Inclusion Counsellor

Provide academic advising and support services to Students of Determination from diverse backgrounds including but not limited to specific learning difficulties and physical and sensory impairments.

Principal Duties and Accountability

• Develop and implement individualised plans for Students of Determination to ensure their academic success.
• Be responsible for verifying students' diagnoses to determine appropriate access arrangements and accommodations to colleagues and external bodies in accordance with the University regulations and service Code of Confidentiality and Management of Personal Information.
• Advising and consulting staff of the University, parents, and other external agencies regarding the needs of Students of Determination.
• Providing training, guidance, and support to staff of the University on matters concerning inclusion to ensure that Students of Determination have appropriate accommodations and equal access to the university's educational programs and services.
• Getting actively involved in service development and in improving inclusive policies and practices within the University to remove barriers to inclusion.
• Contribute to the University's implementation of its Care and Concern framework, including Fitness to Study, Safeguarding, and Student Code of Conduct and Discipline regulations and to comply with professional standards.
• Stay informed about relevant laws, regulations, and best practices related to diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education and integrate this knowledge into service delivery and program development.
• Offer advice and guidance to our Admissions teams and to prospective students and potential applicants at University open days, or similar University events to ensure that student concerns regarding support for individual needs are appropriately addressed.
• Pursue continued professional development opportunities and actively participate in professional associations in order to maintain accreditation and also ensure increased knowledge base, self-awareness, and enhanced skills.
• Maintain appropriate electronic and written records on cases, including session notes and records of contact with other relevant parties. Keep and collate accurate and confidential records on all students in accordance with the U.A.E. legal requirements and guidance from professional bodies, and current University policies and external regulatory protocols.
• Prepare accurate and relevant information for internal and external reporting (regular and ad hoc).

Requirements Qualifications Required

• Master's degree in SEND or a related field from an accredited institution.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience providing academic advising and support services to individuals from diverse backgrounds, preferably in a higher education setting.
• Familiarity with disability services, accessibility standards, and accommodations in higher education.
• Evidence of continuing professional development.
• Membership of an appropriate professional body.
• An awareness of policies and procedures related to inclusion in the U.A.E.

Disposition

• Empathy and emotional intelligence, for recognising and responding sensitively to the needs of Students of Determination and their parents.
• The ability to work collaboratively with teachers, parents, and external agencies to remove institutional and societal barriers to inclusion.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organisational skills in order to manage multiple tasks and responsibilities.

Knowledge, Skills, and Experience

• Experience of working with young adults with special needs (preferably in the U.A.E.).
• A strong commitment to raising educational attainment for children and young people with SEND, including working with students directly and supporting other staff.
• Experience of multi-disciplinary and cross-team working.
• Demonstrable knowledge and understanding of the wide range of special needs presentations.
• Knowledge of evidence-based practice and interventions to facilitate best outcomes for service-users within the field of special needs in the U.A.E.
• Ability to develop positive working relationships and maintain professional boundaries.
• Effective verbal, listening, and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work well within a team.
• Demonstrable suitable IT skills.
• Knowledge and application of information sharing protocols in relation to data protection, equality, and freedom of information.
• Understanding of safeguarding and its application in practice.

This job description intends to provide a representation of the types of duties and responsibilities that will be required of positions given this title and shall not be construed as a declaration of the total of the specific duties and responsibilities of any position. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.