University Counselor

The University Counselor will provide counseling services to the AUS community by the use of various psychological models and procedures to manage and/or help clients overcome a range of issues including but not limited to depression, anxiety, challenging behavior, serious and permanent mental illnesses and learning difficulties. Core responsibilities also include time sensitive intervention, Psychoeducational programs focused on students’ personal growth and development and outreach workshops.

Job Responsibilities

• Offers a wide range of counseling services including but not limited to: (a) individual and group counseling (b) preventative, psycho-educational and skills-training workshops that enhance and support students and employees’ psychological well-being (c) time sensitive intervention and outreach programs focused on students’ personal growth and development.
• Develops and administer treatment therapies and strategies to accurately help students and employees.
• Provides time sensitive counseling for students and employees who experience critical psychological distress or need urgent care due to trauma, abuse, anxiety etc.
• Strives to promote an atmosphere of trust, confidentiality and respect to encourage parents as well as the AUS community in seeking services or consultation and/or referral aimed at students’ psychological health and well-being.
• Represents the University Counseling Center on University committees or task-force groups concerning employees’/student’s psychological health and well-being.
• Represents the University Counseling Center on all major programs such as New Students’ Orientation, Parents’ Orientation, Registration, Open Days, Study Abroad Programs, Careers events etc.
• Maintains and safeguards confidential information including client files, reports and records as mandated by the profession.
• Participates in the development of policies, procedures and manuals guiding the operations and functions of the center, to ensure that all relevant procedures requirements are fulfilled while delivering a quality, cost effective service to students and employees.
• Currently in charge of data analysis and reporting for the service to be shared with the Director of University Health Services and Executive Director of Employee Services.

Qualifications and Skills Required

• Relevant Licensure (UAE)
• Master’s degree in psychology or related field
• A minimum of three years’ related experience post qualification
• Experience of workshop development and delivery.
• Experience of supporting clients in a culturally diverse population.
• Excellent spoken and written communication skills in Arabic and English to be able to effectively interact with clients and colleagues (Bilingual).
• Awareness and knowledge of UAE culture.
• Advanced listening, sensitivity and empathy skills.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills to establish suitable interventions.
• Sensitivity and awareness of higher education student issues.
• Teamwork skills to be able to collaborate with other healthcare professionals working toward client care.

Preferred Qualifications and Skills

• Experience of working in the higher education environment
• Knowledge of educational testing and psychological testing