Al Futtaim Jobs - Student Counselor | Universal American School | Dubai (AE)

Universal American School (UAS), founded in 2005, is a not-for-profit, PreK - Grade 12 American International school governed by the Al-Futtaim Education Foundation, located in the buzzing Dubai Festival City.  Nurtured in a community of integrity and academic excellence, we help our students become compassionate, confident learners who know who they are and what they stand for. Our students are inspired to challenge themselves within a holistic academic, artistic and athletic educational program based on American AERO and International Baccalaureate (IB) standards. Teaching and learning at UAS embrace forward thinking, adaptive educational practices tailored to meet the aspirations of our international and Emirati student population. In partnership with Al-Futtaim, we are uniquely positioned to provide conseptualized, real-world learning experiences as well as professional internships for our students. 

 

Al-Futtaim Educational Foundation (AFEF)

The AFEF is an initiative of the Al Futtaim family to support the vision of the Government of Dubai and the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) for the creation of a globally competitive economy while maximizing its social contribution to the community through this not-for-profit endeavor. The vision for the Foundation is to create excellence, prepare students for higher education, and give them skills to successfully embrace global citizenship and future opportunities in the UAE and beyond.

 

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

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.

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