School Counsellor

Job Description

Due to the opening of our newest school, GEMS Founders School, Nad Al Hamar we are looking to recruit a School Counsellor to join our team.

For over a decade, GEMS Founders schools have delivered a high-quality British education at an accessible fee level, growing into one of the UAE’s most trusted British curriculum families of schools. The network is known for strong academic results, inclusive communities and outstanding value.

GEMS Founders School – Nad Al Hamar is the fifth school in this proven and trusted family.

General expectations:

• Embrace and encourage the ethos and standards of excellence as defined in the GEMS Core Values
• Ensure the GEMS policies, procedures, and codes of conduct are followed at all times.
• Initiate effort and energy beyond the typical work day, where the tasks require additional commitment.
• Attend staff meetings and serve on committees as required.
• Perform other duties as requested by direct & dotted reporting line managers / supervisors.
  
  

• To provide 1:1 support to students.
• To assess the suitability of support within the counselling environment.
• To ensure an approachable, informal open-door policy for all within the school.
• To inform students of the confidentiality limitations within the counselling environment.
• To work with the students, offering support guidance and advice to parents, students and staff as required.
• If a collective concern is identified, assessed and appropriate, offer students group work to help deal with associated issues.
• To communicate and liaise with teachers, nurses, heads of year and senior staff about the welfare of students within the remits of the student/Counsellor confidentiality process.
• To ensure that equal opportunities are given to all students, to enable them to access the counselling service.
• To be aware of issues within the school environment that may affect the emotional health of students, both on individual basis, on a year specific basis or as a school community.
  
  

• To communicate and liaise with parents regarding their child’s welfare, within the remits of the student/counsellor confidentiality process.
• To provide support and guidance to school staff enabling them to better identify and support students with emotional health and well-being difficulties.
  
  

• Offer counseling and support to school staff, including teachers, administrators, and other staff members.
• Address issues related to stress, burnout, and work-life balance.
• Provide referrals to external resources for staff members in need of additional support.
• School Culture and Climate
• Promote a positive and inclusive school culture.
• Develop and implement school-wide counseling programs to address common student needs.
• Collaborate with school administrators to create a supportive and safe learning environment.
  
  

• Serve on school wellbeing committee.
• Develop and implement comprehensive programs to promote students' physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being.
• Collaborate with teachers, counselors, and other school staff to identify and address students' needs.
• Develop and implement programs to promote staff well-being, including stress management, work-life balance, and mental health support.
• Collaborate with school leaders to create a positive and supportive work environment.
  
  

• To have knowledge of the child protection policies and liaise with the child protection coordinator as required.
• To raise awareness and promote the counselling service within the school to students, staff and parents using a range of strategies.
• To research workshops, seminars, CPD training opportunities for self and others to promote better understanding of issues that affect young people.
• To research and liaise with outside agencies to enhance the counselling service offered.
• To keep up to date on current literature with regards to young people issues and counselling developments.
• To attend regular outside supervision sessions.
• To provide reports on request relating to the counselling service.