Student Counsellor / Learning Support Specialist (Primary to Secondary School)

Overview:  

This exciting and dynamic opportunity is for a qualified Learning Support Teacher with counselling experience to play a role in shaping and establishing the learning support and counselling programme at The Perse School (Singapore). You will contribute to creating a nurturing environment that fosters academic, emotional, and social growth in students, helping them thrive and succeed in a supportive setting. 

Student Counsellor  

• Recognised counselling qualification or experience preferably within an educational or international school context. 
• Expertise in promoting students’ social and emotional well-being to improve engagement and learning outcomes. 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Build trusting, respectful relationships with students, fostering their personal and social development. 
• Collaborate with teachers, administrators, and parents to support the holistic development of students. 
• Provide guidance to students, helping them develop self-advocacy skills and resilience in overcoming learning challenges. 
• Actively listen to students, offering empathy and support in resolving personal, social, and emotional issues. 
• Develop and deliver culturally sensitive interventions that address students' social and emotional needs. 
• Observe and monitor students during class and recreational activities, identifying behavioural concerns early. 
• Provide crisis intervention and social-emotional support when required. 
• Conduct social, emotional, and behavioural assessments, and track progress using evidence-based approaches. 

 Administrative Duties:  

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of student counselling sessions in the school’s Management Information System (MIS), ensuring compliance with EduTrust requirements. 
• Prepare reports and contribute to the continuous review and improvement of the school’s support services. 

Competencies:  

• Strong cross-cultural communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with a diverse school community in a multilingual setting. 
• Empathetic and effective listener, skilled at building rapport and trust with students, staff, and families. 
• Lifelong learner with a commitment to staying informed of best practices and research in SEND and student counselling. 
• Collaborative team player, able to foster positive relationships with colleagues, students, and the wider community. 
• Dedicated to contributing to the personal and professional growth of students.  

Learning Support Teacher

Qualifications, Knowledge, and Understanding: 

Essential: 

• Post-graduate qualification in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) or related field. 
• Passion for supporting students with diverse learning needs, including but not limited to: 
• Cognition and learning difficulties. 
• Communication and interaction challenges. 
• Sensory and physical disabilities. 
• Social, emotional, and mental health issues. 
• Comprehensive understanding of psychometric testing, with the ability to interpret and apply recommendations effectively to support students’ learning. 
• Strong classroom management skills, creating a safe and inclusive environment where students can achieve their full potential. 
• In-depth knowledge of differentiation techniques, such as modifying content, process, and product to meet the diverse needs of learners 
• At least 3 years of experience in a Special Education setting  
• Ability to create individualized learning experiences that are both effective and enjoyable for students with varying needs 
• Proactive in advocating for students' rights, and ensuring they have equal opportunities to succeed 

Desirable:  

• Level 7 qualification in psychometric testing, assessment, and access arrangements (or equivalent).  

Key Responsibilities:  

• Tailor interventions and strategies to empower students, building on their strengths and addressing their individual challenges. 
• Collaborate with teachers to develop Individualized Educational Plans (IEP) for students with SEND. 
• Engage actively with parents, fostering open communication to ensure the best outcomes for students. 
• Liaise with external specialists, including educational and clinical psychologists, speech and language therapists, and occupational therapists, to enhance the support available to students. 
• Proactively identify safeguarding concerns, reporting them to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) as necessary. 

This is an excellent opportunity to be part of an exciting new phase in the school’s development, contributing to a supportive and caring learning support department.  

Safeguarding: 

The Perse School (Singapore) is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All candidates will be subject to rigorous safeguarding checks, including reference checks, an enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check, and verification of qualifications and employment history. 

As part of our commitment to safeguarding, all staff are required to uphold the school’s safeguarding policies, attend regular training, and promote a safe and inclusive environment for all students. Any gaps in employment must be explained, and candidates should be prepared to discuss their approach to safeguarding in education as part of the recruitment process. 

This job description will be reviewed biennially as part of the professional development cycle. Any changes will be made in consultation with the Principal and Senior Leadership Team.

Disclaimer 

The statements above outline the general nature and scope of work for individuals in this classification. They are not intended to be a comprehensive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Personnel may be asked to perform tasks beyond their usual responsibilities as needed.