School Counsellor

Job description / Role

We are currently seeking experienced School Counsellors to join our expanding team in Abu Dhabi. The role will encompass responsibility for the delivery of individual and small group counselling sessions, and with the assistance of the Counselling Team, the development and implemention of emotional well-being programmes encompassing preventative social and behavioural workshops. You will have excellent communication skills and have a sound understanding of a variety of age appropriate counselling techniques suitable for use with young children and adolescents. A proven capacity to work effectively in an educational environment liaising with students, parents, teachers and the wider school community is preferred.

Reporting to: School Principal and Head of Inclusion

Desired start date: As soon as possible

Travel requirements: The successful candidate will need a valid UAE Driving License and occasionally travel within the country (i.e. visiting our schools, event locations)

Duties of the School Counsellor include:
- Providing counselling to students, individually and in groups, including appropriate short term therapeutic interventions
- Establishing a relationship of trust and respect with students, parents and teachers
- Actively listening to student concerns and empathising with their position
- Helping students towards a deeper understanding of their concerns
- Challenging any inconsistencies in what clients say or do
- Helping students to make decisions and choices regarding possible ways forward
- Maintaining client confidentiality
- Referring clients to other sources of help, as appropriate
- Attending supervision and training courses
- Working to agreed targets in relation to client contact
- Keeping records and using reporting tools
- Providing support to families and students in moments of crisis
- Developing and delivering preventative social and behavioural intervention programmes
- Participating in Counselling Network meetings
- Working as part of the Aldar Counselling Team to promote services across the Academies
- Mentoring and supporting new counsellors, sharing expertise and best practice
- Report child protection concerns to nominated CP Officers

Requirements

This role requires experience in counselling a range of psychological issues, including but not limited to eating disorders, substance misuse, depression, anxiety and self-harm.

This counsellor is not intended to provide career guidance.

Requirements
- Bachelor degree in Counselling, Psychology or Social Work
- Post graduate qualifications in Counselling
- A minimum of 2 years' experience in School Counselling
- Strong professional skills underpinned by sound theoretical knowledge
- Motivated and committed to promoting mental health
- Strong oral and written communication skills
- Personable, presentable and articulate
- Excellent English language skills required
- Arabic language is a plus
- Passion, Integrity and Commitment


If you feel you have the skills and experience required for this role, please apply today.

About the Company

Aldar Academies, a division of Aldar Properties PJSC, is a leading provider of private education in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. We provide inspiring learning environments, combining the very best academic, arts and sporting facilities with the highest standards of teaching. From a single school with 250 students in 2007, Aldar Academies now operates six schools in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain with over 4700 students. With over 700 employees we have planned projects to grow our current schools and build new ones to increase our student capacity to over 14,000 in the next 4-5 years. All our schools are rated Band A by the Abu Dhabi Education Council.

All Aldar Academies schools offer a British curriculum, which has been adapted to the needs of students in the UAE, ensuring that all our students have access to an international education in a stimulating, multi-cultural setting where academic achievement is nurtured alongside personal development. Operating as integral parts of the communities to which they belong, each of our six primary and secondary schools allows students to find and pursue their passions and prepare them for a future of success.

Aldar Academies schools are, at pre-school and primary level, The Pearl, Al Mushrif and Al Muna; serving both pre-school, primary and secondary age students are Al Ain International School and Al Yasmina, which operates from FS1 to Year 13. Al Bateen Secondary School serves the needs of secondary school students in the heart of Abu Dhabi and offers the IB Diploma Programme in Years 12 and 13.