Social Worker, Guidance Counselor: Social​/Educational

Social Worker Jobs in Abu Dhabi, UAE

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide individual and group support to students experiencing social, emotional, behavioural, or family-related challenges.
• Conduct assessments, develop intervention plans, and monitor progress in collaboration with relevant staff.
• Support students with attendance, behaviour management, emotional regulation, and social skills development.
• Maintain accurate and confidential student records in line with ADEK and UAE data protection requirements.

• Act in accordance with ADEK Child Protection Policy, UAE Federal Law, and school safeguarding procedures.
• Identify and respond to safeguarding concerns, ensuring timely reporting to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).
• Support the implementation of child protection plans and risk assessments.
• Participate in safeguarding meetings and contribute to case documentation.

• Work closely with teachers, counsellors, SEN/Inclusion teams, school nurses, and leadership to support student wellbeing.
• Liaise with parents/guardians to provide guidance, support, and referrals where appropriate.
• Coordinate with external agencies (e.g. healthcare providers, social services, ADEK-approved partners) as required.

• Provide guidance and support to families to help address social or emotional challenges impacting student learning.
• Facilitate parent workshops or information sessions related to wellbeing, safeguarding, and child development.
• Promote positive home–school partnerships.

• Support the school in maintaining compliance with ADEK wellbeing, inclusion, and safeguarding standards.
• Contribute to the development and review of school policies related to student wellbeing and protection.
• Prepare reports for leadership and regulatory bodies as required.

• Uphold high standards of professional ethics and confidentiality at all times.
• Engage in continuous professional development and ADEK-mandated training.
• Model professional behaviour in line with the school’s values and UAE cultural expectations.

Successful applicants will have:

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work (BSW) or related field
• Licensed Social Worker with DCD (Department of Community Development – Abu Dhabi) or eligibility to obtain
• Minimum 2 years’ experience working with children or adolescents (school setting preferred)
• Strong understanding of safeguarding and child protection practices
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and counselling skills
• Ability to work sensitively with students and families from diverse cultural backgrounds
• Excellent record-keeping and report-writing skills
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team
• High level of professionalism, discretion, and emotional intelligence.