School Counsellor - Social and Emotional Wellbeing

Gems Education UAE; Dubai; On-site; AED 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

GEMS Education UAE is seeking a compassionate School Counsellor to support students' social, emotional, and personal development at a Dubai school. Responsibilities include individual and group counselling, crisis intervention, and collaboration with teachers and parents to promote wellbeing.

The role requires at least 1 year of school-based counselling experience and a commitment to safeguarding, inclusion, and effective support for students facing emotional or behavioural challenges in a

Qualifications

• Degree in Education, Psychology, or Counselling.
• At least 1 year of school-based experience or previous experience working with schools and students in a counselling capacity.
• Knowledge of counselling theories, techniques, and practices related to students' social and emotional development.
• Understanding of approaches used to support students experiencing emotional, social, and behavioural difficulties.

Responsibilities

• Provide individual counselling sessions to support students experiencing personal, social, and emotional difficulties.
• Conduct group counselling sessions to help students strengthen social skills and manage interpersonal challenges.
• Provide crisis intervention and support for students facing urgent emotional difficulties.
• Establish positive and trusting relationships that encourage students to discuss concerns.
• Develop and implement programmes that promote emotional wellbeing and resilience.
• Facilitate workshops focused on conflict resolution, stress management, and positive behaviour.
• Collaborate with teachers and school staff to identify students needing social or emotional support.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Empathetic approach

Confidentiality

Communication

Collaboration with staff

Education

Bachelor's degree in Education, Psychology, or Counselling

Job description

Job Snapshot

School Counsellor - Social and Emotional Wellbeing Job Snapshot - Role: School Counsellor - Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates - Industry: Primary-Secondary Education - Function: Social Service - Experience: Minimum 1 year of school-based or student counselling experience - Job Type: Full Time - Work Arrangement: On-site

Overview

GEMS Education is seeking a compassionate and dedicated School Counsellor to support students ' social, emotional, and personal development at its school in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The successful candidate will provide individual and group counselling, develop programmes that promote emotional wellbeing, and work closely with teachers, parents, and school staff to address students ' social and emotional needs. The role requires a professional who can build trusting relationships with students, respond effectively to emotional challenges, and contribute to a safe, supportive, and inclusive school environment. The School Counsellor will also support preventive initiatives, behavioural interventions, and school-wide wellbeing programmes.

Job Details

Country: United Arab Emirates - City: Dubai - Industry: Primary-Secondary Education - Function: Social Service - Salary: Not disclosed - Gender: No Preference - Candidate Nationality: Not specified - Job Type: Full Time - Work Arrangement: On-site

Key Accountabilities

• Individual and Group Counselling
  • Provide individual counselling sessions to support students experiencing personal, social, and emotional difficulties.
  • Conduct group counselling sessions to help students strengthen social skills, develop positive peer relationships, and manage interpersonal challenges.
  • Provide crisis intervention and appropriate support for students facing urgent emotional difficulties.
  • Establish positive and trusting relationships that encourage students to discuss their concerns and seek guidance.
  • Apply relevant counselling techniques to address students ' social and emotional development needs.

Social and Emotional Development Programmes

• Develop and implement programmes that promote emotional wellbeing, self-awareness, and resilience among students.
• Facilitate workshops and activities focused on conflict resolution, stress management, and positive behaviour.
• Organize and lead school-wide initiatives that encourage a supportive, respectful, and inclusive school climate.
• Support students in developing healthy relationships and constructive approaches to emotional and social challenges.
• Contribute to a school environment that promotes students ' personal development and emotional wellbeing.

Preventive and Responsive Student Support

• Establish and maintain anti-bullying programmes that contribute to a safe and supportive learning environment.
• Develop behavioural intervention plans for students requiring additional social or emotional support.
• Monitor the effectiveness of behavioural interventions and make adjustments when necessary.
• Coordinate with external mental health professionals and relevant agencies when students require additional support services.
• Respond appropriately to emerging student wellbeing concerns through preventive and responsive counselling approaches.

Collaboration with Teachers and School Staff

• Work closely with teachers and other school personnel to identify students who may require social or emotional support.
• Provide guidance, training, and resources to teachers on social-emotional learning and student behaviour.
• Collaborate with school staff to develop appropriate strategies for supporting students ' wellbeing.
• Maintain effective professional relationships with colleagues to support coordinated student interventions.
• Contribute to a consistent school-wide approach to positive behaviour and emotional development.

Parent Engagement and Consultation

• Engage with parents through meetings, workshops, and consultations concerning their children 's social and emotional development.
• Provide appropriate guidance to parents on supporting their children 's emotional wellbeing and interpersonal relationships.
• Maintain professional communication with families while respecting student confidentiality.
• Work collaboratively with parents and school personnel to address student concerns and support positive outcomes.

Counselling Programme Management and Evaluation

• Maintain accurate and confidential records of counselling sessions, student concerns, and interventions.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of social and emotional development programmes.
• Review student support initiatives and recommend improvements based on identified needs and programme outcomes.
• Monitor the progress and effectiveness of counselling and behavioural support activities.
• Stay informed about current developments, professional practices, and approaches in social and emotional counselling.
• Maintain appropriate confidentiality and discretion when handling sensitive student information.

Qualifications and Experience

• Degree in Education, Psychology, or Counselling.
• At least 1 year of school-based experience or previous experience working with schools and students in a counselling capacity.
• Knowledge of counselling theories, techniques, and practices related to students ' social and emotional development.
• Understanding of approaches used to support students experiencing emotional, social, and behavioural difficulties.

Required Skills and Personal Attributes

• Excellent interpersonal skills and a compassionate, empathetic approach to student support.
• Ability to establish positive relationships with students and earn their trust.
• Strong understanding of confidentiality, professional discretion, and the sensitive nature of counselling information.
• Ability to work effectively with students from diverse backgrounds and with different social and emotional needs.
• Effective communication skills when working with students, parents, teachers, and school personnel.
• Ability to provide individual and group counselling using appropriate professional techniques.
• Sound judgement when responding to sensitive situations and urgent emotional concerns.
• Collaborative approach to supporting student wellbeing across the school community.
• Commitment to promoting positive behaviour, inclusion, and emotional resilience.

Safeguarding and Safer Recruitment

GEMS Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The organization is dedicated to providing safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environments where students can thrive. All employees, volunteers, and partners are expected to share this commitment and maintain high standards of professional conduct and child protection. As part of its safer recruitment practices, successful applicants will undergo comprehensive pre-employment checks, including verification of identity, qualifications, employment history, professional references, and criminal records from all countries of residence and employment. Additional screening may include enhanced disclosure checks, prohibition and barring checks, and overseas police clearances where applicable, in accordance with local and international safeguarding requirements.