Job Description

Aldar Education is seeking an outstanding School Counsellor for The Pearl British Academy in Abu Dhabi commencing in August 2025. The Pearl British Academy is a diverse private international English school located in the heart of Abu Dhabi city. Serving students from Nursery - Year 6 we follow the National Curriculum of England. To provide professional leadership and management for the department in order to secure high quality teaching and learning, effective use of resources and improved standards of learning and achievement for all students. This is an exciting opportunity to join the highly successful Aldar family of schools and to help shape the future of Abu Dhabi's leading school group. The successful candidates will be closely aligned with our core values and ethos and possess a genuine understanding and appreciation of the values of the region.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor of Science/Education in Social Work Bachelor of Counselling Bachelor of Psychology - with subsequent post graduate counselling qualifications

Minimum Experience

Minimum of 2 years experience in school counselling or other counselling experience required

Job Specific Knowledge & Skills

Appropriate license to carryout student counselling Strong interpersonal skills with both students and parents Demonstrable organizational skills Strong desire to help others and should be able to inspire respect, trust, and confidence Must possess high emotional and physical energy to handle the array of problems addressed Maintains the highest levels of confidentiality and professionalism

Main Duties

MAIN ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Help students enhance personal, social, and academic growth and wellbeing Monitor the progress of individual students Make contact with parents to discuss student behaviour or support needs Take steps to prevent bullying and support victims of bullying Help students develop job search skills, such as resume writing and interviewing techniques Help students understand and deal with social, behaviour, and personal problems Deliver therapeutic intervention based on the need of the individuals and provide referral to external services as needed Emphasize preventive and developmental counselling to provide students with life skills needed to deal with problems before they worsen and to enhance students' personal, social, and academic growth. Provide special services such as conflict resolution classes; identify cases of domestic abuse and other family problems that can affect a student's development

Note: Duties will fall within the professional qualifications and expertise of the counsellor, depending if the post requires Guidance Counsellor and/or Mental Health Counsellor provision.

Specific Duties

CAREER COUNSELING:

Works with students regarding career options and provides appropriate information to students regarding careers. Assists in providing students with information for career exploration and selection to assist them in making appropriate academic course selections relating to their interests. Maintains an appropriate library/database relating to various careers for students to utilize in their career explorations. Coordinate access to university affairs and with university applications

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PERSONAL MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELLING:

Works with individual students and groups of students in regards to appropriate social, emotional and development issues. Maintains an awareness of cultural influences regarding social development of adolescents and delivers culturally sensitive therapies. Monitors students who may be at risk in regards to social and emotional issues and makes appropriate referrals for interventions outside of school in consultation with parents. Promotes wellbeing of students via whole school and community awareness initiatives. * Works closely with the pastoral team and safeguarding leads.