Social Worker - UAE National

Job Description

Al Danah Charter School is an American Curriculum school in the beautiful city of Abu Dhabi. With our globally recognised and admired curriculum, dedicated and passionate practitioners and outstanding teaching and learning, Al Danah Charter School is a great place to work. It has an exciting, diverse, and progressive learning community that is committed to fulfilling the National Agenda for our Emirati students. Our learning culture is under pinned by our mission statement, Excite, Challenge, Empower allowing all students to thrive.

This is an exciting opportunity to join the highly successful Aldar family of schools and to help shape the future of Abu Dhabi’s leading school group.

The successful candidates will be closely aligned with our core values and ethos and possess a genuine understanding and appreciation of the values of the region

Responsibilities

• Main Roles and Responsibilities
• To work collaboratively as part of the wider Pastoral team.
• To be a good communicator at all levels.
• Be committed to developing positive relationships with all members of the school community.
• Liaising with colleagues professionally and working flexibly.
• Working cooperatively with curriculum support staff (where applicable) to support student development.
• Conduct assessments of students' needs, causes, and impacts of difficulties they may face.
• Collaborate with students, parents, teachers, school staff, and the wider community to support the personal, social, mental, and emotional health needs of students.
• Assist students in enhancing their emotional and behavioral competencies, aiming to enable success in the classroom.
• Provide assistance through various support services within the school setting.
• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to legal requirements regarding data protection and support.
• Take steps to prevent bullying and support those that have been bullied.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date attendance records for all students. Track daily absences and lateness using school systems (e.g. iSAMS), follow up on unexplained absences, and generate regular reports for senior leaders and pastoral teams.
• Communicate promptly and sensitively with families regarding attendance concerns. Support the implementation of attendance interventions, and work in collaboration with pastoral staff, social workers, and other agencies to address persistent absenteeism.
• Support initiatives that promote good attendance across the school. Contribute to the development of attendance policies and reward systems, and work with students and staff to foster a culture where regular attendance is valued and encouraged.
• Work in collaboration with the School Counsellor to enhance students’ personal, social and academic growth.
• Provide special services such as conflict resolution classes; identify cases of domestic abuse and other family problems that can affect a student’s development.
• To support the Lower School Assistant Principal and Middle and Senior School Assistant Principal in cases related to Child Protection/Safeguarding.
• Behaviour Management and Duties
• Follow the school’s Behaviour Policy.
• Maintain excellent relationships with pupils, exercise appropriate authority, and act decisively when necessary within the Academy’s Behaviour Policy.
• Be a positive role model and demonstrate consistently the positive attitudes, values and behaviour, which are expected of pupils.
• Have high expectations of behaviour, promoting self-control and independence of all learners.
• Ensure the Mamoura Values DNA language and attitudes are being embedded throughout the curriculum.
• Carry out duties as directed and within the school’s policy.
• Wider Professional Responsibilities
• To work as part of a wider Pastoral team.
• Support the organizing and taking part in school events, outings and activities which may take place at weekends or in the evening.
• Communicate effectively with parents/carers with regards to students’ behaviour, well-being and achievements using school systems/processes such as iSams and CPOMS as appropriate.
• Make a positive contribution to the wider life and ethos of the school.
  
  
  

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor in Social Work or Social Services. Alternatively, a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Counselling, Youth Development, Sociology, or a related field, with four years of relevant experience
• Social Worker License from the Department of Community Development (DCD)
  
  
  

Minimum Experience

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in youth related social work.
  
  
  

Job Specific Knowledge & Skills

• Strong interpersonal skills with both students and parents
• Demonstrable organizational skills
• Strong desire to help others and should be able to inspire respect, trust, and confidence
• Must possess high emotional and physical energy to handle the range of matters addressed
• Strong inter-personal skills
• Knowledge of UAE Ministry of Education and ADEK regulations
• Experience leading/facilitating CPD
• Commitment to Academy’s Vision and Mission Statement
• Ability to work under pressure, problem-solve, deal with challenging situations and be resilient
• Commitment to continuing professional development (CPD)