Student Welfare Officer

Learn more about the SWO role through a video sharing by Ms Susie Tan, a Lead SWO

Overview

Imagine a role where every day you have the opportunity to change lives, shape futures, and ignite hope in the hearts of those who need it.

As a Student Welfare Officer (SWO), you will provide guidance and social-emotional support to students with additional needs (SwANs). You will also work with their families and other community partners to address barriers to learning and strengthen the safety net for these students.

Why join us as an SWO?

Be a Pillar of Support to Students Who Need It Most

As a Student Welfare Officer, you support the overall development of students facing challenges and help them make better choices. Together with colleagues and school leaders, you will help to create a welcoming school environment where every student feels cared for and valued. You are a vital link, connecting students with additional needs (SwANs) and their families with essential services and resources. Your work will be purposeful and impactful, giving students who need extra support a chance at a better future, regardless of their background.

A Community of Collaborative, Like-Minded Colleagues

You will 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 sense of agency thrives, where your professional growth matters. You will collaborate with fellow educators, attend/conduct workshops, and hone your skills and practices. You will also have opportunities to exchange new ideas, share best practices, and provide mutual support within the school and the larger community of SWOs.

Join us in this uplifting journey, guiding students to be the better version of themselves.

Career Development Opportunities to Build Professional and Thought Leadership Capabilities

Grow Professionally

Newly appointed candidates will undergo a 10-week SWO Preparatory Training before they are deployed to schools as trained SWOs. Upon completing the SWO Preparatory Training and being emplaced on the trained grade, they will be required to fulfil a 1-year Minimum Service Period (MSP) obligation. We invest in your development by providing full salary during the SWO Preparatory Training.

Professional development is not limited to the SWO Preparatory Training. SWOs will 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 student welfare matters. These may include workshops, seminars, and networking opportunities with experts.

Career Pathway For SWOs

The Ministry of Education provides structured pathways for career advancement, allowing you to progress in your role as an SWO and take on leadership positions within the school or at the ministry level. This may involve opportunities to lead initiatives, mentor junior SWOs, or contribute to policy development in the area of student welfare. In addition to the current progression pathway, experienced SWOs who meet the selection criteria and have relevant qualifications can apply for a HQ attachment.

Roles and responsibilities

• Provide student-centric reintegration support for students with long-term absenteeism (LTA) or statutory concerns.
• Work with the school’s student support team on early identification, case management and proactive measures to avert the onset of at-risk behaviours among students.
• Act as a mentor for students with additional needs (SwANs) and empower them to make informed life choices.
• Conduct assessment and plan for interventions to address underlying issues to LTA issues through outreach, home visits, phone calls and/or case conferences etc
• Recommend relevant services by community partners to support the needs of students for after-school activities
• Work collaboratively with other school personnel and community partners involved for coordinated efforts to support the success of a student
• Escalate case to statutory agencies whenever student’s safety is compromised
• Provide re-integration/transitional support to ensure provision of continual assistance. i.e. Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) mandatory programmes, release from statutory institutions etc

Requirements

• Passion and disposition for working with students with additional needs (SwANs) and their families, and a positive belief in their potential.
• Cultural sensitivity, collaborative and an openness to diverse views.
• Emotional stability, resourcefulness and resilience.
• Ability to manage complex and serious school absenteeism or statutory cases, as well as provide consultation to school leaders on such cases.
• Preferably with at least 5 years of working experience. Casework experience in the social service sector, working with and supporting students with additional needs (SwANs) and families would be an advantage.

Salary and benefits

SWOs are appointed on the Student Welfare Officer Scheme of Service. Successful candidates will be hired on a contract basis.

Your starting salary will range from $2,700 to $5,200. 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 completing the pre-service training of about 2.5 months, you will be eligible for a salary top-up.

You will 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.