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Counselling

Overview

Counselling is defined as a collaborative process in which the counsellor or psychologist facilitates the expansion of the pupil’s view of life, enlarges his repertoire of coping resources and enables him to make choices for change in himself, the situation and the environment, without destructive consequences to self or others1. The process is directed by the application of specialised skills and strategies in a therapeutic relationship with the pupil with problems. The goal of intervention is to help pupils manage these problems effectively so that their total development would not be impeded.

The counselling services in school are organised in a tiered system, beginning with first level intervention by teachers. All teachers undergo 9-hour training in basic counselling skills which equips them with skills such as empathic listening and attending skills. If the intervention is unsuccessful or for cases requiring more specialised attention, referral is made by teachers to the Teacher Counsellors, Part Time School Counsellors, Allied Educator (Counselling)2 or external counsellors employed by the school. Pupils requiring more intense intervention are referred to MOE Guidance Specialists or professional agencies, such as the Child Guidance Clinic.

MOE has made provision for the following counselling personnel in the school:

Part Time School Counsellor (PTSC) Scheme

The Part Time School Counsellor (PTSC) Scheme for Retired Education Officers was introduced in September 2000 to build the counselling resources in schools. This scheme aims to augment the pool of available counsellors within the Education Service and supplements the Allied Educator (Counselling) Scheme. Retired teachers with suitable counselling disposition are invited to serve as PTSCs.

To be eligible for the appointment as a PTSC, the retired education officers must:

Successful candidates will have to complete a Diploma programme in school counselling comprising of academic instructions, field practice and supervision conducted by a training agency appointed by MOE. Assessment will be done through written assignments, projects and examinations.

You can download the application form (100kb .doc)

Allied Educator (Counselling) Scheme

Role Profile of AED (Couselling)

The role of AED (Counselling) is to meet the counselling needs of schools and assist schools in the planning of school-wide guidance programme. The AED (Counselling) is required to work closely with the school management in setting up school counselling services to students, provide case consultations to school personnel and parents, and identify, devise and deliver training programmes for students and teachers in the area of social and emotional development.

Work Profile

System Support

Responsive Services

Developmental Programme

Appointment

The AED (Counselling) appointment is open for applications to all eligible candidates including serving Education Officers (EOs). With the introduction of the Allied Educators Scheme (AES) with effect from 1 Jan 2009, serving EOs can continue to be appointed as AED (Counselling) for a 3-year term as the Ministry recognises that such a stint would enrich their career development.

The entry requirements are appended below:

  1. Serving Education Officers (EOs):
    • Possess at least 5 years of teaching experience
    • Preferably of a substantive grade of at least GEO1A2 or GEO 2A2 and not higher than SEO 1
    • Have good performance record for the last 3 years
  2. External Candidates3
    • A degree in any discipline
    • Preferably have a Post-graduate Diploma/Masters in counselling
    • School and counselling experience would be an advantage

Service Conditions

Successful candidates will be appointed as follows:

  1. Serving EOs will be retained on the Education Service (ES) scheme and offered a 3-year term as AED (Counselling). They will return to teaching at the end of the 3-year appointment term.
  2. External Candidates (including former EOs) will be appointed on the Allied Educator Scheme, and generally placed on 3-year contracts.

The 3-year term and contract cover the training period for candidates.

AED (Counselling) appointed on the Allied Educator Scheme may be offered a renewal of appointment or emplacement on permanent establishment at the end of their contract.

All AEDs will be placed on the School Holiday Scheme similar to teachers after the completion of their training. While they will be eligible for leave of absence during school holidays, this is not an entitlement. They can be called back for duty during the school holidays so as to support programmes or activities for the students (e.g. counselling and enrichment activities).

Training

Successful candidates without suitable professional counselling qualifications will be sponsored to attend a 6-8 month Diploma Level training in counselling. The Diploma comprises two main components: course work and field work (practicum).

Candidates undergoing training will receive a full monthly salary while attached to schools or undergoing training. Upon successful completion of the training, they will have to serve a two-year Minimum Service Period.

Terms of Employment

The terms of appointment of AED (Counselling) are summarised in the table below:

AED (Counselling)
Eligibility Serving EOs Non-EOs
Leave Benefits School Vacation Scheme
Working Hours Similar to teachers
(Officers should discuss with their School Principals to work out their work schedule)
Minimum Service Period
(applicable to those who underwent full-time training)		 2 years
(starts after completion of the training)
Period of Term / Contract 3-year term
(inclusive of training)		 3-year contract
(inclusive of training)
Termination Notice 1 month
Notice of returning back to teaching 6 months’ notice
(required if the return date is ahead of the expiry date of the appointment term)		 Not applicable
Service Benefits
  • Subsidised medical and dental benefits
  • Use of Government Holiday Bungalows4
  • Group Insurance Scheme at low premium

Professional Development

AEDs are encouraged to continue upgrading their skills through relevant courses to be more effective in their job. Together with Guidance Branch (GB), Personnel Division is looking at developing a framework to support and encourage the professional development of AEDs.

Professional Supervision and Consultation for Trained AED (Counselling)

The Guidance Branch will continue to provide professional supervision and consultation for the trained AED (Counselling). The Guidance Branch will also organise relevant courses to further enhance AED’s counselling knowledge and skills.

Peer Support

AEDs are strongly encouraged to form their support group to support one another and to share good practices.

Career Path

The Allied Educators Scheme of Service offers good career advancement opportunities and allows officers to build expertise in their areas of specialisation. Officers who demonstrate good performance and potential can look forward to taking on higher level appointment such as Senior and Lead AED (Counselling). Outstanding officers can progress up to positions of superscale grade in the Ministry Headquarters.

Application

For serving EOs who are keen on a 3-year appointment as AED (Counselling), please look out for the circular highlighting the launch of the recruitment exercise.

For external candidates who are keen to find out more about the application procedure of AED (Counselling), please visit the Allied Educators Careers website.

Footnotes:

  1. Adapted from Yeo, A. (1993). Counselling: A Problem-Solving Approach, Armour Publishing (p5). ↵
  2. These personnel are also known as “FTSCs” or “School Counsellors” in schools ↵
  3. Includes in-service Management Executive Officers, former education officers and serving contract adjunct teachers. ↵
  4. Visit the Aloha Resorts website for more information. ↵