Abstract
The lack of Registered counselors in the Philippines urged schools to hire Non-RGCs called Guidance Counselor Associates (GCAs) and Guidance Designates (GDs) to take on the role and work with students’ concern. This study examines how supervision quality and organizational support influence the professional quality of life (ProQoL) of GCAs and GDs in the Philippines. Data were gathered from thirty five (n=35) non-registered school counselors supervised by Registered Guidance Counselors (RGCs) using the Survey form containing demographic profile, Supervisor Support Scale (SSS), Perceived Organizational Support Scale (POS) and Professional Quality of Life Scale (ProQOL). Counselors reported average ProQoL levels, with lighter caseloads improving compassion satisfaction (CS) and reducing burnout (BO) and secondary traumatic stress (STS), while heavier caseloads increased stress. Both genders reported neutral supervision, with public and private school counselors agreeing on moderate supervisory support. Neutral organizational support (POS) highlighted the need for improved practices, such as better education assistance and salary increases. Public institutions faced greater emotional challenges, while elementary counselors reported the highest CS, and those handling multiple levels experienced the lowest CS and highest BO. Though SS and POS were not found significant predictors of ProQoL, a strong correlation was found between these two supports. The study underscores the need for supportive supervision and organizational policies, proposing a supervision framework to enhance counselor well-being.
