Student Counselor - Universal American School - Dubai
Al Futtaim Private Company LLC, United Arab Emirates
Job Description
Student Counselor | Universal American School | Dubai
JOB GOALS
To effectively design and implement a student counseling program that meets the developmental, emotional, social and academic requirements of the student body and that enables students to experience success in all aspects of their lives. The student counselor listens to students' concerns about academic, emotional or social challenges. Helps students process their problems and plan goals and action. The student counselor mediates conflict between students and sometimes between students and parents and/or teachers. Utilizing leadership, advocacy, and collaboration, the student counselor promotes student success, provides preventive services, and responds to identified student needs by implementing a holistic counseling program that addresses academic and personal/social development and wellbeing for all students. The student counselor plays a vital role in quality assuring and supporting the delivery of the school’s advisory program, where we include the learning objectives of the UAE Moral Education curriculum.
REPORTS TO: Elementary/Secondary Principal
QUALIFICATION/SKILLS
Degree (preferably at Master’s level) in Psychology or Psycho-Social Counseling/Elementary/Secondary Counseling
Previous student counseling experience from an international setting is preferred
Deep understanding of third-culture challenges
Highly developed internationally-minded, interpersonal and communication skills
Highly developed organizational skills and ability to meet deadlines
The ability to be flexible, adapt to new situations and think outside the box
The ability to work as part of a team
A positive attitude and analytical approach to problem solving
GENERAL RESPONSIVE SERVICES
Advocates for all students
Develops/maintains a student counseling program that removes the barriers for students to thrive and progress
Organizes the counseling program by assessing needs, setting goals, and formulating a plan of action with evaluative accountability mechanisms
Supports/counsels students who are referred to or identified as having emotional, social or academic difficulties
Demonstrates knowledge of counseling processes and techniques with students, parents, teachers, and administrators
Demonstrates an awareness of the cultural differences and understands the needs of students in the school
Meets regularly with teachers/administrators/parents in order that student concerns might be expeditiously addressed
Collaborates with teachers and administrators in order to provide support for incoming, withdrawing, and leaving students
Assists new students and families in the “settling in” process if they are new to UAS
Provides PD for teachers regarding behavioral and classroom management strategies
Is actively involved with students through classroom visits, presentation of lessons, participation in student activities and by being visible during recess etc. (specific recess duties may be assigned)
Works with student groups regarding social or health programs and issues (collaboration with the school doctor)
Collaborates with staff on review and implementation of the school advisory program
Job Specification
COMMUNICATION
Student Counselor 2021
Designs and implements a parent program that provides orientation to the expectations of an enriched American international curriculum IB World School
Communicates with staff, administrators, parents regarding students requiring socio-emotional support
Communicates and works closely with parents regarding the school counseling program
Seeks external professional assistance/support for students and families if necessary
Assist the school in developing and sustaining a positive school climate and program
Helps the school administration develop policies and programs that benefit student and staff wellbeing and growth
Speaks at assemblies on a variety of relevant topics
Prepares and conducts a series of assemblies/workshops for students/parents that focus on topics of interest, yet not limited to, mindfulness, wellbeing, socio-emotional development, tolerance, acceptance, teenage development, stress management etc.
RECORD KEEPING
Adheres appropriately to confidentiality and to the strict ethical standards of the counseling profession
Maintains accurate and current records of all students requiring counseling services
Maintains accurate records of all communication with parents
Shares appropriate information about students with school leadership, teachers, parents, and community agencies; maintains confidentiality unless laws or school protocol require otherwise
Makes referrals of students to outside counseling programs when appropriate
NB: The School Counselor resumes work one week prior to the New Teacher Orientation in order to provide support for student admissions, placements, record reviews, and orientation. Other duties/responsibilities deemed necessary by the Elementary/Secondary Principal or Director may be added.