School Social Worker - UAE National

Aldar Education LLC; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Aldar Education is seeking a UAE National Social Worker to support student wellbeing across its schools in Abu Dhabi. The role involves non-therapeutic social and emotional support, collaboration with parents, teachers, and the Pastoral Services Team, and coordinating with external resources to safeguard students.

The ideal candidate holds a social work degree, a DCD license, and at least one year of school counselling or related experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Education in Social Work.
• DCD license.
• Appropriate license to undertake student counselling activities.
• DOH license is not required for this position.
• At least 1 year of experience in school counselling or another counselling setting.

Responsibilities

• Provide non-therapeutic social and emotional support to students.
• Coordinate with families, teachers and pastoral staff to support wellbeing.
• Conduct interviews and assessments to understand student needs.
• Develop and document case plans with DSL/CPC/CPT.
• Maintain confidential case records and prepare reports.
• Coordinate referrals to community resources and service providers.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Organizational skills

Case management

Assessment skills

Emotional resilience

Education

Bachelor of Science in Social Work

Bachelor of Education in Social Work

DCD license

Counselling license if required

Job description

School Social Worker - UAE National Job Snapshot - Role: Social Worker - Employer: Aldar Education - Location: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - Industry: Primary-Secondary Education - Function: Social Service - Experience: Minimum 1 year of counselling experience - Job Type: Full Time - Work Arrangement: On-site - Candidate Nationality: UAE National Position Overview Aldar Education is seeking a qualified UAE National Social Worker to support student wellbeing across its family of schools in Abu Dhabi. The successful candidate will provide non-therapeutic social and emotional support to students experiencing personal, academic, behavioural, or family-related challenges. Working closely with students, parents, teachers, and the school 's Pastoral Services Team, the Social Worker will help identify individual needs and coordinate appropriate support. The role involves student assessments, case management, family engagement, community referrals, advocacy, and safeguarding collaboration. The Social Worker will serve as an important link between the school, families, and external support organizations. Applicants must hold a relevant degree in Social Work, possess a Department of Community Development (DCD) license, and have at least one year of experience in school counselling or another counselling setting.

Job Details

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

Key Responsibilities

Student and Family Support

• Provide non-therapeutic support to students experiencing personal, social, emotional, behavioural, or academic challenges.
• Work with students and families to understand concerns affecting student wellbeing and educational progress.
• Serve as a liaison between students, parents, school staff, and relevant community service providers.
• Provide appropriate guidance and practical support to students and families.
• Help students develop the personal and social competencies needed for successful participation in school life.
• Encourage positive communication and cooperation between families and the school.
• Support students in accessing appropriate assistance according to their individual circumstances.

Student Assessment and Case Management

• Conduct interviews and assessments to understand students' and families' individual circumstances.
• Identify factors contributing to social, emotional, behavioural, or academic difficulties.
• Collaborate with relevant professionals to assess student support needs.
• Develop and document individual case plans in coordination with the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), Child Protection Coordinator (CPC), and Child Protection Team (CPT).
• Monitor student cases and coordinate appropriate follow-up activities.
• Maintain accurate and confidential case records.
• Prepare relevant reports and documentation in accordance with school procedures.
• Support the review of student needs and the effectiveness of agreed interventions.

Pastoral Care and Multidisciplinary Collaboration

• Work collaboratively with the school 's Pastoral Services Team.
• Coordinate with teachers, parents, and other school professionals to support student wellbeing.
• Participate in multidisciplinary discussions concerning student needs.
• Assist in identifying appropriate school-based support services.
• Contribute to coordinated approaches for addressing student difficulties.
• Maintain professional communication with internal and external stakeholders.
• Support a collaborative school environment that promotes student welfare and achievement.

Community Resources and Referrals

• Identify suitable community resources and support services for students and families.
• Help families access relevant healthcare, housing, benefits, legal assistance, or other community services where appropriate.
• Liaise with external organizations and service providers regarding student and family support needs.
• Coordinate referrals to appropriate healthcare providers, legal services, and other relevant agencies.
• Advocate for students and families when assistance is required.
• Provide information about available services and appropriate support pathways.
• Maintain effective professional relationships with community support organizations.

Student Wellbeing and School Awareness

• Support initiatives that promote students' social, emotional, and personal development.
• Prepare and deliver school assemblies addressing identified student wellbeing needs.
• Provide relevant guidance and information to the wider school community.
• Support awareness activities concerning student welfare and social development.
• Contribute to a positive and inclusive school environment.
• Promote appropriate support for students experiencing personal or family challenges.
• Work with school stakeholders to encourage understanding of student wellbeing needs.

Documentation and Professional Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate records of assessments, case plans, referrals, and support activities.
• Prepare reports and documentation in accordance with professional and school requirements.
• Provide relevant information to authorized professionals while maintaining appropriate confidentiality.
• Participate in multidisciplinary meetings and case discussions.
• Provide evidence in court proceedings when required as part of the role.
• Attend professional supervision sessions, team meetings, and training activities.
• Participate in continuing professional development to maintain relevant knowledge and skills.
• Provide information, guidance, and training support to individuals and families where appropriate.
• Maintain professional standards in all interactions with students, parents, colleagues, and external organizations.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Education in Social Work.
• Department of Community Development (DCD) license.
• Appropriate license to undertake student counselling activities, as specified by the employer.
• Department of Health (DOH) license is not required for this position.

Minimum Experience

• At least 1 year of experience in school counselling or another counselling setting.

Nationality Requirement

• Applicants must be UAE Nationals.

Job Specific Knowledge and Skills

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills when working with students and parents.
• Demonstrated organizational and case management abilities.
• Ability to assess student and family support needs professionally.
• Understanding of student social, emotional, and behavioural wellbeing.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with school pastoral teams and external service providers.
• Strong commitment to helping students and families overcome challenges.
• Ability to inspire trust, respect, and confidence.
• Emotional resilience and energy to manage a range of student and family concerns.
• Professional judgment and sensitivity when handling confidential information.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and prepare appropriate reports.
• Commitment to student welfare, safeguarding, and professional conduct.
• Positive and supportive approach to working with students, families, and colleagues.

Compensation and Professional Development

Aldar Education offers a competitive remuneration package, with specific salary and benefit amounts not disclosed. Employees have access to professional development opportunities, career growth initiatives, and a wider network of education professionals. The organization also provides opportunities to contribute to school initiatives, events, professional learning, and training activities.

Safeguarding and Appointment Requirements

Aldar Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All employees are expected to support this commitment and maintain appropriate professional standards when working with students. Offers of appointment are subject to satisfactory references, police clearance, and background checks.

Equal Opportunity

Aldar Education is an equal opportunity employer committed to maintaining a diverse and inclusive working environment. This vacancy specifically seeks UAE National applicants in accordance with the stated nationality requirement and the organization 's national development strategy.

About Aldar Education

Aldar Education is an established education group based in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, operating a network of schools focused on student achievement, wellbeing, and educational innovation. The organization provides a supportive professional environment that encourages collaboration, inclusive education, and continuous improvement. Through its family of schools, Aldar Education works to create learning environments where students receive the academic, social, and personal support needed to succeed. The organization seeks dedicated professionals who share its commitment to student welfare, educational excellence, and respect for the values and culture of the United Arab Emirates.