School Counseller

Job Description

GEMS Founders School, Masdar City are looking for a School Counseller to join the team.

GEMS Founders School, Masdar City - Abu Dhabi, is an international UK curriculum a co-educational school, providing students with the high standard of education that GEMS Education embodies.

Nestled at the heart of Abu Dhabi's sustainable urban community Masdar City, the new GEMS Founders School takes a bold step towards a more sustainable educational future with a keen focus on green initiatives and responsible environmental practices along with developing and shaping young minds to become the best version of themselves

The role:

The School Counsellor supports students’ social, emotional, behavioral and academic development by providing counselling services while delivering wellbeing initiatives. This role works closely with students, staff, and parents to identify needs, address challenges, and foster a culture of mental health awareness and resilience across the school community.

General expectations:

• Embrace and encourage the ethos and standards of excellence as defined in the GEMS Core Values
• Ensure the GEMS policies, procedures, and codes of conduct are followed at all times. Initiate effort and energy beyond the typical work day, where the tasks require additional commitment.
• Attend staff meetings and serve on committees as required.
• Perform other duties as requested by direct \& dotted reporting line managers / supervisors.

Student support:

• Provide individual and group counselling for all stakeholders.
• Support crisis intervention and develop personalized support plans.
• Drive school-wide wellbeing programs, workshops, and awareness campaigns aligned with the school’s pastoral care framework.
• Collaborate with teachers, parents, and leadership to identify student needs and implement interventions.
• Maintain confidential and accurate case records in line with safeguarding and regulatory guidelines.
• Contribute to policy development and the creation of a safe, inclusive, supportive school environment.

Staff Support:

• Offer counseling and support to school staff, including teachers, administrators, and other staff members.
• Address issues related to stress, burnout, and work-life balance.
• Provide referrals to external resources for staff members in need of additional support.
• School Culture and Climate.
• Promote a positive and inclusive school culture.
• Develop and implement school-wide counseling programs to address common student needs.
• Collaborate with school administrators to create a supportive and safe learning environment.

Skills

Education \& Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Social Work, Education, or equivalent.
• Relevant professional counselling certification or licensure is desirable.
• Training in safeguarding, child protection, mental health support, or wellbeing programmes is advantageous.

Experience

• Minimum of 2 years' experience working as a School Counsellor, Guidance Counsellor, or in a similar student support role.
• Experience working with children and adolescents in an educational setting.
• Ability to work collaboratively with students, parents, teachers, and external agencies to support student wellbeing.
• Previous experience in an international school environment is desirable.

GEMS Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all of its students and staff. A UK-enhanced DBS or equivalent police check is a pre-requisite for all appointments.