The

Handbook of

Professional

Counselling

in Singapore

2011
© Singapore Association for Counselling
With acknowledgements to sources quoted
 PREFACE

The Singapore Association for Counselling (SAC) would like to say a special
thank you to Debbie Ng, Janie Lim, Cynthia Kong, and Diana Koh for creating
this document.

SAC was established to advocate for the continued growth and development of
counselling in Singapore. We believe this document is one important step in
such a direction.

Within these pages you will find out the details of where counsellors are
throughout Singapore. You will likewise see the skills and duties required, as
well as the projected pay range.

We hope that this document can be used in one of two ways. The first is to
inform counsellors and the general public of the extensive opportunities for
counsellors. The second is to advocate for some organisations to see the
greater good in hiring SAC Registered Counsellors, as they are skilled and able
to meet the range of challenges faced.

Thank you for joining with SAC for the development and betterment of
counselling in Singapore.

Sincerely,
David Blakely
SAC President (2004-2011)

(i)
 CONTENTS

Preface i
Contents ii
Definition of Professional Counselling 1
I. Purpose 1
II. Registered Counsellors 1
III. Recognition of Training and Experience 2
IV. Recognised Courses and Programmes 3
V. Levels of Expertise 4
VI. Different Pathways for Counsellors and Social Workers 5
VII. Nature of Work 5
VIII. Work Environment 8
IX. Work Context 8
X. Generic Skills 8
XI. Work Activities 9
XII. Other Qualifications 10
XIII. Professional Counselling in Different Sectors 10
XIV. Prospects for Advancement 11
XV. Salary Range 11
XVI. Projection 11

Counselling in Different Sectors 13

A. Community Sector 14

1. Community Development Councils (CDCs)

2. Family Service Centres (FSCs) and Voluntary Welfare
Organisations (VWOs)
3. Role of Counsellors
(i) Community Counsellors
(ii) Rehabilitation Counsellors
(iii) Employment Counsellors

(ii)
 B. Criminal Justice Sector 18
1. The Subordinate Courts of Singapore
Family and Juvenile Justice Divisions (Sub-Courts)
2. Singapore Prison Service (SPS)
3. Community Sector
4. Role of Counsellors
(i) Court Counsellors
(ii) Prison Counsellors
(iii) Day Reporting Order (DRO) Counsellors and Case
Managers

C. Defence Sector 22

1. SAF Counselling Centre (SCC)

2. Role of Counsellors

D. Education Sector 23
1. Ministry of Education
2. Institute of Education
3. Institutions of Higher Learning and Other Education Providers
4. Role of Counsellors
(i) Allied Educators (Counselling)
(ii) Counsellor – Educational Guidance Officer
(iii) Career Counsellors in Institutions of Higher Learning
and Other Education Providers

E. Health Sector 27
1. Institute of Mental Health (REACH)
2. Private Hospitals
3. Role of Counsellors
(i) Mental Health Counsellors
(ii) Private Hospital Counsellors
(iii) Hospice Counsellors

Figure 1 – Training Pathway 1 Social Service Counsellors 6

Figure 2 – Training Pathway 2 Social Workers 7
(iii)
Definition of Professional Counselling

“Counseling can be more precisely defined as relatively short-term, inter-

personal, theory-based processes of helping persons who are basically
psychologically healthy resolve developmental and situational problems.
Counseling activities are guided by ethical standards and go through distinct
stages from initiation to termination. Personal, social, vocational and educational
matters are all areas of concern.” [American Counseling Association]

A practitioner must complete the required Masters or Post-Graduate course and

experience to be a Registered Counsellor with SAC.

I. Purpose
In pursuant of the Association’s purpose of providing a common
professional base for the advancement of counselling in Singapore, SAC
specifically aims to encourage the development and advancement of
professional counselling as a mental health discipline in Singapore by
promoting and reinforcing high standards in education and training,
professional ethics, competency and growth.

II. Registered Counsellors

The SAC keeps a Register of Members, their qualifications and
appointments, and particulars of their professional experience. Every
Ordinary Member will automatically be placed upon the Register when
they are granted membership. Registered Members may call themselves
SAC Registered Counsellors.

