Special Educational Needs Officer

Learn more about the SEN officer role through a video sharing by Mdm Mastura, a Master SEN Officer.

1. Overview

As a Special Educational Needs Officer (SEN Officer), you will provide support to students with special educational needs (SEN) in mainstream schools. Examples of SEN are dyslexia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), mild autism spectrum disorders, sensory impairments, and physical impairments.

If you would like to be a SEN Officer but do not have the relevant qualifications or experience, you can apply through our sponsored foundational training programme. The programme will equip you with the necessary skills to support our students with SEN.

Programme length: 1-year sponsored training.

Bond length: 2 years.

Why join us as a SEN Officer?

Be A Champion For Students With Diverse Learning Needs

As a SEN Officer, you play a key role in shaping the educational journey and overall development of students with SEN, contributing to their academic, social, and emotional growth. Working in a school, you’ll champion inclusivity and diversity within the school community, creating an environment where every student feels valued and supported within a safe and caring community.

Discover Your Purpose And Mission

Your role is a purpose-driven one where you enable and support diverse students to access learning at their individual pace, discover their strengths and talents, and develop as confident and active contributors. By positively impacting the lives of students and their families, you’ll experience deep personal fulfilment and a sense of purpose in your career. Few careers offer the intrinsic rewards of “The High-Five” moments, the heart-warming appreciations, and the strong bonds forged.

A Community of Collaborative, Like-Minded Colleagues

You’ll work alongside a dedicated team of teachers, allied educators, HQ specialists, and school support staff, fostering a collaborative environment focused on the holistic development of every student. Picture a supportive community—a place where mentorship thrives, where your professional growth matters. You’ll collaborate with fellow educators, attend/conduct workshops, and hone your skills and practices. You’ll also have the opportunity to exchange best practices, collaborate, and provide mutual support within the school and the larger community of SEN officers.

Join us in this life-changing journey, where every day is a chance to make a real difference.

Career Development Opportunities to Build Professional and Thought Leadership Capabilities

Grow Professionally

For untrained SEN Officers - before serving as a SEN Officer, you’ll be enrolled in a foundational training programme, equipping you with the necessary skills and knowledge. The ministry invests in your development by providing full salary during your foundational training programme. You’ll graduate with a professional accreditation.

Professional development is not limited to the foundational training. For untrained SEN Officers who complete the foundational training as well as officers who join us as trained SEN Officers, you’ll have access to a range of professional development programs and resources aimed at continuously enhancing your skills, staying updated on best practices, and deepening your understanding of SEN. These may include workshops, seminars, and networking opportunities with experts.

Career Pathway For SEN Officers

The Ministry of Education provides clear pathways for career advancement, allowing you to progress in your role as a SEN Officer and take on leadership positions within the school or at the ministry level. This may involve opportunities to lead initiatives, mentor junior SEN Officers, or contribute to policy development in the area of SEN.

Roles and responsibilities

You’ll be expected to support students with SEN in the following areas:

• Intervention support.
• Systems consultation in the area of educational development.
• Work with stakeholders, such as parents or external agencies, to ensure continued support for them.

Requirements

• Passion and disposition to work with students with SEN.
• Resourceful and good problem-solving skills.
• Strong collaborative and communication skills with stakeholders.
• Preferably with prior experience and expertise in working with students with SEN.

Compulsory Untrained School Stint

Prior to admission into the foundational training programme, you’ll need to undertake a compulsory school stint. This stint allows you to affirm your interest to be a SEN Officer, and lets us assess your suitability for the role. If you successfully complete the stint, you’ll be enrolled in the foundational training programme.

Salary and benefits

In addition to the rewarding nature of the work, the Ministry of Education offers a financial package that recognizes the value of your contributions as a SEN Officer.

Your starting salary will range from $2,800 to $5,200 while undergoing the Untrained School Stint in school and if enrolled, during the foundational training programme as well. Your exact salary takes into consideration:

• Your relevant work experience and time spent on the job.
• Your academic training.
• Whether you have completed full-time National Service.

After successfully completing the pre-service foundational training programme, you’ll be eligible for a salary top-up.

You’ll also be eligible for these benefits:

• Time off during school holidays, as long as your services are not required during that time.
• Subsidised medical and dental benefits.
• 14 days of medical leave without hospitalisation, and up to 60 days with hospitalisation.
• 10 days of urgent leave for private matters, subject to approval.

Learn more about the benefits as a Public Officer