DepEd Opens 10,000 School Counselor Jobs to Boost Student Mental Health | PhilNews
DEPED - The Department of Education is making a major investment in student well-being by opening 10,000 School Counselor Associate positions nationwide to improve mental health support in public schools.
DepEd Rolls Out Massive Hiring Drive to Strengthen Mental Health in SchoolsDEPED – Thousands of aspiring professionals now have a chance to join the education sector as DepEd launches a nationwide hiring campaign focused on strengthening students’ mental health and psychosocial services. The Department of Education (DepEd) has officially launched a nationwide hiring campaign for 10,000 School Counselor Associate I positions as part of its continuing efforts to strengthen mental health and psychosocial support services for students in public schools across the Philippines. According to DepEd, the creation of the new positions follows the implementation of DepEd Order No. 019, s. 2026, which established the qualification standards approved by the Civil Service Commission (CSC) in line with Republic Act No. 12080, also known as the Basic Education Mental Health and Well-being Promotion Act. Photo Source: Bombo Radyo CauayanThe department has also instructed Schools Division Offices (SDOs) that have already received their Notice of Organization, Staffing, and Classification Action (NOSCA) to begin the recruitment process for the entry-level positions. To streamline the hiring process, all SDOs will utilise the Agile Gateway for Appointments and Placements (AGAP) System. The online platform enables applicants to submit the required documents electronically, allowing applications and appointments to be processed digitally, thereby making recruitment more efficient and accessible. Recognising that not all applicants have reliable internet access, DepEd will also establish physical assistance kiosks and help desks at Schools Division Offices. These facilities are designed to support applicants who may have limited access to online services, ensuring that everyone has an equal opportunity to apply. Education Secretary Sonny Angara emphasised the importance of the initiative, saying that hiring School Counselor Associates is a significant step toward addressing the mental health needs of learners. “Hindi lang ito tungkol sa pagpuno ng mga plantilla positions. Napakahalaga ng pag-hire natin ng mga School Counselor Associates dahil sila ang magiging kaagapay ng ating mga mag-aaral sa pang-araw-araw nilang mental health at psychosocial needs,”said Angara. Photo Source: nacacnetDepEd explained that School Counselor Associates will provide essential mental health services, learner support, documentation, and referral services while working alongside registered guidance counsellors in public schools. The entry-level positions are open to graduates with bachelor’s degrees in Guidance and Counseling, Psychology, or other related fields with the required units in guidance, counselling, or behavioural science. Applicants must possess Career Service Professional (Second Level) Eligibility. Previous work experience and additional training are not required for the position. According to DepEd, the recruitment of 10,000 School Counselor Associates forms part of the implementation of RA 12080, which seeks to further enhance school-based mental health and well-being services for students nationwide. READ ALSO:DepEd Confirms Grade 4 Pupil Died After Routine Deworming Activity