Secondary Student Counsellor

Kings’ School Al Barsha is seeking an exceptional counsellor to join our outstanding school from August 2026. This is an exciting opportunity to become part of a high-performing and well-respected department, known for excellence in student wellbeing and pastoral care.

At Kings’, we are committed to nurturing resilience, confidence, and ensuring the ‘Best by every child’. You will play a vital role in shaping their school journey.

We provide excellent professional development opportunities, ensuring that every colleague is supported in achieving their full potential. Join us and be part of a collaborative, innovative and forward-thinking educational community where excellence is not just encouraged; it’s expected.

Apply now to become part of something extraordinary.

Requirements and experience

Essential:

Postgraduate diploma or masters level in counselling or a related field

Accreditation with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) or be actively working towards accreditation

Membership of, or willingness to join, the International School Counsellors Association (ISCA)

Experience and understanding of supporting children and young people with developmental, emotional, social and educational issues

An awareness of the range of needs of people from diverse ethnic, cultural and social backgrounds

Demonstrable experience delivering high-quality individual and group counselling to children and adolescents across a range of social, emotional and mental health needs

Strong knowledge of evidence-based therapeutic approaches and the ability to apply these effectively within a school setting

Proven ability to create a safe, confidential and supportive environment where students feel able to express themselves openly

Skilled in supporting young people to develop resilience, emotional regulation and healthy coping strategies

Thorough understanding of safeguarding procedures, confidentiality protocols and professional ethical standards (including BACP guidelines)

Experience responding to student crises, assessing risk and implementing appropriate interventions in collaboration with safeguarding leads and parents

Ability to build constructive and professional relationships with parents and guardians, including delivering workshops and providing guidance on student wellbeing

Commitment to engaging in regular professional supervision

Strong organisational skills, with experience maintaining accurate, confidential and compliant records in line with safeguarding and data protection requirements

Commitment to ongoing professional development, staying informed of current research, legislation and best practice in child and adolescent mental health

Desirable:

Further therapeutic training or qualification in working with children and young people

Experience of working in an Outstanding British Curriculum School

Experience of working with established networks in Dubai, such as with external mental health professionals and experience managing referrals within the UAE

Experience working collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team and contributing to whole-school wellbeing strategy and initiatives

How to apply

Candidates are to apply directly through TES.

The closing date for applications is 15th August 2026. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted, and we reserve the right to appoint a suitable candidate before the closing date. Successful applicants will take up their position in August 2026.

Safer recruitment

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers who work with the school to share this commitment.

Applicants must be willing to undergo a rigorous screening process that includes:

Verification of qualifications and passport

Obtaining three satisfactory references (including current or most recent employer and a previous employer)

Providing a police certificate(s) for the last ten years from all countries that the applicant has resided in

Prohibition checks (for applicants with a UK background). Any employment gaps on the application form will be addressed during an interview and may be explored further

Please note: The school takes safeguarding children very seriously and any offer of employment is subject to rigorous checks, including but not limited to;

A verified passport copy

Three satisfactory references

Attestation of qualification certificates

Police checks / ICPC