ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Student Counselling & Case Management

·Provide professional, confidential, and culturally responsive counseling services addressing academic, personal, emotional, and psychosocial concerns.

·Conduct structured assessments to identify student needs, risks, strengths, and appropriate intervention pathways.

·  Manage complex student cases using a documented case management and referral framework.

·  Maintain accurate, secure, and confidential counseling records in compliance with institutional policy and ethical standards.

2. Academic Support & Student Success

·  Support students experiencing academic difficulty through individualized intervention plans in collaboration with academic departments.

·  Guide students in developing effective study strategies, time management skills, and academic resilience.

· Monitor progress of at-risk students and contribute to retention, progression, and early-alert initiatives.

· Provide academic decision-making support while respecting academic governance boundaries.

3. Mental Health & Wellbeing Promotion

·Deliver preventive and developmental mental health initiatives, including workshops, psychoeducational programs, and awareness campaigns.

· Promote help-seeking behaviors and reduce stigma related to mental health and wellbeing.

· Contribute to institutional wellbeing strategies and student support frameworks aligned with international standards.

4. Crisis Intervention & Safeguarding

·  Respond promptly and professionally to student crises, including psychological distress, safety concerns, bereavement, or significant life events.

·  Provide immediate support and coordinate with internal stakeholders and external agencies as required.

· Participate in the development, implementation, and annual review of student crisis response and safeguarding protocols.

·  Escalate high-risk cases appropriately in line with duty of care obligations.

5. Social Development & Conflict Resolution

·  Support students in developing interpersonal, communication, and emotional regulation skills.

·  Mediate student conflicts using restorative and developmentally appropriate approaches.

· Assist students in navigating social, cultural, and adjustment challenges within a diverse campus community.

6. Collaboration, Governance & Quality Assurance

·Work collaboratively with Student Affairs units, academic departments, and leadership to ensure integrated student support.

· Contribute to policy development, review, and continuous improvement of student counseling services.

· Provide reports, data, and insights to support quality assurance, accreditation, and institutional effectiveness processes.

· Uphold ethical, legal, and professional standards in all aspects of practice.

7. Professional Leadership & Development

·  Act as a senior professional resource and mentor within the Student Affairs team.

· Remain current with global trends, evidence-based practices, and regulatory developments in higher education counseling.

·  Participate in professional development, training, and certification maintenance as required.

Educational Requirements:

·   Master’s degree in Counseling, Clinical Psychology, School/Educational Psychology, Mental Health Counseling, or a closely related field from an accredited institution.

Relevant Experience:

·     Minimum 5–7 years of progressive professional counseling experience, preferably within higher education or a comparable student-centered environment.

·         Demonstrated experience in:

·         Student counseling and mental health support

·         Case management and referral systems

·         Crisis intervention and risk assessment

·         Working with culturally diverse and international student populations

·         Designing and delivering workshops or psychoeducational programs

Certifications (Optional):

·     Professional counseling license or certification from a recognized body (e.g., LPC, Licensed Psychologist, Certified Counselor, or equivalent).

·         Certification or formal training in:

·         Mental Health First Aid

·         Crisis Intervention / Suicide Prevention

·         Trauma-informed practice (preferred)

Professional Traits:

· Professional Mindset: Demonstrated ability to think creatively and act professionally

· Adaptability: Ability to adapt to changing market conditions, technologies, and organizational needs.

·Problem-Solving: Strong problem-solving skills to address challenges and drive successful outcomes.

Skills and Competencies:

Professional Competencies

·         Strong ethical judgment, discretion, and professional boundaries.

·         Advanced interpersonal, counseling, and mediation skills.

·         Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

·         Ability to work independently while collaborating within multidisciplinary teams.

·         Cultural competence and commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Leadership & Personal Attributes

·         Calm, empathetic, and solution-oriented approach.

·         High emotional intelligence and resilience.

·         Strong organizational, documentation, and time-management skills.

·         Professional maturity suitable for a senior advisory role.

Language Requirements

·         Fluency in English and Arabic (spoken and written) is required.

Technical Skills

·         Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).

·         Experience with student information systems, case management tools, or counseling record systems is an advantage.