Senior Student Counselor (for UAE Residents)

1. Counseling and Student Support

• Provide confidential individual counseling services to students experiencing academic, emotional, social, behavioral, or psychological challenges
• Conduct intake interviews, needs assessments, and develop appropriate intervention and support plans
• Provide short-term counseling and support for concerns including stress, anxiety, depression, adjustment difficulties, trauma-related challenges, interpersonal concerns, grief, and personal development issues
• Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential case records in accordance with institutional policies, ethical standards, and applicable regulations
• Monitor student progress and provide follow-up support as appropriate
• Facilitate referrals to external healthcare providers, psychologists, psychiatrists, social service agencies, and community resources when required

2. Crisis Intervention, Emergency Response, and Risk Management

• Assess and respond to students experiencing psychological distress, behavioral concerns, or crisis situations
• Conduct risk assessments and provide crisis intervention support when necessary
• Collaborate with university leadership and relevant stakeholders on matters related to student wellbeing and safety
• Contribute to the development and implementation of student wellbeing, crisis response, and referral procedures
• Respond promptly to mental health crises and emergencies, providing immediate psychological support
• Conduct risk assessments and develop safety plans when required
• Coordinate ongoing care and follow-up for students in crisis

3. Student Wellbeing and Development

• Develop and deliver workshops, seminars, awareness campaigns, and psychoeducational programs related to mental health, wellbeing, resilience, stress management, emotional intelligence, healthy relationships, and personal development
• Promote preventative approaches that support student wellbeing, engagement, and academic success
• Support initiatives aimed at improving student retention, persistence, and overall student experience

4. Students of Determination Support

• Provide guidance and support related to Students of Determination in accordance with University policies and applicable UAE regulations
• Collaborate with faculty and staff to promote inclusive learning environments and appropriate accommodations
• Assist in identifying support mechanisms that facilitate student success and participation

5. Faculty and Staff Consultation

• Provide consultation and guidance to faculty and staff regarding student wellbeing concerns and appropriate referral pathways
• Support faculty members in responding effectively to students experiencing difficulties
• Deliver training and awareness sessions related to student wellbeing, mental health, and early intervention practices

6. Assessment and Evaluation

• Conduct psychological and psychoeducational assessments within the scope of professional qualifications and institutional requirements
• Interpret assessment results and provide recommendations that support student wellbeing and academic success
• Contribute to the development of student support plans and intervention strategies

7. Program Development and Institutional Support

• Assist in the development, implementation, and evaluation of policies, procedures, and initiatives related to counseling, student wellbeing, and student support services
• Contribute to institutional reporting, accreditation activities, audits, and quality assurance processes where appropriate
• Prepare periodic reports on service utilization, student needs, and program effectiveness
• Support the University’s efforts to create a safe, inclusive, and supportive campus environment

 8. Community Engagement and Outreach

• Foster partnerships with external healthcare providers, counseling centers, and community organizations
• Promote awareness of available support services and encourage help-seeking behaviors among students
• Participate in institutional committees, working groups, and initiatives related to student success and wellbeing
• Deliver training programs related to mental health, psychological first aid, emotional intelligence, stress management, and student support
• Collaborate with academic and administrative units to promote a supportive campus environment

9. Collaboration & Case Coordination

• Collaborate with university staff, faculty, and Student Services to ensure a coordinated and comprehensive response to student mental health needs
• Liaise with external clinics, hospitals, and mental health professionals when necessary to ensure continuity of care and informed decision-making regarding student cases
• Actively collaborate with the Student Services Department on student engagement initiatives and extracurricular activities
• Support holistic student development through participation in campus-wide programs and events
• Represents the University Counseling Center on all major programs such as New Students’ Orientation, Registration, Open Days, Careers events etc

10. Documentation, Assessment & Policy Development

•  Maintain accurate, confidential, and professional records of counseling sessions, assessments, and interventions in compliance with ethical and legal standards
• Contribute to ongoing assessment and evaluation of counseling and mental health services
• Create, review, and update policies related to student well-being, mental health, and inclusion
• Maintains and safeguards confidential information including client files, reports and records as mandated by the profession
• Participates in the development of policies, procedures and manuals guiding the operations and functions of the unit, to ensure that all relevant procedures requirements are fulfilled while delivering a quality, cost effective service to students and employees

Required Academic and Professional Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology, Counseling Psychology, Educational Psychology, Mental Health Counseling, or a closely related field from a recognized institution
• Relevant Licensure (UAE)
• Minimum of five (5) years of professional counseling experience, preferably within a higher education environment
• Demonstrated experience providing counseling, crisis intervention, student support services, and wellbeing programming
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and consultation skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment

Preferred Experience

• Doctoral degree (Ph.D. or equivalent) in Clinical Psychology, Counseling Psychology, Educational Psychology, or a related field
• Professional licensure, registration, or certification in psychology, counseling, psychotherapy, or a related discipline
• Experience supporting Students of Determination and inclusive education initiatives
• Experience in higher education student affairs, student success, or university counseling services
• Experience delivering training programs and psychoeducational workshops
• Familiarity with UAE mental health regulations and higher education guidelines

Competencies and Skills

• Counseling theories and evidence-informed intervention strategies
• Crisis intervention, risk assessment, and referral practices
• Student development, wellbeing, and retention principles
• Mental health promotion and prevention strategies
• Cultural competence and ability to work effectively within diverse communities.
• Strong organizational, documentation, and case management skills
• Training, facilitation, and presentation skills
• Ability to establish collaborative working relationships across academic and administrative units
• Knowledge of applicable UAE regulations relating to student support and Students of Determination

Working Relationships
 

(A) Internal Stakeholders

• Academic Affairs
• Academic Programs
• Faculty and Fellows
• Registrar
• Admissions
• Institutional Effectiveness
• Information Technology
• Human Resources
• Students and Student Organizations

(B) External Stakeholders

• Healthcare Providers
• Mental Health Specialists
• Hospitals and Clinics
• Community Support Organizations
• Government Agencies
• Students’ Families (where appropriate and in accordance with applicable confidentiality requirements)

Additional Requirements

• The position holder is expected to uphold the highest standards of professional ethics, confidentiality, integrity, and student-centered practice while contributing to the University’s mission of academic excellence, student success, wellbeing, and community engagement.
• All academic qualifications and educational certificates must be duly attested by the competent authorities in the country of issuance, authenticated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and recognized and/or equivalized by the competent authorities in the United Arab Emirates, including the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (or the authority responsible for academic recognition), in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

How to Apply

• If you are interested, kindly send an email with your CV and a Cover Letter to the following email: careers@gsu.ac.ae. Please mention the position you are applying for in the subject line.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

• Global Studies University is committed to equitable and fair employment practices and welcomes applications from candidates of all national, ethnic, and religious backgrounds. In accordance with UAE regulations, Emirati nationals are particularly encouraged to apply.
• Salary and benefits are commensurate with qualifications and experience. The package includes health insurance, housing, transportation, and children’s school fee allowances, subject to coordination of benefits.
• We anticipate a high volume of applications and appreciate your interest. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.