Specialist: Employee Wellness – (2107)

Are you passionate about employee wellbeing and ready to make a significant impact? The University of the Western Cape (UWC) is looking for a dedicated Employee Wellness Specialist to join our Human Resources Department in Bellville.

UWC is a dynamic and diverse university committed to addressing the development needs of South Africa in a global context. Our HR Department supports the University’s ‘People Framework’ by driving change and transformation through continuous improvement initiatives. This role is crucial for fostering a healthy and supportive environment for our staff.

About the Role

Reporting to the Director: HR Service Excellence, the Specialist: Employee Wellness will be responsible for developing, implementing, and evaluating a comprehensive employee wellness program for UWC. This program will focus on both organizational and individual wellbeing, covering areas such as nutritional and physical health, mental/emotional health, financial wellbeing, lifestyle, relationship management, and cultural wellness. You will ensure programs are accessible and align with institutional priorities, health data, and retention goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and continuously improve a comprehensive staff wellness programme.
• Maintain and update wellness communications and digital platforms.
• Assist with monitoring the program budget.
• Engage in and support intervention programmes, including occupational health, reasonable accommodation requests, and incapacity-related matters.
• Facilitate and coordinate outsourced counselling and advisory services.
• Provide advice to internal clients, HR Consultants, and stakeholders on appropriate wellness interventions and support.
• Handle administration and general inquiries related to staff wellness.
• Help develop the Wellness Strategy, annual strategic/operational plans, and policies.
• Gather and analyse data to identify trends and program utilization for informed decision-making.
• Stay updated on national wellness initiatives and expand the Employee Wellness Program by networking with resources and contacts.
• Establish a network of professionals and stakeholders to enhance wellness offerings.
• Prepare and submit reports.
• Facilitate workshops and information sessions.
• Actively contribute to the University’s Integrated Talent Management Framework and Institutional Operating Plan.

Minimum Requirements

To be successful in this role, you should possess the following qualifications and experience:

• An Honours Degree (NQF Level 8) in Industrial Psychology, Social Science, Psychology, Human Resources, or a related field.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in a human resources environment, particularly in staffing services.
• Registration with a relevant Professional Body (e.g., SABPP, HPCSA).
• Proven experience in developing wellness programs, engaging stakeholders, and facilitating wellness-related activities.
• Advanced digital skills and an understanding of AI and digital contexts.

Advantageous Skills & Experience

• Experience within a Higher Education environment.

Required Competencies

• Advanced communication and presentation skills.
• Advanced computer and digitization skills.
• Excellent relationship management and stakeholder engagement abilities.
• Strong report writing skills.
• Research and networking skills.

How to Apply

If you meet the requirements and are ready to contribute to UWC’s employee wellness, we encourage you to apply. Please highlight your strengths and include any exceptional qualifications or experiences that may benefit your application. Your online application must include:

• A comprehensive cover letter motivating your suitability for the position.
• A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV) with contact details for three referees.
• Copies of your highest qualification(s).

To be considered, you must apply online by the closing date. Please click on the ‘Apply for this Job’ link available on the official UWC careers portal. For any recruitment-related queries, you may contact the Human Resources Department at +27 21 959 4063/9763/9708/3551/3756 or email e-recruitment@uwc.ac.za.

Closing Date: 22 September 2025

Disclaimer: By applying, you consent to the University sharing your application details with relevant stakeholders. In line with UWC’s commitment to employment equity, preference will be given to suitably qualified applicants from designated groups. The University reserves the right to not make an appointment, make an appointment at a different level, seek additional candidates, and may conduct competency assessments. The official retirement age at UWC is 65 years.