.4. Analyze and present data on hospitalizations to the City Psychiatric Health Center.

Educational and Preventive Activities

3.1. Develop and distribute materials on current psychological issues.
3.2. Organize and conduct training sessions and seminars on mental health and other relevant topics for students and staff at least twice a month.
3.3. Arrange and facilitate discussion clubs and informational sessions on psychological literacy at least twice a month.
3.4. Conduct internal training sessions for colleagues, sharing new methodologies and practices.

Crisis Psychological Assistance Organization

4.1. Conduct training sessions on crisis response and psychological first aid, including simulation exercises at least once a month.
4.2. Develop methodological guidelines and crisis response protocols.
4.3. Provide long-term support for students who have experienced traumatic events.
4.4. Maintain a database of crisis cases and report to university management.
4.5. Coordinate work with the university clinic, city mental health center, and medical services.

Professional Development

5.1. Participate in conferences, training sessions, seminars, professional communities, expert meetings, and roundtable discussions.
5.2. Undergo regular supervision and professional case reviews.
5.3. Engage in research to improve university mental health service strategies.
5.4. Implement new methodologies and digital tools in psychological practice.

Administrative and Analytical Work

6.1. Recording all cases in the university database. Monitoring the daily reporting completed by the psychologists of the psychological service.
6.2. Preparation of analytical reports and statistics upon request from the management.
6.3. Development and maintenance of regulatory documents for the psychological service.
6.4. Participation in budget planning and allocation of financial resources.
6.5. Development of a strategy for the advancement of the university's psychological service.
6.6. Evaluation of the effectiveness of psychological services provided and submission of improvement proposals.
6.7. Organization of work with interns and monitoring their activities.
6.8. Execution of additional tasks assigned by the management.

Higher professional education, preferably from international universities. A master's or specialist degree in psychology, pedagogy and psychology, or psychotherapy is preferred.
For degrees obtained in CIS countries, a certificate from institutes accredited by international associations or international psychology/psychotherapy institutions is required.

Preferred Specializations:

• Psychology
• Psychotherapy
• Pedagogy and Psychology
• Psychological Counseling

Work Experience:

At least 5 years of experience as a psychologist or psychotherapist in educational institutions, medical institutions, or private practice (documented registration required), with a minimum of 3 years of experience at the master's level in a relevant field.

Knowledge:

• Ethical Code of Psychologists of the Republic of Kazakhstan; professional ethics, confidentiality regulations, and client rights.
• Proficiency in MS Office, Excel, PowerPoint.
• Fluency in English, Kazakh, and Russian.
• Theoretical foundations of psychology: developmental, social, clinical, cognitive, pedagogical, and crisis psychology.
• Psychodiagnostic methods: tests, projective techniques, questionnaires, interviews, observations.
• Basics of psychotherapy and psychological correction: methods for dealing with personal crises, stress, anxiety, and emotional disorders.
• Conflict resolution: principles of mediation and conflict resolution techniques.
• Psychological counseling: major models and techniques for working with clients.

Skills:

• Psychodiagnostics – application of tests, data analysis, psychological report preparation.
• Counseling – conducting individual and group counseling, formulating recommendations.
• Psychological correction – developing personal development programs, training sessions, and correctional activities.
• Working with diverse client groups – adolescents, adults, and individuals in crisis.
• Conflict resolution – conducting negotiations and applying mediation techniques.
• Public speaking – conducting training sessions, lectures, and group activities.
• Documentation – preparing reports, conclusions, and work plans.
• Teamwork – collaborating with colleagues, doctors, educators, and social services.
• Emotional resilience – maintaining professionalism in stressful situations.

Competencies:

• Empathy and ability to build trusting relationships.
• Analytical and critical thinking.
• Self-regulation and stress resistance.
• Adaptability and flexibility in choosing working methodologies.
• Capacity for self-development and learning.
• High ethical responsibility.
• Ability to motivate and support clients.
• Report and analytical note preparation skills.

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