To maintain their status, Registered Members are required to fulfill the

following conditions:

1. Every two years each person on the register shall complete 50 hours
of continuing professional education (CPE). The two-year period
begins at the AGM of the year the individual is admitted as an Ordinary
Member. CPE is based upon chronological hours. As an example, a
four-hour workshop then accounts for four of the necessary hours.
Those who do not complete the continuing education requirement will
be taken off of the register but will remain as Ordinary Members.

1
 Every two years each person on the register shall submit on the
prescribed form a record that he/she has completed at least 400 hours
of clinical work. Clinical work consists of face to face counselling,
group work, and provision of clinical supervision.

III. Recognition of Training and Experience

To be recognized, Ordinary Members must have approved training and
experience in counselling in accordance with one of the following sets of
requirements:

1. Graduate from an accredited institute of higher learning and has also

completed recognised training courses in counselling theory. The
counselling content (of a minimum of 300 hours altogether) must
include:

(i) Counselling Theory, which includes the principles, concepts, and

practice of counselling and orientation to basic counselling
models.

(ii) Counselling Content Areas may include: Human Growth and

Development, Helping Relationships, Group Work, Appraisal and
Research, Career and Lifestyle Development, Professional
Orientation and Ethics, Marriage and Family Work and other
specialization topics.

(iii) Counselling Practicum or Internship as part of the degree

programme, which includes a minimum of 100 hours in the
practice of face to face counselling under supervision. The
supervision will consist of at least one hour of supervision for
each ten hours of counselling practice.

(iv) He/She should complete 600 hours of face to face counselling

within three years of completing the training. The recording of
hours will begin only when coursework has been completed. The
supervision will consist of at least one hour of clinical supervision
for each ten hours of counselling practice.

OR

2
 Presently a social and counselling service provider/practitioner before
having taken this option shall have completed recognized training
courses in counselling theory and skills practice (of a minimum of 300
contacts hours altogether) from an accredited educational or training
institute:

(i) Counselling Theory, which includes the principles, concepts, and

practice of counselling and orientation to basic counselling
models.

(ii) Counselling Content Areas may include: Human Growth and

Development, Helping Relationships, Group Work, Appraisal and
Research, Career and Lifestyle Development, Professional
Orientation and Ethics, Marriage and Family Work and other
specialization topics.

(iii) He/She must complete 600 hours of face to face counselling

within three years of completing educational requirements.
Recording of hours may begin when course work begins. The
supervision will consist of at least one hour of clinical supervision
for each ten hours of counselling practice.

IV. Recognised Courses and Programmes

Diploma in Holistic Counselling for Executive Counselling and
Schools Training Academy Pte Ltd (ECTA)
Bachelor of Counselling SIM University (UniSIM)
Bachelor of Counselling (Hons)
Graduate Diploma in Counselling SIM University (UniSIM)

Graduate Diploma in Counselling Counselling and Care Centre

Practice (CCC)
Post Graduate Diploma in TCA College, School of Counselling
Counselling
Post-Graduate Diploma of Social Edith Cowan University at the
Science (Counselling) Academy of Human Development
Master in Counselling Monash University at Kaplan

Master in Counselling SIM University (UniSIM)

Master in Counselling (Mandarin) National Chi Nan University

Master of Arts in Counselling Singapore Bible College

3
 Master of Education in School State University of New York
Counselling (SUNY) Buffalo at SIM
Master of Guidance and James Cook University
Counselling
Master of Social Science Edith Cowan University at the
(Counselling and Psychotherapy) Academy of Human Development
Master of Social Science University of South Australia at
(Counselling) Kaplan (discontinued)
Master of Social Science Swinburne University of Technology at
(Professional Counselling) Executive Counselling and Training
Academy Pte Ltd (ECTA)

V. Levels of Expertise
1. Para-Professional Counsellors

Social service and religious organisations provide counselling

services conducted by volunteers who receive in-house part-time
training. Training systems and opportunities have also been
developed for teachers, uniformed officers, health personnel and
others who come into contact with the student body, uniformed
personnel and the general public. Training duration varies from 2
days to 6 months.

