“Social work is the art of listening and the science of hope.”
Joelle Chamoun is a dedicated Clinical Social Work and Educator at The Higher Colleges of Technology committed to shaping the future of social work through education, advocacy and community engagement. With a career spanning direct practice, leadership and academia, she brings a wealth of experience in fostering inclusive, innovative and impactful social work practices.
From providing hands-on support to vulnerable populations to mentoring the next generation of professionals, Joelle’s journey reflects her steady dedication to driving meaningful change. Her work bridges the gap between theory and practice, ensuring that social work education remains dynamic, relevant, and deeply connected to real-world challenges.
A Legacy of Impact
Joelle reflects on her professional journey in social work, which began in the realm of medical-social work. From the start, she dedicated herself to providing direct support and care for vulnerable populations. Recognizing that the challenges faced by marginalized communities required more than on-the-ground interventions, she pursued systemic change through education and innovative practices.
Her career spans diverse roles, including serving as Executive Director at Saint Joseph Orphanage and as a Community Coordinator at World Vision Lebanon. These experiences deepened her understanding of community development and strengthened her advocacy for those in need.
As she progressed, Joelle realized that sustainable change also depended on mentoring the next generation of professionals. This insight led her to pursue an academic career, culminating in her current role as a Clinical Instructor at HCT. Here, she integrates hands-on experience with academic rigor, ensuring students are prepared for real-world challenges.
Recently, she was honoured with an award of recognition from Dr Faisal Alayyan, HCT President and CEO, a testament to her steady commitment to social work and community empowerment. This recognition reaffirms her belief in the transformative power of education and fuels her dedication to driving meaningful change.
Creating a Roadmap of Success for Future Professionals
As a Clinical Instructor at Higher Colleges of Technology, Joelle plays a pivotal role in shaping the academic and practical competencies of future social work professionals. She designs and delivers curricula that seamlessly integrate theory with hands-on practice, ensuring students develop a strong foundation in social work principles alongside real-world application.
Joelle supervises capstone projects and clinical placements, guiding students as they address real community challenges. She also spearheads innovative training programs focused on fostering inclusive and sensory-friendly educational environments. Additionally, she actively forges partnerships with local community organizations and agencies, enriching the student learning experience while ensuring academic efforts translate into tangible community impact.
Her multi-faceted role allows her to continuously refine educational strategies, ensuring that social work programs remain responsive to the evolving landscape of social work and public health in the UAE.
Leading with Inclusion
Joelle approaches leadership with a commitment to creating a collaborative and inclusive environment that empowers colleagues, students and community members to contribute their unique perspectives. Her leadership extends across a broad spectrum of community engagement initiatives, including organizing impactful events, conferences and workshops.
In collaboration with colleagues, students, and stakeholders, she has spearheaded large-scale initiatives such as the Determination and Inclusion Festival, a signature event celebrating diversity and inclusivity. By integrating diverse perspectives and leveraging partnerships with community leaders and organizations, Joelle ensures that these initiatives reflect the community’s needs while driving sustainable social impact.
Her leadership philosophy cultivates a culture of shared responsibility, enabling lasting relationships and fostering meaningful change in the communities she serves.
Balancing Passion & Well-Being
Joelle maintains a healthy work-life balance through effective time management and clear boundaries between her professional and personal life. Prioritizing her family, she ensures that quality time with them remains a fundamental part of her routine. By scheduling dedicated work duration while carving out ample time for family activities, she nurtures both personal well-being and strong relationships.
Incorporating self-care practices such as physical activity and mindfulness into her daily schedule helps her stay energized and focused. A key factor in this balance is her husband’s support, whose collaboration in managing responsibilities allows her to navigate professional commitments effectively. This approach not only sustains her passion for work but also reinforces the importance of meaningful time with loved ones.
Lifelong Learning in Social Work
She stays at the forefront of social work education through continuous professional development. She actively participates in conferences, workshops, and seminars and engages in collaborative research projects. By immersing herself in academic and professional forums, she ensures that her teaching and service incorporate the latest evidence-based practices.
This commitment to ongoing learning allows her to maintain an innovative and responsive approach, equipping future social work professionals with the most relevant and effective strategies to address evolving challenges in the field.
Guiding the Next Generation
Joelle advises aspiring social workers to embrace both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience as they embark on their careers. She emphasizes the importance of lifelong learning, seeking mentorship, and being open to the diverse challenges within the field. She highlights the essential qualities of empathy, resilience, and a strong ethical foundation, which serve as guiding principles in addressing complex social issues.
Joelle encourages young professionals to recognize the power of small acts of kindness and advocacy, reminding them that even the smallest efforts can create a lasting impact. By staying adaptable, fostering innovation, and embracing collaboration, aspiring social workers can drive meaningful change in the communities they serve.
