Social Worker - UAE National

Social Worker Role Profile

Purpose of Role

The Social Worker plays a vital role in supporting the social, emotional, and mental wellbeing of students. They provide intervention strategies, counselling support, and act as a bridge between students, families, and the school community. Their primary focus is to ensure students feel safe, supported, and empowered to achieve their full potential. The role also involves identifying students at risk, advocating for their needs, and promoting a positive school culture that fosters resilience and inclusivity.

About the School:

Aspen Heights British School (AHBS) is a truly inclusive school based on the outskirts of Abu Dhabi. We are proud of our inclusive ethos and our commitment to ensuring all children are provided with personalised learning experiences and the proper support to ensure they can make progress in learning in all areas.

Social Worker Key Responsibilities

Student Wellbeing and Support

● Provide social and emotional support to students facing challenges, ensuring they are referred to qualified school counsellors or external services for counselling when necessary.

● Offer early intervention strategies to support students at risk of disengagement or facing adverse personal circumstances, ensuring they are referred to qualified counsellors when needed.

● Identify and address barriers to learning, ensuring students receive appropriate social and emotional support.

● Assist students in accessing appropriate resources to support their social and emotional development, ensuring they receive guidance from qualified professionals where necessary.

● Maintain confidentiality protocols in line with school and regulatory guidelines while prioritising student safety and wellbeing.

Collaboration with Staff and Families

● Work closely with teachers, the Inclusion Team, and school leadership to develop holistic student support strategies.

● Provide guidance and resources to staff on managing student social and emotional needs in the classroom.

● Engage families and caregivers to strengthen home-school collaboration and provide necessary support.

● Serve as a key member of the Safeguarding and Child Protection Team, ensuring timely intervention in cases of concern.

● Assist in the development of student support plans, including behaviour intervention strategies and wellbeing initiatives.

● Communicate with parents on a regular, informal basis and to deal with day to day queries.

● Attend Parents’ Evenings as required and provide accurate, honest information regarding the progress of individuals at these meetings.

● Report to the parents in the form of written reports twice yearly or when required by the SLT.

Referral and External Coordination

● Establish and maintain referral pathways for students requiring external mental health or social services.

● Liaise with external professionals, such as therapists, social service agencies, and healthcare providers, to ensure students receive comprehensive support.

● Monitor and track student progress, adjusting interventions as needed in collaboration with stakeholders.

School-Wide Wellbeing Initiatives

● Lead school-wide wellbeing programs that promote resilience, emotional intelligence, and social responsibility.

● Support the development of a safe and inclusive school culture, ensuring all students feel valued and supported.

● Provide training for staff on mental health awareness, safeguarding, and social-emotional learning strategies.

● Contribute to the development and implementation of policies related to student wellbeing and social care.

Policy and Compliance

● Ensure all safeguarding and social support policies are effectively implemented within the school.

● Maintain accurate and up-to-date case notes and reports, ensuring compliance with data protection and confidentiality regulations.

● Contribute to the school’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Committee, advocating for student support strategies.

Skills, Qualifications and Experience

Minimum Educational Qualifications Required for the Role:

● UAE Nationals: Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counselling, or a related field (preferred).

● Non-UAE Nationals: Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counselling, or a related field.

Minimum Years of Experience Required:

● UAE Nationals: Some experience in social work or related fields is preferred but not required.

● Non-UAE Nationals: Minimum 3 years of experience working as a social worker in a school or child-focused setting.

Licensing

● Must obtain relevant professional accreditation or licensure as required by local regulations.

● UAE Nationals must obtain the required licensure within the first two years of employment.

Knowledge

● Understanding of child and adolescent development.

● Awareness of social and emotional learning frameworks and their application in school settings.

● Knowledge of safeguarding procedures and best practices.

● Up-to-date knowledge of local and international policies on student welfare and social care.

Skills

● Excellent communication and case management abilities.

● Ability to build positive relationships with students, staff, and families.

● Strong case management and record-keeping skills.

● High level of IT competency for documentation and communication.

● Ability to problem-solve and implement interventions effectively.

Personal Attributes:

● Empathy and active listening skills.

● Cultural awareness and sensitivity to diverse student backgrounds.

● Collaboration and teamwork with staff, students, and parents.

● Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive issues professionally.

● Strong organisational skills to manage multiple cases and wellbeing programs.

● Passionate about supporting student wellbeing and social inclusion.

● Able to command respect of students, colleagues, and parents.

● Organised with a proven ability to meet deadlines.

● Reliable with attention to detail and a commitment to quality.

● Critical thinker with strong problem-solving abilities.

● Commitment to safeguarding and the welfare of children.

ISP Commitment to Safeguarding Principles:

ISP is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

All post holders are subject to appropriate vetting procedures, including an online due diligence search, references and satisfactory Criminal Background Checks or equivalent covering the previous 10 years’ employment history.

ISP Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging:

ISP is committed to strengthening our inclusive culture by identifying, hiring, developing, and retaining high-performing teammates regardless of gender, age, disability status, neurodivergence, socio-economic background or other demographic characteristics. Candidates who share our vision and principles and are interested in contributing to the success of ISP through this role are strongly encouraged to apply.