Job requirements Special Needs Counsellor in the Kitchener–Waterloo–Barrie Region

Find out what you typically need to work as a special needs counsellor in the Kitchener–Waterloo–Barrie Region. These requirements are applicable to all Family, marriage and other related counsellors (NOC 41301).

Employment requirements

This is what you typically need for the job.

  • A bachelor's or a master's degree in the field of counselling, therapy, mental health, psychology or a related social service discipline is required and a period of supervised clinical work with clients may be required.
  • A master’s degree in the field of therapy is required for art therapist, music therapist, and dance therapists.
  • Membership with a provincial or federal association is usually required by employers.
  • Registration with a regulatory body is required in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick for counselling therapists.
  • To practise psychotherapy, a permit is required in Quebec and registration with the appropriate regulatory body is required in Ontario.
  • In Quebec, registration with a regulatory body is required for marriage and family therapists, psychoeducators and sexologists and criminologists.

Source National Occupational Classification

Professional certification and licensing

Ontario

If this occupation is regulated, you may need to get a professional license from a regulatory authority before you can start working. Licensing can be compulsory or voluntary, depending on the occupation.

  • If the licence is compulsory, you must be certified before you can practise the occupation and use the professional designation.
  • If the licence is voluntary, you don’t need to be certified to practise this occupation.

Find out if this occupation is regulated and contact the regulatory authority to learn about the certification process.

Source Foreign Credential Recognition Program - ESDC

Find out where this occupation is regulated in Canada

Do you want to work in another province or territory?

If you are already certified to work in a regulated occupation in your province or territory, it will be easier for you to have your certification recognized in another province or territory. See the Workers Mobility's website to learn more.

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