Mental Health Counsellor
Classification: Student Affairs
Location: Jahra, Kuwait
About The American International University
American International University (AIU) is a private institution in Kuwait, founded in 2019, offering undergraduate programs in Engineering and Computing, Architecture and Design, Business, Arts and Sciences, and Education. The programs are delivered in English and follow the American model of higher education. AIU serves a community of more than 4,000 students and is implementing the RISE Strategy 2026–2030, a five-year institutional transformation strategy anchored in research development, international accreditation, student success, employability, and community engagement.
For more information, visit: www.aiu.edu.kw
Job Purpose
The Mental Health Counsellor is responsible for providing professional mental health counseling, crisis intervention, psychological support, and wellbeing services to students. The role promotes emotional wellness, resilience, and personal development while supporting student success and retention. The Counsellor works collaboratively with faculty, Student Affairs, and external healthcare providers to ensure students receive appropriate support and care.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide individual counseling services to students experiencing emotional, psychological, behavioral, academic, or personal challenges
- Conduct mental health assessments and develop appropriate counseling and support plans
- Provide crisis intervention and risk assessment for students experiencing urgent mental health concerns
- Maintain confidential counseling records and documentation in accordance with professional and legal standards
- Coordinate referrals to appropriate external mental health professionals, medical providers, emergency services, and community resources when necessary
- Develop and facilitate workshops, support groups, outreach programs, and mental health awareness initiatives
- Collaborate with faculty, Student Affairs staff, and university leadership to support student wellbeing initiatives
- Participate in university crisis response and student support teams as required
- Monitor emerging student mental health trends and recommend proactive support strategies
- Contribute to policy development and best practices related to student wellbeing and mental health services
- Prepare reports and utilization data while maintaining student confidentiality
- Perform other duties as assigned
Required Skills and Qualifications
- Strong knowledge of counseling theories, mental health assessment, and intervention techniques
- Experience providing counseling services to young adults and university students
- Excellent communication, active listening, and interpersonal skills
- Ability to manage crisis situations professionally and effectively
- Strong understanding of confidentiality, ethics, and professional counseling standards
- Cultural sensitivity and ability to work with diverse student populations
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary environment
- Proficiency in maintaining counseling records and documentation systems
Education and Experience
- Master's degree in Counseling, Clinical Psychology, Mental Health Counseling, Social Work, or a related mental health field (required)
- Professional counseling licensure, certification, or eligibility for licensure preferred
- Minimum of 3–5 years of counseling experience, preferably within higher education or a student-focused environment
- Experience providing crisis intervention, mental health assessment, and short-term counseling services required
- Experience developing mental health education and prevention programs preferred
How to Apply
Interested candidates should visit the Job Opportunities section on our website and submit a resume and cover letter via: https://aiu.edu.kw/careers/jobs
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. The successful candidate is expected to commence employment immediately.
AIU is an equal opportunity employer committed to academic excellence, professional integrity, and the principled governance of Kuwaiti higher education.
