DepEd Hires 10,000 School Counselor Associates to Boost Mental Health Services in Public Schools

The Department of Education (DepEd) has begun the nationwide recruitment of 10,000 School Counselor Associate I positions as part of efforts to strengthen mental health services in public schools. The hiring comes after DepEd issued Order No. 019, s. 2026, adopting the qualification standards approved by the Civil Service Commission (CSC) for the new positions under Republic Act No. 12080, or the Basic Education Mental Health and Well-being Promotion Act. In a statement on Friday, DepEd said Schools Division Offices (SDOs) that have received their Notice of Organization, Staffing, and Classification Action (NOSCA) have been directed to begin filling the entry-level positions. To speed up the recruitment process, the department said all SDOs will use the Agile Gateway for Appointments and Placements (AGAP) System, an online platform that allows applicants to submit requirements electronically and enables divisions to process applications and appointments digitally. DepEd said SDOs were also instructed to set up physical assistance kiosks and help desks for applicants who may have limited access to digital services. Education Secretary Sonny Angara said the hiring aims to strengthen mental health and psychosocial support for learners in public schools. “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,” Angara said. (This is not just about filling plantilla positions. Hiring School Counselor Associates is important because they will help our students address their day-to-day mental health and psychosocial needs.) According to DepEd, the School Counselor Associates will provide basic mental health services, learner support, documentation, and referrals, complementing the work of registered guidance counselors in public schools. The department also said the law provides a career progression pathway for the new positions, from School Counselor Associate I to V, with opportunities to advance to School Counselor I to IV and eventually Schools Division Counselor, subject to qualification and licensure requirements. Applicants for the entry-level position must possess a bachelor’s degree in Guidance and Counseling, Psychology, or a related field with the required units in guidance, counseling, or behavioral science. They must also have Career Service Professional (Second Level) Eligibility. No prior work experience or additional training is required, DepEd said. The hiring of 10,000 School Counselor Associates forms part of the government’s implementation of RA 12080, which seeks to strengthen school-based mental health and well-being services for learners.