2. Entry Level Professional Counsellors

Holders of recognised Masters or Post-Graduate qualifications are

employed as entry level Professional Counsellors. They should
complete 600 hours of face to face counselling within three years of
completing the training with supervision.

3. Clinician Level Professional Counsellors

Upon completion of post-qualification experience, professional

counsellors move on to the clinician level. They are eligible to apply
for ordinary membership and be placed on the Register. Registered
Counsellors are required to fulfill the conditions of registration.

4. Specialisation and Supervision

Professional Counsellors may specialise in their choice of treatment

modalities such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Solution-

4
 Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Reality Therapy (RT) etc. and move
on to supervisory positions. Clinical Supervisors must have at least
five years of experience as a Professional Counsellor at clinician
level.

VI. Different Pathways For Social Workers and

Counsellors
The NCSS Academy, the Social Service Training Institute (SSTI) as the
strategic leader in driving training for the social service sector has defined
separate training pathways for social workers and counsellors.

1. Counsellor

Fulfill conditions as Registered Counsellor with the Singapore

Association for Counselling as outlined in Section III above.
See Figure 1 - Training Pathway 1.

2. Social Worker

Complete post-graduate qualifications in Social Work.

See Figure 2 - Training Pathway 2.

VII. Nature of Work

[Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook
2010-2011]

“Counselors work in diverse community settings designed to provide a

variety of counselling, rehabilitation, and support services. Their duties
vary greatly, depending on their specialty, which is determined by the
setting in which they work and the population they serve. Although the
specific setting may have an implied scope of practice, counselors
frequently are challenged with children, adolescents, adults, or families
that have multiple issues, such as mental health disorders and addiction,
disability and employment needs, school problems or career counseling
needs, and trauma. Counselors must recognize these issues in order to
provide their clients with appropriate counselling and support.”

5
 FIGURE 1 – TRAINING PATHWAY 1
Source: Social Service Training Directory 2010-2011
© Singapore Association for Counselling

6
 FIGURE 2 – TRAINING PATHWAY 2
Source: Social Service Training Directory 2010-2011

7
VIII. Work Environment

[Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook

2010-2011]

“The work environment can vary greatly, depending on the occupational

specialty. School counselors work predominantly in schools, where they
usually have an office but also may work in classrooms. Other counselors
may work in a private practice, community health organizations, day
treatment programs, or hospitals. Many counselors work in an office
where they see clients throughout the day, although counselors may
frequently be required to provide services out in the community.”

IX. Work Context

[Source: O*NET Online]

Varies with the nature of work:

1. Contact With Others

2. Electronic Mail
3. Face to Face Discussions
4. Decision Making
5. Indoors, Environmentally Controlled or Outdoors
6. Letters and Memos
7. Spend Time Sitting
8. Telephone
9. Work with Work Group or Team

X. Generic Skills
[Source: O*NET Online]

1. Active Learning
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future
problem-solving and decision-making

2. Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to
understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not
interrupting at inappropriate times

3. Coordination
Adjusting actions in relation to others’ actions

8
 4. Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of
alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems

5. Social Perceptiveness
Being aware of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they
do

6. Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively

7. Writing
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the
audience

XI. Work Activities

[Source: O*NET Online]

1. Assisting and Caring for Others

Providing emotional support or other personal care to co-workers and clients
2. Communicating with Supervisors, Peers or Subordinates
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by
telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person

3. Documenting/Recording Information
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written
or electronic/magnetic form

4. Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships

Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others,
and maintaining them over time

5. Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant
sources

6. Judging the Qualities of Things, Services or People

Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people

7. Making Decisions and Solving Problems

Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and
solve problems

8. Organising, Planning and Prioritising Work

Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish
work

9
 9. Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job

XII. Other Qualifications

[Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook
2010-2011]

“People interested in counseling should have a strong desire to help

others and should be able to inspire respect, trust, and confidence. They
should be able to work independently or as part of a team. Counselors
must follow the code of ethics associated with their respective
certifications and licenses. Counselors must possess high physical and
emotional energy to handle the array of problems that they address.
Dealing daily with these problems can cause stress.”

