CSC sets qualifications for new public school counselor posts under Mental Health Law
At A Glance
- CSC Chairperson Marilyn B. Yap said the standards will help ensure that qualified mental health professionals are deployed in schools as the government works to strengthen services for learners.
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Public schools can now move forward with the staffing of newly created counselor positions after the Civil Service Commission (CSC) approved the qualifications for the posts under a law strengthening mental health services for students.
The approved qualification standards (QS) cover Schools Division Counselor, School Counselor I to IV, and School Counselor Associate I to V positions in the Department of Education (DepEd).
The CSC approved the standards through Resolution No. 2600920 promulgated on June 30, in support of Republic Act No. 12080, or the Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act.
CSC Chairperson Marilyn B. Yap said the standards will help ensure that qualified mental health professionals are deployed in schools as the government works to strengthen services for learners.
“By approving these QS, the CSC supports the implementation of RA No. 12080 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations, which recognize the urgent need to provide accessible, quality, and responsive mental health services for learners,” Yap said.
She added that investing in the psychological well-being of young people also means investing in future public servants who embody “puso, dangal, at galing (heart, honor, and skill).”
Requirements for counselor posts
For the Schools Division Counselor and School Counselor I to IV positions, CSC said applicants must have a master's degree in Guidance and Counseling or Psychology and a valid professional license as a Guidance Counselor or Psychologist.
The required work experience and training will vary depending on the position level.
For School Counselor Associate I to V, applicants must have a bachelor's degree in Guidance and Counseling or Psychology.
Those with other related bachelor's degrees may also qualify if they have at least 18 units in Behavioral Science, including 200 hours of supervised practicum or internship in guidance and counseling, preferably in a school or community setting.
Applicants for the counselor associate positions must also have Career Service Professional Eligibility.
The required experience and training will also depend on the position level.
DepEd proposed the qualification standards to the CSC as part of the implementation of RA 12080.
CSC said the approved standards will guide the hiring and appointment of personnel for the newly-created positions.
They will also be used in attesting appointments and evaluating other human resource actions involving the positions in the DepEd.