Student Welfare Coordinator (UAE National) - GEMS Cambridge International School, Abu Dhabi

We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Student Welfare Coordinator (UAE National) to play a key role in promoting student wellbeing, positive behaviour, engagement, and successful transitions across our school community. The role is for an immediate joiner or latest mid Nov 2026 start. Working closely with the Senior Leadership Team, Counsellors, Safeguarding Leads, teachers, students, and families, you will champion the welfare and success of UAE national students, fostering strong home-school partnerships and ensuring every student feels supported, valued, and empowered to thrive both academically and personally.

Job Purpose:

The Student Welfare Coordinator plays a key role in promoting positive student behaviour, engagement, wellbeing, and successful transitions across the school. Working closely with the Counselling, Wellbeing, Safeguarding, and School Leadership teams, the postholder will provide targeted support to UAE national students, fostering strong relationships with students, staff, and families to ensure a positive and inclusive school experience.

Key Responsibilities:

Student Behaviour & Welfare
•    Support the implementation of the school's behaviour and wellbeing procedures across all phases.
•    Monitor and respond to student behaviour concerns, providing guidance, intervention, and follow-up as appropriate.
•    Conduct regular supervision and welfare walks across the school campus to promote positive behaviour, student engagement, and wellbeing.
•    Build positive relationships with students, acting as a trusted point of contact and mentor where required.
•    Attend behaviour, welfare, and pastoral meetings and contribute to intervention planning and follow-up actions.

Student Engagement & Transition
•    Support programmes and initiatives that enhance the engagement and participation of UAE national students in school life.
•    Assist students during key transition points between phases (e.g., Primary to Secondary), helping them adapt successfully to new environments and expectations.
•    Liaise with students, families, and staff to identify and address barriers to attendance, engagement, and wellbeing.

Collaboration & Safeguarding
•    Work closely with the Counselling Team to support students requiring pastoral and emotional support.
•    Collaborate with teachers and leaders to ensure a coordinated approach to student welfare.
•    Support safeguarding processes and initiatives as directed, maintaining confidentiality and adhering to school safeguarding policies and procedures.
•    Escalate welfare or safeguarding concerns promptly through appropriate channels.

Community & Family Engagement
•    Develop positive relationships with UAE national students and their families to strengthen home-school partnerships.
•    Meet with parents and families, alongside relevant staff members, to discuss student behaviour, welfare, attendance, engagement, and well-being concerns.
•    Serve as a cultural liaison where appropriate, supporting effective communication and engagement with the local community.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong communication and relationship-building skills with students, parents, and staff.
• Fluent in Arabic and English (written and spoken).
• Understanding of student wellbeing, behaviour support, and safeguarding.
• Ability to handle sensitive matters with professionalism and confidentiality.
• Strong organisational, interpersonal, and teamwork skills.
• Good understanding of UAE culture and values.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Education, Psychology, Social Work, Counselling, or a related field.
• UAE National holding a valid Family Book (mandatory).
• Previous experience in a school, education, youth, community, or student support role is desirable.
• Passion for supporting student welfare, engagement, and family partnerships.
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of children and young people.

GEMS Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We are dedicated to creating safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environments where students can thrive, and we expect all employees, volunteers, and partners to share this commitment.

As part of our safer recruitment practices, all successful applicants will be subject to comprehensive pre-employment checks, including verification of identity, qualifications, employment history, professional references, and criminal record checks from all countries of residence and employment, in line with local and international safeguarding requirements. These checks may include enhanced disclosure, prohibition, barring, and overseas police clearance checks where applicable. We are committed to recruiting individuals who uphold the highest standards of professional conduct and child protection.