School Counsellor (AY 2026–2027) / Citizens School, Dubai, UAE

Purpose of the Role:

The School Counsellor is a vital contributor to the emotional, social, and mental wellbeing of secondary students as they face the challenges of adolescence, academic pressures, and personal development. Serving as the Wellbeing Ambassador at Citizens School, the counsellor spearheads programs that foster emotional intelligence, resilience, and a sense of belonging. This position is dedicated to ensuring that wellbeing is an integral aspect of all school experiences, in line with the Citizens vision to inspire, empower, and enable every individual to flourish.

Key Accountabilities

For Learners

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Deliver individual and group counselling that fosters emotional regulation, self-awareness, and positive relationships among peers.

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Tackle adolescent wellbeing issues such as stress management, identity formation, digital behavior, and social connections.

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Mentor and guide the Mindful Mantas Team, empowering students to advocate for balance, mindfulness, and peer support.

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Create and implement wellbeing and SEL (Social and Emotional Learning) programs that enhance empathy, confidence, and resilience.

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Collaborate with mentors, inclusion teams, and year heads to ensure that each student receives customized social-emotional support.

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Develop transition and orientation programs that assist students in navigating key educational stages, particularly into upper school and post-16 pathways.

For Staff

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Motivate, assist, and guide staff in integrating wellbeing and SEL practices into daily learning and pastoral care.

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Lead staff wellbeing committee meetings and organize initiatives that promote balance, engagement, and positive mental health.

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Act as a liaison between staff and the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), ensuring that staff perspectives are acknowledged and aligned with the school’s wellbeing vision.

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Provide professional development and individual support to enhance staff confidence in addressing the wellbeing of secondary students.

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Coordinate termly staff wellbeing events and end-of-year activities that cultivate community spirit and morale.

For Parents

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Collaborate with parents through workshops, coffee mornings, and consultations to enhance home understanding of adolescent wellbeing.

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Offer guidance on how to assist young people in managing academic pressures, social media influences, and emotional development.

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Strengthen parent-school partnerships through effective communication and shared wellbeing strategies.

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Facilitate the integration and wellbeing of new families and students joining the Citizens community.

Whole-School Wellbeing Ambassador

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Participate in the development and execution of a comprehensive school-wide wellbeing strategy that emphasizes inclusivity, empathy, and lifelong learning, with a specific focus on secondary development.

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Work alongside the wellbeing team to plan signature events such as Wellbeing Wednesday, Digital Detox Week, Anti-Bullying Awareness, and Mental Health Month.

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Partner with Year Leads to organize assemblies and campaigns that promote mental health literacy, respect, and emotional growth.

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Contribute to the KHDA Wellbeing SEF, ensuring compliance with inspection standards and ongoing enhancement.

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Review and refine the Wellbeing Policy in collaboration with the wellbeing and leadership team.

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Conduct wellbeing surveys for students, staff, and parents to evaluate the cultural and emotional climate, using the findings to inform future initiatives.

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Celebrate student-led acts of kindness, service, and resilience, embedding wellbeing as a fundamental aspect of the Citizens identity.

Safeguarding, Inclusion and Wellbeing

Citizens School is dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young individuals. We implement thorough recruitment processes to ensure all employees and volunteers are suitable for working with children and young adults.

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Share the responsibility of safeguarding all members of the school community, taking proactive and preventative measures.

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Adhere to all school policies and procedures.

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Work collaboratively to foster an inclusive culture that is free from bias and prejudice, ensuring every student feels valued and supported.

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Promote the overall progress and wellbeing of all students and report any concerns appropriately.

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Provide guidance and advice to students on academic, pastoral, and social issues.

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Ensure that students experience a personalized educational program that nurtures both academic and emotional development.

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Assist mentors in managing student behavior to achieve positive outcomes, in line with the School’s Behaviour for Learning policy.

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Exemplify professionalism, empathy, and emotional regulation in daily interactions.

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All staff members are also expected to undertake any other duties that may be assigned in consultation with the Principal.

Qualifications, Skills & Attributes

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Bachelor’s degree in Counselling, Psychology, Education, or a related field (Master’s Degree preferred).

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Professional certification in school counselling, adolescent psychology, or wellbeing support.

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Demonstrated experience in supporting secondary students through wellbeing, SEL, or pastoral programs.

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A warm, empathetic, and professional communicator who builds trust with adolescents and families.

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An adaptable, proactive, and positive individual who leads by example and inspires others to prioritize wellbeing.

Professional Standards

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Adhere to the safeguarding and child protection policies of Citizens School.

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Exhibit cultural sensitivity and inclusivity in all practices.

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Model wellbeing, balance, and resilience in both professional and personal conduct.

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Stay informed about trends, research, and best practices in adolescent wellbeing and educational psychology.

How to Apply

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To apply, please submit the following documents:

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Completed Citizens TES Application Form

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An updated CV with a recent photograph

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A cover letter detailing your suitability for the position

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Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and early submissions are encouraged.

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Start Date: August 2026

Safeguarding Commitment:

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Citizens School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young individuals. All staff and volunteers are expected to share this commitment.

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Diversity & Inclusion Statement:

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Citizens School is dedicated to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful environment. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, cultures, abilities, and perspectives, and strive to build a team that respects and celebrates diversity.