School-Based Counsellor (Part-Time/Contract)

About CYPHER

The Centre for Youth Work Practice Harnessing Evidence & Research (CYPHER) is Singapore’s only youth work charity grounded in an evidence-based and peer-reviewed framework developed specifically for the local context. Our work aims to advance youth work practice and strengthen the evidence base of youth interventions and allied helping professions.

We are a registered charity and a member of the National Council of Social Service (NCSS).

Position Overview

CYPHER is seeking a Counsellor (Part-Time/Contract) to support the delivery of structured group intervention programmes (youth and young adults) in schools. The successful candidate will conduct one-to-one as well as small-group sessions focusing on psychosocial development, life skills, and youth engagement. The aim is to engage students through mentoring, structured activities, small-group interventions and developmental support. Furthermore, the role involves working closely with school personnel to promote students' social-emotional development, resilience, school connectedness and life skills.

Depending on qualifications, competencies and programme needs, the successful candidate may also have opportunities to support CYPHER's other clinical, psychosocial and community-based initiatives, including casework & counselling, residential-care programmes and applied life skills interventions.

This role is ideal for individuals with backgrounds in social work, counselling, psychology, or youth work who are interested in facilitating meaningful developmental programmes for adolescents and young adults. This role may also be suitable for early-career practitioners seeking applied experience in structured psychosocial intervention programmes.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop therapeutic alliances and engage adolescents meaningfully while maintaining ethical and professional boundaries
• Provide mentoring, guidance and appropriate psychosocial support to students with varying developmental, emotional and behavioural needs
• Facilitate indoor and outdoor activities, small-group sessions and structured interventions that support social-emotional development, life skills and values-based learning
• Assist in planning and delivering intervention programmes, learning journeys, workshops and/or outreach initiatives
• Work collaboratively with teachers, school personnel and other relevant stakeholders to support students' developmental needs
• Support programme documentation, attendance monitoring, preparation of materials, case follow-up and reporting
• Participate in supervision and training sessions to strengthen professional competencies and practice
• Contribute to programme evaluation, reflective practice and continuous improvement
• Where appropriate, assist with other CYPHER initiatives involving clinical services, community engagement, or structured psychosocial interventions

Requirements

• Must have at least a Diploma in Social Work/Social Sciences/Psychology/Counselling/Youth Work. Graduates in similar disciplines are preferred.
• Must have current active registration with the Ministry of Education (MOE Instructor Registration)
• Must have at least one (01) year of relevant experience in youth engagement, mentoring, coaching or intervention programmes, preferably involving secondary school students or youths with additional psychosocial needs
• Must be open to learning about CYPHER’s clinical frameworks
• Must be able to commit to the anticipated school-based programme schedule for 2027, which may include three (03) weekday afternoons totalling approximately 7.5 hours per week
• Must be available and able to commit for school-based work from Jan-Nov 2027 to minimise unnecessary disruptions to students
• Must have the ability to maintain appropriate ethical conduct and accurate documentation
• Should have strong interpersonal and communication skills, openness to learning, and professional maturity
• Undergraduate students in Social Work, Psychology, and Counselling are welcome to apply if they fulfil the other requirements
• Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents only

Training & Supervision

Shortlisted candidates will undergo orientation and training prior to deployment. Ongoing supervision will be provided to support learning, reflective practice, and ethical service delivery. Participation in required supervision, training and practice reviews forms an essential part of the engagement.

Learning & Development Opportunities

Successful candidates may gain exposure to:

• Practical experience in youth work and therapeutic engagement, including programme planning, implementation and evaluation
• Skills in developing and maintaining a sound therapeutic alliance
• Exposure to basic clinical concepts, structured youth interventions and applied mental health support
• Exposure to evidence-informed and contextualised clinical frameworks and practices
• Development of interpersonal, communication, and project management skills
• Exposure to non-profit and clinical operations, including community engagement strategies
• Practical understanding of case management, service coordination and transdisciplinary clinical work

Working Arrangement

• Part-time/Contract (Hourly)
• Typical commitment: Jan-Nov 2027, with flexibility depending on programme needs
• Work location may include external venues (e.g., schools/community sites), depending on assignment
• Session schedules are typically confirmed in advance and may vary depending on programme requirements

Remuneration

Hourly rate commensurate with qualifications and experience. This is a part-time role. The salary range listed reflects the equivalent full-time salary benchmark. Actual remuneration will be pro-rated based on hours worked.

Why Join CYPHER

• Be part of Singapore’s only youth-work charity that utilises an evidence-based framework developed for local youth
• Be part of a clinical centre where practice meets research, not just service delivery
• Receive structured supervision, learning, and development support
• Meaningful frontline engagement with those who need it most
• Opportunity to contribute to sector-wide impact, practice improvement, and research
• Supportive culture that values reflection, innovation, and practitioner growth

How to Apply

Please submit:

• Your complete CV
• Evidence of your active MOE Registration

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

For enquiries, please contact Ms Faith at faith@cyphersg.com