School Counsellor

A. Roles and Responsibilities

· To work collaboratively as part of the wider Pastoral team.

· To be a good communicator at all levels.

· Be committed to developing positive relationships with all members of the school community.

· Liaising with colleagues professionally and working flexibly.

· Working with parents to ensure the happiness and best academic outcomes for all students.

· Working cooperatively with curriculum support staff (where applicable) to support student development.

· Work in collaboration with the School Social Worker to enhance students’ personal, social, and academic growth.

· Support victims of bullying and take steps to prevent bullying.

· Help students understand and deal with social, behaviour, and personal problems.

· Provide special services such as conflict resolution classes; identify cases of domestic abuse and other family problems that can affect a student’s development.

· Liaise with external agencies (e.g., psychiatric centres, child protection services) to ensure that students receive necessary support.

· Develop and implement programs addressing mental health, coping strategies, and social-emotional learning.

· To support the Lower School Assistant Principal and Middle and Senior School Assistant Principal in cases related to Child Protection/Safeguarding.

· Use CPOMS to accurately record relevant pastoral issues.

B. Counselling

· 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.

· Conduct individual and group counselling sessions to support students facing personal, social, or academic challenges.

· Work collaboratively with teachers and parents to address students’ counselling needs while maintaining confidentiality.

C. Group Counselling

· Identify areas that would be appropriate for intervention in the form of group counselling and regularly forms and leads appropriate groups.

· Utilizes both large (classroom) groups and small groups to make appropriate academic and behavioural interventions.

D. Personal Counselling

· Works with individual students and groups of students in regard to appropriate social development issues.

· Maintains an awareness of cultural influences regarding social development of adolescents.

· Monitors students who may be at risk in regard to social issues and makes appropriate referrals for interventions outside of school in consultation with parents.

E. Behaviour Management and Duties

· Follow the school’s Behaviour Policy.

· Maintain excellent relationships with pupils, exercise appropriate authority, and act decisively when necessary within the Academy’s Behaviour Policy.

· Be a positive role model and demonstrate consistently the positive attitudes, values and behaviour, which are expected of pupils.

· Have high expectations of behaviour, promoting self-control and independence of all learners.

· Ensure the Mamoura Values DNA language and attitudes are being embedded throughout the curriculum.

· Carry out duties as directed and within the Academy’s policy.

F. Wider Professional Responsibilities

· To work as part of a wider Pastoral team.

· Support the organising and taking part in school events, outings and activities which may take place at weekends or in the evening.

· Communicate effectively with parents/carers with regards to students’ achievements and well-being using school systems/processes.

· Make a positive contribution to the wider life and ethos of the school.

Minimum Qualifications

· Bachelor of Science/Education in School Counselling

· School Counsellor License from the Department of Community Development (DCD)

Minimum Experience

· Minimum of 2 year of 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

· Knowledge of UAE Ministry of Education and ADEK regulations

· Commitment to school’s vision and Mission Statement

· Ability to work under pressure, problem-solve, deal with challenging situations and be resilient

· Commitment to continuing professional development (CPD)