XIII. Professional Counselling in Different Sectors

Professional counsellors are employed in different sectors to meet the
specific needs of different clientele. Besides implied scope of practice,
counsellors are challenged with different clientele group: children,
adolescents, adults or families with multiple issues (mental health
disorders, addiction, disability and employment needs, school problems
and career counselling needs.

1. Community
Community Development Councils, Family Service Centres and other
Voluntary Welfare Organisations.

Positions available include: Counsellor, Employment/Career

Counsellor, and Rehabilitation Counsellor.

2. Criminal Justice

The Subordinate Courts Family and Juvenile Justice Division

Positions available: Court Counsellor.

Singapore Prison Service

Positions available include: Prison Counsellor, Day Reporting Order
[DRO] Counsellor and Case Manager.

10
 3. Defence

SAF Counselling Centre

Positions available: Counsellor

4. Education
Ministry of Education, Institutions of Higher Learning, Institute of
Technical Education and other educational organisations.

Positions available include: School Counsellor, Counsellor –

Educational Guidance Officer, Student Career Advisor, and Career
Counsellor.

5. Health
Institute of Mental Health
Positions available include: Mental Health Counsellor.

Private Hospitals Counselling Centre:

Positions available include: Counsellor.

Hospice Care:
Positions available include: Counsellor

XIV. Prospects for Advancement

Prospects for advancement vary by counselling field. School Counsellors
in the Ministry of Education can become Assistant Directors at cluster or
zone levels. Others can become supervisors, teachers, researchers or
advanced clinicians in practice. Some may choose to pursue a doctoral
degree to improve their chances for advancement.

XV. Salary Range

Vary by different sectors.

Those employed in the community sector are guided by the National

Council of Social Services (NCSS) salary range:
Counsellor: $2650 - $4550
Senior Counsellor: $3600 - $6000
Clinical Director: $4200 - $7300
Executive Director: $4900 - $8400
11
 Public sector employment is guided by the Management Executive Salary
range:

MX 13 (Cadet Grade) $1,740 - $4,050

MX 12 $2,340 - $5,340
MX 11 $4,100 - $6,160 / $6,161 - $7,190
MX 10 $6,350 - $9,050 / $9,051 - $10,400

Private sector practitioners may be self-employed or be engaged on

project basis.

XVI. Projection
Employment outlook is bright in all sectors.

12
 COUNSELLING IN

DIFFERENT SECTORS

13
 A. COMMUNITY SECTOR
1. Community Development Councils (CDCs)
[Source: CDC]

The Community Development Council provides various community and

social assistance services delegated from the Ministries. It administers
various government programmes and schemes to help the needy
residents by providing social and job assistance

2. Family Service Centres (FSCs) and Voluntary Welfare

Organisations (VWOs)
[Source: NCSS and CEL]

Under the umbrella of NCSS, the goal of social services in Singapore is to

promote the well-being of people and communities. It seeks to help
individuals to be self-sufficient and less dependent, and restore individuals,
families or communities to successfully function in the society.

The Centre for Enabled Living (CEL) is a first-stop centre for users of
eldercare and disability services and their caregivers. CEL makes elderly
and disability care programmes more accessible by centralising referrals
and matching the specific needs of individuals to the appropriate services.
To further enable persons needing care to lead dignified lives, CEL aims
to raise public awareness for a more inclusive environment and encourage
greater social acceptance. CEL was also established in anticipation of the
growing demand for eldercare services as well as the need to enhance the
financial security of persons needing care and their caregivers.

Family Service Centres (FSCs) are key community-based social service

providers for families in need. FSCs are staffed with professional social
workers/counsellors who are ready to provide a listening ear and helping
hand. Anyone, regardless of age, race, language or religion, can benefit
from FSC services. The 36 FSCs island wide, run by voluntary welfare
organisations, have established a good network with other community
help agencies and can help to link families to assistance provided by other
agencies if necessary.

3. Role of Counsellors

(i) Community Counsellors

Community Counsellors aim to improve the condition of the

14
 community by giving therapy, supportive counselling, linkage and
referral, advocacy and various other services as demanded.

