School Counsellor

Job Description

Purpose of the Role

The School Counsellor at Smart Vision School plays a vital role in supporting the social, emotional, and psychological wellbeing of students. The counsellor works collaboratively with students, families, and staff to ensure every learner feels safe, supported, and empowered to succeed.

Through individual and group counselling, preventative wellbeing programmes, and early intervention strategies, the School Counsellor helps students develop resilience, emotional intelligence, and positive relationships. The role also supports safeguarding practices and contributes to a nurturing, inclusive school environment.

This role aligns with the KHDA Education Inspection Framework, UAE Ministry of Education wellbeing expectations, and international safeguarding standards, ensuring that student wellbeing and protection remain at the heart of the school community.

Key Responsibilities

Student Wellbeing and Counselling

• Provide confidential individual and group counselling to students experiencing emotional, social, behavioural, or academic challenges.
• Support students in developing coping strategies, resilience, self-confidence, and positive relationships.
• Identify students who may require additional emotional or behavioural support and provide early intervention.
• Support students during transitions, adjustment periods, or personal challenges.
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries while creating a safe and trusting environment for students.

Safeguarding and Child Protection

• Support the school’s safeguarding and child protection policies, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all students.
• Identify potential safeguarding concerns and work with the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) where appropriate.
• Maintain accurate and confidential records in line with school and regulatory requirements.
• Promote a safe school culture where students feel comfortable seeking help.

Pastoral Care and Student Development

• Contribute to the development of whole-school wellbeing initiatives and programmes.
• Support students’ social and emotional development, promoting empathy, respect, and positive behaviour.
• Deliver workshops and wellbeing sessions on topics such as emotional wellbeing, resilience, relationships, and mental health awareness.
• Support initiatives that encourage positive student engagement and belonging within the school community.

Collaboration and Communication

• Work collaboratively with teachers, leadership, and inclusion staff to support students effectively.
• Provide guidance to teachers on supporting students’ emotional and behavioural needs.
• Maintain professional communication with parents where appropriate, offering guidance and support.
• Liaise with external specialists or agencies when additional support is required.

Professional Development and Contribution

• Engage in ongoing professional development related to counselling, safeguarding, and student wellbeing.
• Participate in school meetings, safeguarding discussions, and wellbeing initiatives.
• Support school events and initiatives that promote student wellbeing and community engagement.
• Maintain high standards of professionalism, confidentiality, and ethical practice.

Skills, Qualifications, and Experience

Essential

• Degree in Psychology, Counselling, or a related field.
• Recognised counselling qualification or professional certification.
• Minimum two years’ experience working with children or adolescents in a counselling or wellbeing role.
• Strong understanding of child development, mental health, and safeguarding practices.
• Excellent communication, listening, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries.

Desirable

• Experience working in international schools or within the UAE.
• Knowledge of KHDA inspection expectations and student wellbeing frameworks.
• Experience delivering preventative wellbeing programmes in schools.

Competencies and Attributes

• Compassionate and empathetic communicator
• Strong emotional intelligence and cultural sensitivity
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills
• Professional integrity and confidentiality
• Collaborative team player with a proactive approach
• Committed to promoting student wellbeing, inclusion, and safeguarding

Alignment to Standards

KHDA Education Inspection Framework

• Personal Development, Behaviour, and Wellbeing
• Care, Support, and Protection of Students
• Provision for Students of Determination
• Leadership and Professional Collaboration

School Improvement Plan (SIP) Alignment

• Strengthening student wellbeing and pastoral support systems
• Promoting positive behaviour, resilience, and emotional development
• Supporting inclusive practices and safe learning environments

UAE Ministry of Education Alignment

• Supporting the national student wellbeing agenda
• Promoting respect, tolerance, and positive values within the school community
• Ensuring effective pastoral care and safeguarding procedures

ISP Principles

Begin with our children and students. Our children and students are at the heart of what we do. Simply, their success is our success. Wellbeing and safety are both essential for learners and learning. Therefore, we are consistent in identifying potential safeguarding

and Health & Safety issues and acting and following up on all concerns appropriately.

Treat everyone with care and respect. We look after one another, embrace similarities and differences and promote the well-being of self and others.

Operate effectively. We focus relentlessly on the things that are most important and will make the most difference. We apply school policies and procedures and embody the shared ideas of our community.

Are financially responsible. We make financial choices carefully based on the needs of the children, students and our schools.

Learn continuously. Getting better is what drives us. We positively engage with personal and professional development and school improvement.

ISP Commitment to Safeguarding Principles

ISP is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All post holders are subject to appropriate vetting procedures, including an online due diligence search, references and satisfactory Criminal Background Checks or equivalent covering the previous 10 years’ employment history.

ISP Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

ISP is committed to strengthening our inclusive culture by identifying, hiring, developing, and retaining high-performing teammates regardless of gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation and gender expression, age, disability status, neurodivergence, socio-economic background or other demographic characteristics. Candidates who share our vision and principles and are interested in contributing to the success of ISP through this role are strongly encouraged to apply.