Director of Student Counseling Center

Job Overview

The Director of the Student Counseling Center is accountable to the Assistant Provost of Student Affairs and is charged with providing strategic guidance and leadership for the Student Counseling Center, Health Clinics, and Wellness Services across Abu Dhabi and Dubai campuses of the university.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the daily operations of counseling centers and health clinics while leading and supporting the staff across multiple campuses.
• Oversee clinical work and deliver supervision, coordinate events, and conduct outreach programming.
• Continuously review and enhance policies and procedures to align with international best practices and standards for college counseling and health services.
• Develop and update job descriptions; allocate staff duties and ensure professional development opportunities for team members.
• Ensure delivery of culturally sensitive and evidence-based psychological and counseling services while maintaining strict confidentiality and professionalism.
• Collaborate with academic units and student groups to identify student mental health needs and design responsive programs.
• Lead research initiatives to assess and address mental health issues among students.
• Maintain ethical compliance as per HAAD and university professional codes.
• Coordinate crisis response systems and manage referral networks for external community resources.
• Engage with senior leadership to devise strategies addressing emerging student needs and promote service growth consistent with the university’s mission and vision.
• Provide clinical supervision to counselors to uphold the highest quality of clinical services.
• Supervise medical services and wellness officers to assure professional standards at both campuses.
• Implement and monitor Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and strategic objectives collaboratively with university management.
• Oversee budgeting, record keeping, staffing, policy implementation, and administration of counseling and health services in compliance with university policies.
• Promote quality assurance and evidence-based outcomes for counseling and outreach programs.
• Develop outreach initiatives to encourage students and university community members to utilize mental health and wellness services.
• Maintain confidentiality of counseling records and supervise counseling, social work, and outreach services.
• Adopt culturally appropriate counseling interventions and continuously update practices in health management and counseling fields.

Work Environment and Interactions

The role requires managing a complex, dynamic environment with multiple stakeholders and policymaking influences. It demands the ability to handle multiple ongoing crises and engage extensively with students, faculty, and staff to promote mental health and support academic success.

Educational and Professional Requirements

• Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology or related disciplines such as clinical, school counseling, or school psychology from an accredited institution.
• At least 15 years of relevant experience, or an equivalent mix of education, skills, and experience.
• Relevant professional licensure or eligibility to obtain licensure in the UAE.
• Fluency in Arabic and English is preferred.
• Understanding and sensitivity to UAE culture and college student challenges.
• Active membership or engagement in professional organizations.
• Experience within higher education settings is desirable.
• Knowledge in educational testing and assessment is preferred.
• Licensure or eligibility to practice and supervise in the field is expected.