Tasks

• Provides individual, family and group counselling to youth and

adults using appropriate models of intervention

• Conducts in-take assessments

• Makes referrals – demonstrates familiarity with local treatment

facilities and services

• Develops and implements programs of intervention and

prevention

• Case Management – coordinates and consults with other

agencies and organizations

• Provides crisis-intervention services in accordance with policies

• Maintains accurate and complete client records

• Professional Development – Keeps current with regulatory,

professional and clinical advances

• Professional Affiliation – Participates in national professional

associations

• Professional Growth – Utilises supervision as an opportunity for

professional growth

• Demonstrates willingness to assist interns in their professional

development

(ii) Rehabilitation Counsellors

[Source: Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification.
(2003). Scope of Practice for Rehabilitation Counseling.
http://www.crccertification.com/pages/31research.html retrieved
30.06.2007 cited in http://articlesbase.com/psychology-
articles/exploring-careers-the-rehabilitation-counselor-192962.html]

15
“Rehabilitation Counselors help people deal with the personal, social,
and vocational effects of disabilities including addictions. They
counsel people with disabilities resulting from birth defects, illness or
disease, accidents, or the stress of daily life. They evaluate the
strengths and limitations of individuals, provide personal and
vocational counseling, and arrange for medical care, vocational
training, and job placement. Rehabilitation counselors interview both
individuals with disabilities and their families, evaluate school and
medical reports, and confer and plan with physicians, psychologists,
occupational therapists, and employers to determine the capabilities
and skills of the individual. Conferring with the client, they develop a
rehabilitation program that helps the client enjoy the highest possible
quality of life.”

Tasks

"Rehabilitation counseling is a systematic process which assists

persons with physical, mental, developmental, cognitive, and
emotional disabilities to achieve their personal, career, and
independent living goals in the most integrated setting possible
through the application of the counseling process. The counseling
process involves communication, goal setting, and beneficial growth
or change through self-advocacy, psychological, vocational, social,
and behavioral interventions. The specific techniques and modalities
utilized within this rehabilitation counseling process may include, but
are not limited to:

• Assessment and appraisal

• Diagnosis and treatment planning

• Career (vocational) counselling

• Individual and group counseling treatment interventions focused

on facilitating adjustments to the medical and psychosocial impact
of disability

• Case management, referral, and service coordination

• Program evaluation and research

• Interventions to remove environmental, employment, and

attitudinal barriers

16
 • Consultation services among multiple parties and regulatory
systems

• Job analysis, job development, and placement services, including

assistance with employment and job accommodations; and

• Provision of consultation about and access to rehabilitation

technology.

(iii) Employment Counsellors

see also Career Counsellors in Education Sector

Counsellors in Career Centres set up by the Workforce Development

Agency (WDA) together with the Community Development Councils
(CDCs) and NTUC provide advice on available jobs and training
options. Their chief focus is helping individuals with career
decisions.”

Tasks
[Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook
Handbook 2010-2011]

• Explore and evaluate the client's education, training, work history,

interests, skills, and personality traits

• Arrange for aptitude and achievement tests to help the client

make career decisions

• Work with individuals to develop their job-search skills and assist

clients in locating and applying for jobs

• Provide support to people experiencing job loss, job stress, or

other career transition issues.”

17
 B. CRIMINAL JUSTICE SECTOR
1. The Subordinate Courts of Singapore. Family and
Juvenile Justice Division (Sub-Courts)
[Source: Sub-Courts]

The Counselling And Psychological Services (CAPS) offers information on

pre- and post-filing counselling services.

2. Singapore Prison Service (SPS)

[Source: SPS]

As a key partner in Criminal Justice, the SPS protects society through the
safe custody and rehabilitation of offenders, co-operating in prevention
and aftercare.

Counsellors work with offenders to prevent re-offending by targeting their

criminogenic needs through specialised treatment programmes during
incarceration and through professional case management for those on
Day Reporting Order.

There are two schemes under the Home Affairs Senior Executive Scheme
of Service: Prison Counsellors and Day Reporting Order Counsellors and
Case Managers.

3. Community Sector

Social service organisations provide paid services to Singapore Prison

Service as and when required.

