Overview

GEMS SCHOOL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION
Job Description
GEMS School of Research and Innovation is seeking a dedicated and experienced School Counsellor to join our Student Services team. The role will commence on 26 August 2026.
This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a pioneering school that places innovation, well-being, and future readiness at the heart of education.
The School Counsellor will play a key role in supporting the emotional, social, and academic well-being of students from FS1 to Year 13, ensuring that counselling and guidance are fully embedded within the wider school experience.
Working closely with students, staff, parents, and external professionals, the successful candidate will help create a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment where every student can thrive.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide confidential counselling and targeted emotional support to students across all year groups.
- Support students in managing academic, social, and emotional challenges through individual and group interventions.
- Contribute to whole-school well-being initiatives, workshops, and awareness programmes.
- Work with teachers to embed well-being, resilience, and emotional intelligence into the curriculum.
- Identify students requiring additional support and collaborate with pastoral and inclusion teams.
- Promote positive mental health, digital well-being, and healthy coping strategies across the school community.
- Engage with parents and external professionals to ensure a holistic approach to student support.
- Contribute to safeguarding processes and maintain accurate, confidential records in line with KHDA and school policies.
- Support career and university guidance activities where required, including student progression planning.
Skills
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Counselling, Psychology, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
- Minimum of four years’ counselling experience within an international school setting.
- Experience working with students aged 3–18 years.
- Strong understanding of safeguarding, child protection, and student well-being frameworks.
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary school environment.
- A proactive, reflective, and student-centred approach to practice.
Why Join GEMS SRI?
As part of GEMS Education’s flagship school, you will join a forward-thinking and innovative learning community that is redefining education. We offer a collaborative culture, outstanding professional development opportunities, and access to world-class facilities, with a strong commitment to student well-being and holistic development.
This is a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of young people while contributing to a cutting-edge educational environment.
If you are passionate about supporting young people and shaping confident, resilient learners, we would love to hear from you.
GEMS Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all of its students and staff. A UK-enhanced DBS or equivalent police check is a pre-requisite for all appointments.
Preferred Candidate
Mid Career – Over 2 years experience
Bachelors
About GEMS Education
Trusted for over 55 years and now a third generation education family, GEMS Education began in a single school room in Dubai. Today, we have the privilege of educating over 190,000 students from over 176 countries through GEMS owned and managed schools globally; over 270,000 students access resources through our services division; and we will impact 20 million by 2020 students through the initiatives of our Charity partner Varkey Foundation.
