Learning Support Specialist/Student Counsellor

At The Perse School (Singapore), we cultivate a happy and nurturing environment, inspiring students to develop a lifelong love of learning and prepare for a fulfilling and successful future. 

To deliver on our mission of inspiring students to love learning, we embrace The Perse Way — a unique educational approach that places our values at the heart of everything we do. Developed over 400 years, The Perse Way guides us as we continually look forward, shaping an exceptional education for the future. 

The Role 

This exciting and dynamic opportunity is for a fully qualified Learning Support Specialist with counselling experience to play a key role in shaping and establishing the Learning Support and counselling program 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. 

Learning Support Specialist

Key Responsibilities:  

• Tailor interventions and strategies to empower students, building on their strengths and addressing their individual challenges. 
• Collaborate with teachers to develop personalised education plans 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. 

Qualifications, Knowledge, and Understanding: 

• 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. 
• Level 7 qualification in psychometric testing, assessment, and access arrangements (or equivalent) is desirable.
• Experience in International School is preferred.

Junior School Student Counsellor 

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. 

Qualifications, Knowledge, and Understanding:  

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