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Job Description
At GEMS World Academy, Abu Dhabi, we pride ourselves on creating an inclusive, dynamic learning community where every student feels valued, challenged, and supported. Situated on Al Reem Island, our school offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) framework alongside elements of the British curriculum, providing students with a well-rounded and globally focused education.
We are recruiting for an experienced Social Worker to join GEMS World Academy-Abu Dhabi available for a January 2026 start.
The School Social Worker is responsible for supporting students’ social, emotional, and behavioural wellbeing in line with ADEK regulations, UAE safeguarding expectations, and child protection frameworks. The role works collaboratively with school leadership, teachers, parents, and external agencies to ensure students are supported holistically and barriers to learning are addressed.
Key Responsibilities:
Student Support & Wellbeing
- Provide individual and group support to students experiencing social, emotional, behavioural, or family-related challenges.
- Conduct assessments, develop intervention plans, and monitor progress in collaboration with relevant staff.
- Support students with attendance, behaviour management, emotional regulation, and social skills development.
- Maintain accurate and confidential student records in line with ADEK and UAE data protection requirements.
Safeguarding & Child Protection
- Act in accordance with ADEK Child Protection Policy, UAE Federal Law, and school safeguarding procedures.
- Identify and respond to safeguarding concerns, ensuring timely reporting to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).
- Support the implementation of child protection plans and risk assessments.
- Participate in safeguarding meetings and contribute to case documentation.
Collaboration & Multi-Disciplinary Working
- Work closely with teachers, counsellors, SEN/Inclusion teams, school nurses, and leadership to support student wellbeing.
- Liaise with parents/guardians to provide guidance, support, and referrals where appropriate.
- Coordinate with external agencies (e.g. healthcare providers, social services, ADEK-approved partners) as required.
Family & Community Engagement
- Provide guidance and support to families to help address social or emotional challenges impacting student learning.
- Facilitate parent workshops or information sessions related to wellbeing, safeguarding, and child development.
- Promote positive home–school partnerships.
Policy, Compliance & Reporting
- Support the school in maintaining compliance with ADEK wellbeing, inclusion, and safeguarding standards.
- Contribute to the development and review of school policies related to student wellbeing and protection.
- Prepare reports for leadership and regulatory bodies as required.
Professional Conduct & Development
- Uphold high standards of professional ethics and confidentiality at all times.
- Engage in continuous professional development and ADEK-mandated training.
- Model professional behaviour in line with the school’s values and UAE cultural expectations.
Skills
Successful applicants will have:
- Bachelor’s degree in Social Work (BSW) or related field
- Licensed Social Worker with DCD (Department of Community Development – Abu Dhabi) or eligibility to obtain
- Minimum 2 years’ experience working with children or adolescents (school setting preferred)
- Strong understanding of safeguarding and child protection practices
- Strong interpersonal, communication, and counselling skills
- Ability to work sensitively with students and families from diverse cultural backgrounds
- Excellent record-keeping and report-writing skills
- Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team
- High level of professionalism, discretion, and emotional intelligence
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.
Job Details
Preferred Candidate
GEMS WORLD ACADEMY - ABU DHABI
GEMS World Academy - Abu Dhabi is a dynamic, diverse, and inclusive community that captivates hearts and minds, challenges and empowers learners, fosters collaboration and unity, and inspires authentic local and global action. We are committed to creating a Culture of Dignity whereby all members feel safe, valued and included - a place where they belong. We actively foster a climate that encourages all members of the WAA learning community to express openness, care, empathy, agency and opportunity. We nurture, we challenge and we inspire. With a passionate team of dedicated educators, we draw experience and expertise from across the globe. We are so much more than the traditional concept of a school. We are a proud and supportive learning community with mutual respect and tolerance at our core. As well as being a thoroughly international family, we recognize and respect the importance of our host country’s language and culture, and actively promote these at all times. Offering the International Baccalaureate Organization’s (IBO) Primary Years Programme from FS1 – Y9, our students learn at an early age what it means to belong to a multicultural, diverse and inter-connected world. In September 2025, we will be expanding our provision to include Y10, commencing our journey to MYP authorization. Learners at GEMS World Academy Abu Dhabi develop intercultural understanding, social and environmental stewardship as well high levels of personal and collective achievement.