Social Worker

Al Rabeeh Academy; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 60,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A progressive school in Abu Dhabi is looking for an experienced Whole School Social Worker to join their team in August 2026. This pivotal role involves leading pastoral support, safeguarding, and ensuring student well-being. The ideal candidate holds a recognized degree in Social Work and has experience supporting vulnerable populations. They will collaborate with staff and families to promote positive outcomes for students. This position offers a competitive, tax-free salary along with a comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits

Competitive, tax-free salary

Furnished accommodation

Annual return air ticket/allowance

Comprehensive medical insurance

Life insurance

End-of-service gratuity

Visa arranged by the school

Qualifications

• Fluent in English, spoken and written.
• Professional certification or licensing as a Social Worker in the UAE.
• Experience in assessing and supporting vulnerable students.

Responsibilities

• Lead pastoral and social care support for all students.
• Work closely with stakeholders to address students' needs.
• Champion a culture of care and high expectations in the school.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Strong interpersonal skills

Understanding of safeguarding practices

Experience with vulnerable populations

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Social Work

Job description

Job Overview

Due to growth, Al Rabeeh Academy is seeking an experienced and dedicated Whole School Social Worker to join our dynamic, high-performing team in August 2026.

In this pivotal role, you will lead and coordinate pastoral, safeguarding, and social care support across the whole school, ensuring that every student’s well-being is prioritised and effectively supported. You will work closely with school leaders, teachers, families, and external agencies to identify and respond to students’ social, emotional, and welfare needs, promoting early intervention and positive outcomes.

The successful candidate will play a key role in strengthening safeguarding practice, supporting vulnerable students and families, and contributing to a nurturing, inclusive school culture where all children feel safe, supported, and able to thrive both academically and emotionally.

Why Al Rabeeh Academy?

Al Rabeeh Academy is a progressive, innovative, and rapidly growing school in Abu Dhabi. Al Rabeeh Academy has achieved an Outstanding British Curriculum school (BSO) and is rated Very Good in the 2024/2025 ADEK inspection. We have built an inspiring culture where staff and students truly flourish, a community where people are happy, engaged, and thriving. With a strong focus on AI-driven learning, exceptional pastoral care, all centred around our core values of Respect, Responsibility, and Resilience. We are shaping the next generation of World leaders. Al Rabeeh Academy is moving forward with purpose and energy, reflected in our exceptional staff retention rate.

Al Rabeeh Academy opened in 2017 and continues to grow as part of a respected network of schools with a long-standing reputation in Abu Dhabi. Since 1979, the Al Rabeeh name has been synonymous with high-quality education. We are proud members of British Schools in the Middle East (BSME); our students and staff benefit from inter-school competitions, tournaments, and a wide range of high-quality professional development opportunities within a strong regional community. Al Rabeeh Academy continues to strengthen its reputation as a school of choice for families seeking a balanced, values-driven education.

Al Rabeeh Academy offers the English National Curriculum alongside Arabic from FS1 to Year 13. We are seeking teachers who are not only skilled but also bring the right mindset, are driven, and are genuinely excited to make a real difference. The Academy continues to grow and evolve, resulting in significant opportunities for professional development and internal promotion. We seek teachers who embody our values, lift the culture around them, and inspire students every single day. The ideal candidate will teach with purpose, collaborate proactively, and embrace challenges as opportunities continue to grow.

Our Facilities

Al Rabeeh Academy is a modern, purpose-built campus with well-equipped classrooms, specialist science and ICT labs, art and music rooms, and a spacious library. The school provides excellent sports facilities, including an indoor swimming pool, multi-purpose sports hall, shaded outdoor play areas, Padel tennis courts, and AstroTurf pitches. Dedicated EYFS spaces create a safe, engaging environment for our youngest learners. Our secure and well-maintained campus supports high-quality teaching and a vibrant learning experience.

What We\'re Looking For

We are seeking an experienced and compassionate Whole School Social Worker who can:

• Provide whole-school pastoral and social care support, ensuring the safeguarding, well-being, and welfare of all students remain a priority.
• Work closely with students to support their social, emotional, and behavioural needs, offering early intervention and targeted support where required.
• Identify, assess, and monitor students who may be vulnerable or at risk, ensuring timely interventions and appropriate referrals in line with safeguarding procedures.
• Work collaboratively with teachers, leaders, and support staff to develop effective strategies that promote student well-being, engagement, and inclusion.
• Liaise confidently with parents, carers, and external agencies (including social services, therapists, and other professionals) to ensure a coordinated and supportive approach for each child and family.
• Maintain clear, accurate, and confidential records in line with regulatory and safeguarding requirements, contributing to policy development and whole-school improvement.
• Provide guidance, advice, and training to staff on safeguarding, child protection, and student well-being, helping to build confidence and consistency across the school.
• Champion a culture of care, inclusion, and high expectations, promoting students’ emotional resilience, safety, and positive mental health.
• Participate actively in school events, meetings, training, and wider whole-school initiatives, contributing to a positive and collaborative school environment.

Qualifications And Experience

Eligibility Criteria:

• Be a fluent English speaker (spoken and written).
• Hold a recognised Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from an accredited institution, in line with ADEK requirements.
• Have relevant professional certification or licensing (where applicable) and be eligible to work as a Social Worker in the UAE.
• Have proven experience working as a Social Worker, ideally within a school or child-focused setting.
• Demonstrate strong knowledge of safeguarding, child protection, and student well-being, including multi-agency working and early intervention.
• Have experience in assessing, supporting, and monitoring vulnerable students and families, using appropriate documentation and reporting systems.
• Possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive, solution-focused relationships with students, parents, staff, and external agencies.
• Demonstrate strong organisational and record-keeping skills, with the ability to manage confidential documentation in line with regulatory and safeguarding requirements.
• Show a clear commitment to safeguarding, student well-being, inclusion, and promoting a culture of care and high expectations across the whole school.

Why Join Us?

We Offer An Attractive Package, Including

• Competitive, tax-free salary
• Furnished accommodation
• Annual return air ticket/allowance
• Comprehensive medical insurance and life insurance
• End-of-service gratuity
• Visa arranged by the school

How To Apply

Complete the application form on the website via the Quick Apply button. Submit:

• CV (maximum 2 pages)
• A recent professional picture inserted in the right-hand corner of the CV
• A scanned degree certificate

Important Notes

• The school reserves the right to begin recruitment before the closing date, so early applications are encouraged.
• Interviews will be conducted in Abu Dhabi or online with the Executive Principal, Mr. Riaan Huyser.

Safeguarding Statement

Al Rabeeh Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and young people. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to robust safer recruitment checks, including identity verification, references, criminal background checks, and child protection screening in line with school and regulatory requirements.

Join Us

For more information about Al Rabeeh Academy and to confirm your choice of joining our vibrant, family-oriented community, please visit:

https://alrabeehacademy.ae/

https://www.instagram.com/al_rabeeh_academy?igsh=MTJjd2FkMXY3ZWU4Yw==