Neurodiversity‑Affirming Academic Counsellor

BIBF; Manama; On-site; BHD 8,000 - 18,000; Full time

Job summary

RemoteApps co. seeks an Academic Counsellor to provide counselling and guidance to students in Bahrain, addressing programme requirements, course selection, and study planning. The role supports executive functioning, neurodiversity, and wellbeing, coordinating with faculty and support units.

You will maintain confidential records, deliver individual and group sessions, and contribute to retention and student success through assessments and referrals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Psychology or Counselling is required.
• Master’s degree in a relevant field is desirable.
• Membership of a relevant professional organization is desirable.
• Knowledge of student counselling, academic advising and higher education systems is desirable.
• More than 4-6 years of experience in academic counselling, student affairs or similar role in a higher education institution.
• Experience in dealing with undergraduate students and academic support services is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide academic counselling and guidance on programme requirements, course selection, academic regulations, progression pathways, and study planning.
• Provide specialised guidance and support to students with executive functioning difficulties, including organisation, time management, planning, prioritisation, self-regulation, and academic engagement.
• Support students with diagnosed or suspected neurodevelopmental conditions and learning differences through interventions, referrals, accommodation planning, and academic success strategies.
• Support students in understanding and complying with institutional academic policies, procedures, and deadlines.
• Provide one-to-one and group counselling to students experiencing academic, personal, behavioural, emotional or interpersonal challenges affecting their learning and development.
• Respond appropriately to students facing personal difficulties or wellbeing concerns, while maintaining professional boundaries.
• Assess student needs and determine appropriate support strategies, including one-to-one sessions, awareness seminars and referrals to external specialist services.
• Apply neurodiversity-affirming approaches to support students with complex emotional, behavioural, social, or learning needs.
• Facilitate psychoeducational and skills-based interventions for ADHD, ASD, academic burnout, executive functioning, social communication, adjustment to higher education, and related concerns.
• Identify ‘At-Risk’ and ‘Special Needs’ students and implement timely interventions to support retention, attendance, engagement, and academic success.
• Monitor student attendance, academic performance, and engagement indicators, and follow up on concerns.
• Conduct comprehensive assessments of student support needs and contribute to individualised support plans.
• Identify indicators of psychological distress, self-harm risk, suicidality, or significant impairment, and initiate intervention and referral procedures.
• Collaborate with academic staff, programme teams, and support units to coordinate student support.
• Liaise with parents, sponsors, and external stakeholders regarding student support matters.
• Plan and deliver workshops and engagement activities related to academic success, wellbeing, and study skills.
• Contribute to student induction, orientation, and transition support activities.
• Provide consultation to faculty regarding neurodiversity, accommodations, and student wellbeing.
• Develop and deliver training and resources related to ADHD, ASD, learning differences, and inclusive practices.
• Maintain confidential records of counselling sessions and progress.
• Prepare reports and analyses related to student counselling and progression.
• Support QA, audits, and reporting requirements for student support services.
• Escalate complex or safeguarding-related matters to management as per protocols.
• Maintain confidentiality and data protection compliance.
• Undertake risk assessments and coordinate referrals for wellbeing concerns.

Skills

Student counselling

Academic advising

Higher education systems

Neurodiversity support

Wellbeing support

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Psychology / Counselling

Master’s degree in a relevant field

Professional organization membership

Job description

RemoteApps co. seeks an Academic Counsellor to provide counselling and guidance to students in Bahrain, addressing programme requirements, course selection, and study planning. The role supports executive functioning, neurodiversity, and wellbeing, coordinating with faculty and support units.

You will maintain confidential records, deliver individual and group sessions, and contribute to retention and student success through assessments and referrals.