Social Worker - UAE National

Purpose of RoleThe 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.Job DescriptionAbout The SchoolAspen 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 ResponsibilitiesStudent Wellbeing and SupportProvide 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 FamiliesWork 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.Communicates with parents on a regular, informal basis and to deal with day to day queries.Attends Parents’ Evenings as required and to provide accurate, honest information regarding the progress of individuals at these meetings.Reports to the parents in the form of written reports twice yearly or when required by the SLT.Referral and External CoordinationEstablish 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 InitiativesLead 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 ComplianceEnsure 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.Fulfil Wider Professional ResponsibilitiesMake a positive contribution to the wider life and ethos of the school, including fulfilling extra‑curricular activity expectations and other ‘out of hours’ requirements.Develop effective professional relationships with colleagues, knowing how and when to draw on advice and specialist support.Deploy support staff effectively.Take responsibility for improving teaching through appropriate professional development, responding to advice and feedback from colleagues.Contribute fully to the extra‑curricular programme within the department and assist in the organisation and running of curriculum days.Communicate effectively with parents with regard to students’ achievements and well‑being.GeneralTo complete all other tasks that can be reasonably expected of a social worker.To be fully aware of Health and Safety across the school.Health and SafetyEmphasises the importance of safety in all areas of the curriculum, communicating to the students the importance of a responsible attitude towards personal safety, the safety of others and respect for Aspen Heights British School’s pro