School Counsellor

Harrow International School - Dubai

The School Counsellor plays a vital role in supporting the social, emotional and academic wellbeing of all pupils within an environment guided by Harrow s core values of courage, honour, humility and fellowship. As an advocate for pupil welfare, the Counsellor provides professional guidance and support to those who are vulnerable or in need of additional care, empowering them to develop resilience, confidence and emotional literacy. Working collaboratively with staff, parents and the wider community, the role promotes a culture of empathy, integrity and mutual respect, ensuring every pupil feels safe, valued and equipped to flourish both within and beyond the classroom.

Who Are We Looking For?

Essential Requirements:

• Appropriate degree in Counselling or Psychology.
• Minimum three years experience providing well-being and mental health support to children and young people, preferably in an independent school setting
• Knowledge and understanding of safeguarding legislation, policies, and procedures in the UK, and preferably awareness of UAE safeguarding frameworks.
• A clean criminal record check including International Child Protection Check (ICPC) from the UK or appropriate police and other checks from relevant countries of residence/work for applicants who have never worked in the UK and no issues regarding suitability to work with children.

Desirable Characteristics:

• A genuine passion for working with young people and helping them to flourish.
• The ability to inspire excellence in both academic and pastoral development.
• Empathy, patience, and a caring approach in supporting pupils.
• Adaptability, creativity, and a forward-thinking outlook.
• Strong cultural sensitivity and global awareness.
• A collaborative mindset, working positively with colleagues, pupils, and parents.
• A drive to develop and innovate, embracing professional learning with a mindset of continual improvement.

School Values and Behaviours

All staff are expected to conduct themselves in line with the school s values which are: Courage, Honour, Humility and Fellowship. While the School s values set out what matters most to us, the behaviours below are intended as a shared set of expectations to refer to, and standards to aspire to, in our dealings with others. They are the practical application of our values.

COURAGE

We remain optimistic and purposeful in a disrupted world.

We take responsibility for our decisions, even the hard ones.

We always challenge poor behaviour in ourselves and others.

We are open to new ideas, and seek fresh challenges.

HONOUR

We keep our promises.

We act with integrity doing the right thing, even when it is difficult or when no one is watching.

We respect and value our traditions whilst setting them in the context of today.

HUMILITY

We work hard to serve others within the School and across our wider communities where possible putting their interests before our own.

We give and seek honest and appropriate feedback, reflect on our failures and learn from them.

We support each other through challenges and whatever the outcome, we celebrate those that took part.

FELLOWSHIP

We respect each other and value our differences, knowing that we are more effective and more resilient working together.

We are kind and inclusive; we value the contribution that each of us makes.

We role model the behaviours that we would like to see in others; we ask only of others what we would be prepared to do ourselves.

Application Process

Applications should include an up-to-date CV and a covering letter outlining their suitability against the Job Description.

Candidates who best meet the requirements outlined in the job description will be shortlisted. Shortlisted applicants will be contacted by our recruitment team regarding the next steps in the selection process.

Equality, diversity and inclusion are values that are important to us at Taaleem. We believe in diversity of thought and actively welcome everyone regardless of their background to bring their valuable and relevant skills to our community.

Note: It is an offence to apply for the role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.