Volunteers also come in to:

a. Work with the inmates, in the area of religious counselling, social

programmes, family focused programmes, academic and enrichment
programmes

b. Mentor and guide the released inmates in aftercare.

Volunteers sign up with one of the volunteer organisations* that is

registered with Prisons or directly through Prisons as an individual.

[* https://www.prison-volunteers.gov.sg/sop/vw/organisation.jsp]

18
4. Role of Counsellors

(i) Court Counsellors

[Source: Sub-Courts]

“Court Counsellors are primarily involved in court clinical services

such as divorce conciliation and custody evaluation, and risk
assessments for juveniles and highly conflicted families involved in
legal disputes. They assist families to find resolutions to complex
problems identified with particular attention to the safety and best
interests of children and victims of violence. In addition, they are also
involved in all aspects of administering best practices in Family,
Juvenile (Children Care) Court processes through maintaining an
awareness of developments in psychosocial considerations within the
judicial system.”

Tasks

• Pre-filing counselling is conducted before formal legal

proceedings are filed in the Family Court. In cases where the
possible breakdown of the marriage is an issue, the counsellor
will explore any possibility of reconciliation with the parties. In
appropriate cases, the counsellor will help them draw up
an Agreed Parenting Plan (Word, 29.5 KB) for custody, care,
control of and access to the dependent children of the marriage, if
any.

• Post-filing counselling is conducted after formal legal

proceedings are filed in the Family Court. This type of counselling
may be fixed by the Court during hearings, status conferences or
pre-trial conferences. In post-filing counselling, counsellors assist
the parties in resolving any custody, care, control or access
disputes they may have in an amicable fashion, in order to
preserve the relationship between them as much as possible. The
focus of such counselling sessions is generally not on
reconciliation, unless both parties wish to explore that possibility.

(ii) Prison Counsellors

[Source: SPS]

“Prison Counsellors help to achieve the Singapore Prison Service’s

vision of preventing re-offending by targeting their criminogenic
needs based on Specialised Treatment Plans. They also conduct

19
 programme planning and design; evaluation and implementation of
Specialised Treatment Plans.”

Tasks

There are 4 aspects to the role of Counsellors within the prison

context:

• Inmate Assessment and Classification

- Conduct Risk, Needs and Responsivity assessment to identify
and address inmates’ re-offending risk
- Prepare pre-sentencing and pre-release reports for the courts
and Ministry of Home Affairs respectively

• Programme Delivery, Counselling and Casework

- Conduct assessment, treatment planning and intervention for
individual cases allocated, targeted at facilitating change and
building resilience in inmates
- Facilitate structured group counselling programmes and utilise
group counselling processes targeted at reducing inmates’ risk
of re-offending

• Teaching and Training

- Conduct training for institutional staff/community partners to
equip them with the necessary knowledge and skills to
intervene effectively with offenders

• Programme Development and Evaluation

- Assist in the development and implementation of projects or
programmes
- Engage in evaluation to determine project/programme
effectiveness
- Engage in offender research beneficial to Singapore Prison
Service.

(iii) Day Reporting Order (DRO) Counsellors and Case Managers

[Source: Careers@Gov accessed on 09.09.2010]

“DRO Counsellors and Case Managers help to achieve the

Singapore Prison Service’s vision of preventing re-offending by
ensuring that the DRO offenders’ treatment needs are met through
professional case management. They also assist in the development,
review, evaluation and implementation of rehabilitation programmes.”

20
(iv) Community Sector

Please refer to Community Sector p.14

21
 C. DEFENCE SECTOR

1. SAF Counselling Centre (SCC)

[Source:http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/mindef_websites/atozlistings/d
mg/Business/Manpower_Management.html]

The SCC provides comprehensive counselling services to SAF

servicemen and their next-of-kin. Besides drug abuse treatment and
rehabilitation services, the Centre also provides individual, couple, group
and family counselling.

In addition, SCC offers counselling-related training and conducts research

and trend analysis on counselling related issues.

The SAF Counselling Hotline allows servicemen access to 24-hour

telephone counselling and the Critical Incident Stress Management
Services provides psychological debriefing.

