Student Services Advisor

Student Services Advisor

Department: Student Services

Reports to: Director of HR & Operations

Functional Oversight: Senior Student Services Advisor

Role Summary

The Student Services Advisor provides frontline student advisory services focused on student wellbeing, academic support, inclusion, retention, and compliance.

The role includes structured, non-clinical wellbeing support and case management for students experiencing personal, academic, or emotional challenges during their academic journey. SAE University College does not provide licensed therapeutic or psychological counselling services on campus. Where clinical intervention is required, students will be referred to licensed external providers.

The role works collaboratively with the Senior Student Services Advisor and the Director of HR & Operations to support student progression, implement approved accommodations, assist with KHDA and Ministry of Education reporting requirements, and ensure inspection readiness.

Key Responsibilities

Student Advisory & Wellbeing Support

• Act as a first point of contact for students requiring support.
• Conduct structured support meetings addressing academic stress, personal challenges, and adjustment issues.
• Provide non-clinical wellbeing guidance and coping strategies.
• Maintain professional boundaries and ensure clarity regarding the advisory nature of support.
• Refer students to licensed external providers where necessary.
• Maintain confidential case documentation in line with institutional protocols.
• Identify patterns in student concerns and advocate for better experiences.

Neurodiversity & Learning Support

• Provide structured support to students with identified support needs, including students on the autism spectrum, ADHD, executive functioning challenges, and other learning differences.
• Assist in implementing approved Student Access Disability Plans (SAPDs).
• Support students in developing organisational strategies, study skills, and behavioural coping mechanisms.
• Work collaboratively with academic staff to ensure reasonable adjustments are applied appropriately.
• Contribute to internal tracking of support needs for compliance and reporting purposes.
• Escalate complex cases to the Senior Student Services Advisor and Director of HR & Operations.

Safeguarding & Case Escalation

• Identify early signs of distress, disengagement, or risk.
• Escalate high-risk student cases to the Senior Student Services Advisor and the Director of HR & Operations.
• Participate in case discussions related to progression, welfare, and risk mitigation.
• Maintain accurate, secure documentation for audit and compliance reviews.

Retention & Student Progression Support

• Participate in student progression reviews and support discussions.
• Contribute to the monitoring and analysis of student deferrals and withdrawals.
• Support early intervention strategies aimed at improving retention.
• Assist in identifying trends related to student disengagement and well-being.

Compliance Support

• Provide administrative support for student-related regulatory reporting.
• Assist in preparing documentation required for KHDA and Ministry of Education submissions.
• Support processing and approval workflows for student attestation requests in accordance with institutional procedures.
• Maintain accurate records required for compliance audits.
• Support preparation for compliance inspections and external review visits.

(All formal external submissions remain under Director or Senior oversight.)

Student Services Operations & Engagement

• Support Student Council activities when delegated.
• Assist in student engagement initiatives and campus events.
• Ensure timely follow-up on student service requests.
• Maintain accurate student records and documentation.
• Develop clear, engaging, and audience-aware communications across internal channels.
• Support the development of inclusive programming that strengthens community and student connections.

Institutional Contribution

• Contribute to cross-functional institutional projects and initiatives.
• Perform additional duties as required by the Director of HR and Operations.

Qualifications & Experience

Essential:

• Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Education, Special Educational Needs, Social Work, or related field.
• Minimum 2–4 years of experience in student services, wellbeing support, or educational support environments.
• Demonstrated experience supporting neurodivergent students (e.g., ASD, ADHD, learning differences).
• Experience working with young adult populations (18–25 years).

Highly Desirable:

• Postgraduate qualification in Special Educational Needs (SEN), Inclusive Education, Educational Psychology, or related discipline.
• Recognised certification in supporting neurodivergent learners.
• Mental Health First Aid certification.
• Experience supporting compliance inspections or maintaining case registers.

Advantageous:

• Licensed practitioner status (where applicable under UAE regulations).
• Training in executive functioning coaching or behavioural support strategies.

Key Competencies

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Emotional intelligence and professional judgement
• Understanding of neurodiversity and inclusive practices
• Safeguarding awareness
• Confidentiality and discretion
• Structured documentation and reporting skills

Key Performance Indicators

• Timeliness and quality of student case management
• Contribution to student retention initiatives
• Compliance readiness during inspections
• Accuracy of documentation and reporting support
• Student satisfaction feedback
• Effective implementation of approved support accommodations

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: AED7,500.00 per month

Application Question(s):

• Are you aware that the salary is AED7,500 and non-negotiable?
• Are you located in Dubai?
• What is your current Visa Status?
• What is the duration of your notice period? (in days)