Job overview
Repton School Abu Dhabi is seeking a dedicated and professional Social Worker to join our dynamic team from January 2026.About Cognita:
Cognita is a global leader in independent education. Founded in 2004, we are a growing community of 100+ schools in 16 countries - in Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia and the Middle East - serving more than 85,000 students. Each of our schools are proudly unique, however our collective purpose is to create an environment where everyone can, ‘Thrive in a rapidly evolving world’
About Repton Abu Dhabi:
Repton Abu Dhabi, Reem Island is based in the heart of 'new Abu Dhabi'. We've been here since 2013, growing quickly due to our popularity with the local and expat community alike, and our quality was recently recognised by the British Schools Overseas (BSO) who adjudged us to be ‘Outstanding’ in every category.
We follow a British independent school curriculum that incorporates elements of the English National Curriculum but which allows highly skilled teachers to develop an appropriate curriculum for an independent school in an international environment.
About the School
The Early Years are housed on Rose campus. A specially designed foundation school campus catering for Nursery – Year 2. The facilities, including an indoor swimming pool, multiple gymnasiums and outdoor playgrounds all cater towards early years students. Staff and students also benefit from being an Apple Distinguished School. The structure of the Early Years allows for middle leadership opportunities, including; heads of department and heads of subject.
Purpose of Job
To deliver exceptional counselling support that fosters student behaviour conducive to learning, personal development, and engagement with school and life beyond.
The role includes offering preventative care and addressing identified student needs to ensure their success. The School Counsellor will advise parents and carers to ensure a holistic approach to student welfare. A commitment to maintaining professionalism and confidentiality in all interactions is essential. Additionally, the role contributes to the safeguarding and promotion of the welfare and personal care of children and young people.
Key Responsibilities include:
Counselling: Provide confidential and independent counselling to students and staff, addressing personal, social, emotional, or educational concerns. Promote a supportive environment that fosters mental and emotional health.
Social Groups:
Support the planning and facilitation of structured social groups that help students develop communication, cooperation, and positive peer relationships in a nurturing environment.
Behaviour Support:
Provide responsive, consistent behaviour support by implementing behaviour plans, modelling positive strategies, and working collaboratively with staff to promote a calm, inclusive learning climate.
Child Protection: Serve as the Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead, maintaining accurate logs, reviewing and evaluating policies, and preparing reports. Lead and support staff training on child protection.
Shared Leadership: Collaborate with the whole school pastoral team, advising and leading on matters of child protection and emotional wellbeing. Assist in identifying and managing students with special needs.
Whole School Engagement: Participate in professional development, attend staff meetings, and ensure compliance with Repton's policies and procedures. Go the extra mile to support our students and staff.
What We Offer:
• A caring and supportive environment where your contributions are valued.
• Opportunities for professional development and growth.
• The chance to make a significant impact on the lives of our students and staff.
Qualifications and Skills:
- Bachelors Degree in Social Work or Social Services
- OR Bachelors Degree in Psychology, Counselling, Youth Development or a related subject
- 2-4 of experience in youth-related social work
- Proven experience in counselling and safeguarding within an educational setting.
- Strong understanding of mental health policies and support services.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively with a diverse team.
Character requirements:
As a school we are very proud of the culture we have built at Repton Abu Dhabi. Schools are about people and relationships and our recruitment strategy very much focuses on hiring people with outstanding character. We are protective of our culture. The following character traits are non-negotiables:
• Team Player who adds to the collaborative culture of the school
• Positive attitude, adaptable and solution focused
• A life-long learner with a growth mindset
• Humility and humour - An ability to work hard but have fun
To support your application, please include a current, up-to-date CV.
The school reserves the right to interview and appoint strong candidates before the official closing date, and therefore we would encourage candidates to apply early in the process.
Cognita and the Repton Family of Schools is committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and young people and expects the same from its employees. All new staff will be subject to detailed and enhanced pre-employment clearance, including identity checks, criminal background checks for all countries lived in, qualification checks, employment checks to include an exploration of any gaps in employment, and satisfactory reference checks for all employment in the last 5 years