SCC also recruits, trains and maintains a group of SAF Para-Counsellors

to provide counselling services at the unit level.

2. Role of Counsellors
[Source: http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/careers/job_opportunities/dxo/
careeropportunities/vacancies/dxoexec_main/dxoexec/Counsellor.html]

• Provide counselling for employees and their families in times of

difficulties

• Plan and conduct counselling-related training courses

• Produce training aids

• Conduct research into topics on counselling and rehabilitation

22
 D. EDUCATION SECTOR
3. Ministry Of Education
[Source: http://www.moe.gov.sg/careers/allied-educators/counselling/]

“The Allied Educator (Counselling) works closely with the school

management in the planning and implementation of school-wide
counselling programmes, providing counselling for students and case
consultations to school personnel and parents, and delivering training to
teachers in the areas of social and emotional development of students.”

4. Institute of Education
[Source: http://jobs.st701.com]

The Counsellor – Educational Guidance Officer assists the college in

planning guidance programme.

5. Institutions of Higher Learning and Other Education

Providers

Student Counselling and Career Services are provided by Universities,

Polytechnics and Private Education Providers.

Counsellors work with students who have academic and social

development problems or other special needs. They use interviews,
counselling sessions, interest and aptitude assessment tests, and other
methods to evaluate and advise students.

6. Role of Counsellors

(i) Allied Educator (Counselling)

[Source: Ministry of Education]

Tasks

There are 4 aspects to the role of the AED (Counselling) within the
school context:

• System Support
- Set up a suitable counselling service in school, in consultation
with school management.

23
 - Develop strategies for early identification of pupils with social,
emotional and behavioural difficulties.
- Establish network with other professional agencies and relevant
social service agencies with a view to easing referrals and
accessing specialist consultants.
- Oversee the effective implementation of the school counselling
program.
- Develop evaluation strategies and instruments to assess the
school counselling program.
- Plan and conduct training for parents based on identified needs.
- Document counselling work done.
- Keep suitable case records.
- Be Case Manager for Additional Support System in Cockpit.

• Consultation
- Provide professional advice on school counselling matters to
school senior management
- Provide consultation to staff on how to support pupils in distress.
- Guide new teachers in helping pupils with social, emotional and
behavioural difficulties.

• Counselling Services
- Provide individual and small group counselling to pupils, and
where appropriate, consult with relevant school personnel
regarding pupils being counselled.
- Work with families of pupils being counseled, and conduct home
visits where necessary.
- Refer pupils and their families to community resources for
specialized assistance where necessary.
- Provide regular feedback, within boundaries of confidentiality to
the school administration and teachers concerned on the work
done with the pupils being counseled.
- Provide educational and career counselling to pupils.
- Support School CARE (Caring Action in Response to an
Emergency) Officers in managing crisis.

• Developmental Programs
- Design and implement programs to meet pupil’s specific social
and emotional needs, such as transition between levels and
transition issues, stress management, anger management, and
coping with grief and loss, etc.
- Work with HOD/Pupil Welfare in planning and implementing
school-wide guidance curriculum to enhance pupils’ social and
emotional development.

24
 - Work with Career Guidance Coordinators in planning and
developing career guidance programs in school, such as career
education lessons and various career activities.

(ii) Counsellor – Educational Guidance Officer

[Source: http://jobs.st701.com]

Tasks

Key responsibilities include the following areas:

• Intervention work with Students

- Conduct screening to identify the special educational needs of
students
- Provide support for students with special needs through skills
training
- Conduct monitoring and evaluation to assess the impact of
interventions on students/school

• Consultation within the College

- Provide consultation and support to school staff on student
cases
- Contribute to school activities and initiatives, especially in the
area of educational development of students with special
needs
- Raise the level of awareness concerning students with special
needs
- Develop and implement processes within the college to
monitor trends and
- Manage issues relating to special needs and provide timely
updates to the college’s’ management

• Collaboration with External Partners

- Collaborate with parents of students with special needs
- Collaborate with external agencies to support students with
special needs

Other Requirements

Good interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work

independently as well as in a team. Able to work well with youth from
various social and ethnic backgrounds. Prior experience in working
with students with special needs and/or in school counseling is an
added advantage.

