Job Description

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced and compassionate Consultant Child Psychiatrist who is an Arabic speaker to join our mental health services in Abu Dhabi.

The successful candidate will provide comprehensive psychiatric assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up for children and adolescents experiencing a wide range of emotional, behavioral, developmental, and psychiatric conditions.

The role requires strong clinical expertise, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work effectively with children, adolescents, parents, caregivers, schools, and multidisciplinary healthcare teams. Fluency in Arabic and English is highly desirable, with Arabic language proficiency being an essential requirement for this position.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive psychiatric assessments for children and adolescents.
• Diagnose and manage a broad range of mental health and behavioral conditions, including:
• ADHD
• Autism spectrum disorder and associated behavioral difficulties
• Anxiety and depressive disorders
• Mood disorders
• OCD
• Trauma-related disorders
• Behavioral and emotional disorders
• Psychotic disorders
• Eating disorders
• Sleep disorders
• Self-harm and other complex mental health presentations
• Develop individualized treatment plans based on clinical assessment and evidence-based practice.
• Provide medication management and monitor treatment response and potential adverse effects.
• Provide or coordinate appropriate psychological, behavioral, and psychosocial interventions.
• Work closely with psychologists, therapists, pediatricians, social workers, nurses, educators, and other healthcare professionals.
• Engage parents and caregivers in assessment, treatment planning, psychoeducation, and ongoing care.
• Assess and manage clinical risk, including safeguarding concerns, suicidal ideation, self-harm, aggression, and other high-risk presentations.
• Provide appropriate crisis intervention and coordinate escalation or hospitalization when clinically indicated.
• Communicate diagnoses, treatment options, prognosis, and recommendations clearly and sensitively to families.
• Provide culturally appropriate care to Arabic-speaking children and families.
• Maintain accurate and confidential clinical documentation in accordance with regulatory and institutional requirements.
• Participate in multidisciplinary case conferences and clinical meetings.
• Support clinical governance, quality improvement, patient safety, and service-development initiatives.
• Participate in teaching, supervision, and professional development activities where required.

Qualifications

• Medical degree (MBBS, MD, or equivalent) from a recognized institution.
• Recognized postgraduate qualification in Psychiatry.
• Fellowship/board certification or equivalent specialist qualification in Child & Adolescent Psychiatry / Child Psychiatry.
• Eligibility for Consultant-level licensure with the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH).
• Current professional registration/licensure in the relevant jurisdiction.
• Appropriate continuing professional development and certification as required.

Experience

• Demonstrated experience as a Consultant/Specialist in Child & Adolescent Psychiatry.
• Strong experience in the assessment and management of children and adolescents with complex psychiatric and behavioral conditions.
• Experience working within multidisciplinary mental health or pediatric services.
• Experience managing psychiatric emergencies and clinical risk is highly desirable.
• Experience working with culturally diverse populations is an advantage.
• Previous experience in the UAE or GCC healthcare environment is desirable but not mandatory.

Language Requirements

• Arabic speaker – essential.
• Good command of English for clinical documentation and multidisciplinary communication.
• Ability to communicate effectively with Arabic-speaking children, adolescents, parents, and caregivers.

Core Competencies

• Excellent clinical assessment and diagnostic skills.
• Strong knowledge of evidence-based child and adolescent psychiatric treatment.
• Excellent communication and family-engagement skills.
• Culturally sensitive and patient-centered approach.
• Strong risk assessment and crisis-management skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• High level of professionalism, confidentiality, and ethical practice.
• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills.
• Commitment to continuous professional development and quality improvement.

Key Performance Areas

• Delivery of safe, high-quality psychiatric care.
• Positive clinical outcomes and patient/family experience.
• Effective multidisciplinary collaboration.
• Accurate documentation and regulatory compliance.
• Timely assessment and appropriate treatment planning.
• Contribution to service development and clinical governance.

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation package.
• Professional and supportive multidisciplinary working environment.
• Opportunities for clinical and professional development.
• Access to modern healthcare facilities and specialist services.
• Opportunities to contribute to the development of child and adolescent mental health services in Abu Dhabi.