Senior Student Counselor

The opportunity

The Student Counselor provides a comprehensive range of counseling services for students experiencing personal social and academic difficulties. The person in this position also undertakes testing and psychological assessment as applicable with licensure. When required, the person makes appropriate referrals for services and also provides consultation for faculty, staff, and students. Crisis intervention, psychoeducational programs focused on students' personal growth and development, outreach workshops, etc., are also part of the core responsibilities of the Student Counselor. The person in this position is expected to attend regular supervision meetings and participate in training programs.

The responsibility

• Offers a wide range of counseling services including but not limited to: (a) individual and group counseling (b) psychological and educational assessment (c) preventative psychoeducational and skills training workshops that enhance and support students' psychological wellbeing (d) crisis intervention and outreach programs focused on students' personal growth and development.
• Adheres to the Code of Ethical Practice and Standards of Professional Conduct prescribed by the American Counseling Association (ACA).
• Strives to promote an atmosphere of trust, confidentiality, and respect to encourage parents as well as the ZU community in seeking services or consultation and/or referral aimed at students' psychological health and wellbeing.
• Makes referrals as needed within the ZU as well as to other community resources/agencies and appropriately conducts follow-up of these cases.
• Administers, interprets, documents, and reports findings on different educational and psychological assessments.
• Participates in regular case conferences and supervision meetings as a member of a team of counseling professionals.
• Provides crisis counseling for students who experience critical psychological distress or are in need of urgent care due to trauma, abuse, anxiety, etc.
• Liaises with the Outreach officers to design, develop, and deliver psychoeducational preventative and skills development workshops/programs for students.
• Participates in the development of policies, procedures, and manuals guiding the operations and functions of the center.
• Provides consultation for faculty and staff on issues concerning the wellbeing and psychological health of students.
• Liaises with faculties, departments, and other student services regarding the provision of programs and services which enhance student development.
• Provides clinical supervision and training for interns in collaboration with the colleges/departments.
• Represents the Student Counseling Center on University committees or task force groups concerning students' psychological health and wellbeing.
• Represents the Student Counseling Center on all major programs such as New Students Orientation, Parents Orientation, Registration Open Days, Study Abroad Programs, Careers events, etc.
• Maintains and safeguards confidential information including client files, reports, and records as mandated by the profession.
• Maintains weekly logs on services provided and compiles data for the purpose of reports, records, evaluation, etc. of the center and its services.
• Participates in research programs, needs assessments, and program evaluations as required from the center.

The Requirements

Should possess a minimum of a Bachelor's degree in Counseling Psychology or closely related fields (i.e., clinical school counseling, Clinical Social Work, School Psychology, etc.) from an accredited institution and a Master's degree is preferred. A minimum of 7 years experience or an equivalent combination of experience and education is required.

Strong knowledge of group dynamics and personal counseling techniques suitable to an educational setting.

Relevant licensure or ability to acquire a license in the UAE.

Other essential requirements:

Must be bilingual with a familiarity of the UAE/Arabic collective society and culture.

Awareness and knowledge of UAE culture.

Sensitivity and awareness of college student issues.

Professional organizational membership and engagement in the profession.

Desired or preferred requirements:

Experience working in the higher education environment.

Knowledge of educational testing and assessment.

Has license or ability to acquire a license to practice and supervise.

The Benefits

The University's benefits package is highly attractive with competitive salaries free of tax in the U.A.E., cash housing, annual vacation, airline tickets for the employee and immediate family, educational subsidies for children, and healthcare is provided to the employee and sponsored family members.

To Apply

In addition to completing the online application form, attach a cover letter, a current CV, and three professional references' names and contact details.
While we appreciate all applications, you will be contacted only if selected for an interview.

For any further inquiries please contact

Required Experience:

Senior IC