25
(iii) Career Counsellors
[Source: http://careers.stateuniversity.com/pages/208/
Employment-Counselor.html]

Tasks

• Help clients find the right type of job

• Collect and assess information about education, previous

employment experience, skills, interests, and personal information

• Administer a variety of tests to get further information about their

clients. These may include aptitude and skills tests and
personality assessments. These tests are also helpful in giving
clients a better understanding of their vocational interests.

• After assessing all of this information, career counselors identify

possible career options. They also discuss with their clients
specific jobs within these areas, the type of work that is performed,
and entry requirements.

• Career counselors may also provide job placement assistance.

They will search files of job orders from employers and try to
match these with their clients' qualifications. They may also
contact prospective employers to find out whether suitable job
openings exist.

• Small group career guidance and coaching sessions

26
 E. HEALTH SECTOR
1. Institute of Mental Health (REACH)
[Source: REACH]

“Response Early Intervention and Assessment in Community mental

Health (REACH) for Students is a mobile multi-disciplinary mental health
team set up to work closely with school clusters to:
• Improve mental health of children and adolescents in schools
• Provide early interventions, support and training to school counsellors
on mental health disorders
• Develop a mental health network for children and adolescents in the
community involving:
- General practitioners (Family doctors and community paediatricians)
- School Counsellors and/or
- Voluntary Welfare Organisations and Family Services Centres”

2. Private Hospitals
[Source: Raffles Hospital Counselling Centre]

Counselling Centres staffed by a multi-disciplinary team of psychiatrists,

psychologists, couple and family therapists, child and adolescent
therapists, art, and music therapists, provides a range of therapies
including medications, family and individual and group counselling and
behavioural modification.

3. Hospice Care
[Source: Straits Times 13 Nov Executive Appointments p.R4]

The Counsellor works closely with other multi-disciplinary

professionals to provide psycho-social support services for patients
and their families including psycho-social and financial assessment,
casework, counselling and home-visits. Liaison with community
service organisations and agencies is a requisite.

4. Role of Counsellors

(i) Mental Health Counsellors

[Source: REACH]

Mental Health Counsellors work with a team comprising Psychiatrists,

Clinical Psychologists, Educational Psychologists, Medical Social

27
 Workers and Nurses to counsel families, individuals, groups and
couples to promote optimal mental health and well-being.

Tasks

• Scheduling client appointments including at-home, residential or

even visits in hospitals or treatment facilities.

• Completing risk assessments or mental health evalutations on

clients as required.
• Talking and counseling with clients to help them make informed
decisions about themselves, their lives and even relationships
and future goals.

• Providing consistent care and treatment programs for clients by

providing required documentation and case records to other
professionals involved with the clients.

• Keeping accurate client records, files and documentation for the

release of information to other treatment professionals.

• Meeting and planning the most effective treatment for the patient
with other professionals in the field.

(ii) Private Hospital Counsellors

[Source: Raffles Hospital Counselling Centre]

Tasks

• Provide personal and family counselling for individuals who have

a specific life issue, or who need help to bring out their mental
strength to enrich their lives and relationships.

• Facilitate Group Counselling for likeminded individuals

experiencing similar emotional challenges, which can provide
opportunities for exchange of insights into these personal issues.
These sessions also encourage sharing of strategies for coping or
dealing with these emotional challenges.

(iii) Hospice Counsellor

[Source: http://www.pilgrimshospice.org/66_Counselling.html]

• Supporting patient to express their feelings, adjust and find

28
 ways of coping with what is happening

• Helping to address the needs of children and young people

at this difficult time

• Offering support and guidance to parents/carers

• Running groups to bring people together with others in

similar circumstances, to share experiences and gain
information and support.

29
 Singapore Association for Counselling
c/o Singapore Professional Centre
93 Toa Payoh Centre
Toa Payoh Community Building
Singapore 319194

http://www.sac-counsel.org.sg/index.html

FOR ENQUIRIES

Email: [email protected]

Or Contact our Secretariat

Tel: 6251-7040
Fax: 6252-4533