hradminnew
Student Counselor
Job Description
Job Summary
The Student Counselor is responsible for supporting students’ mental health, emotional well-being, and overall adjustment to university life. The role includes providing individual counseling, crisis intervention, preventative mental health programming, and collaboration with academic and administrative stakeholders. The counselor will also contribute to pre-admission student assessments, support Students of Determination (SOD) in line with UAE regulations, and coordinate care with external healthcare providers when needed.
Key Responsibilities
- Individual Counseling & Therapy
- Provide confidential one-on-one counseling and therapy sessions to students experiencing a wide range of mental health, emotional, behavioral, and interpersonal concerns.
- Utilize evidence-based therapeutic approaches appropriate to the university population.
- Support students with academic stress, anxiety, depression, adjustment difficulties, trauma, and personal development challenges.
- Workshops & Preventative Programs
- Design and deliver workshops and group sessions on topics such as stress management, mindfulness, emotional regulation, resilience, and student well-being.
- Contribute to mental health awareness and prevention initiatives across campus.
- Crisis Intervention & Emergency Response
- 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.
- 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.
- Academic & Faculty Consultation
- Work closely with faculty and colleges to support students’ mental health within the academic context.
- Provide consultation to faculty and staff regarding student well-being, classroom accommodations, and early intervention strategies.
- Pre-Admission & Student Assessment
- Participate in assessing students prior to admission when required.
- Provide professional recommendations to the admissions team, faculties, and colleges regarding student readiness, support needs, and appropriate accommodations.
- Students of Determination (SOD) / People of Determination (POD) Support
- Support Students of Determination in accordance with UAE laws, policies, and best practices.
- Conduct assessments and recommend reasonable accommodations to support academic success and well-being.
- Collaborate with academic departments, Student Services, and external specialists to ensure inclusive and accessible learning environments.
- 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.
- Student Services & Campus Engagement
- 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.
Qualifications
Required
- A degree in Clinical Psychology, Counseling Psychology, or a related field.
- Demonstrated experience providing psychological services in a university or college setting.
- Strong clinical, assessment, and case management skills.
- Cultural competence and the ability to work effectively with a diverse student population.
- Knowledge of ethical standards, confidentiality, and professional counseling practices.
Preferred
- Familiarity with UAE mental health regulations and higher education guidelines.
- Experience working with Students/People of Determination.
- Experience in crisis intervention and multidisciplinary collaboration.
