Special Care Counsellor in Quebec: DEC, Salary and Schools
Special care counsellor in Quebec: $28.43 to $40.92 an hour in the health network as of April 1, 2026, DEC required. Schools have another agreement.
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The special care counsellor (éducateur spécialisé) in Quebec's public health network earns $28.43 to $40.92 an hour as of April 1, 2026. Job title 2691, class 1, requires a DEC (college diploma) in special care counselling techniques. This text applies to women and men. It explains the job, the cégep program and the two collective agreements that apply depending on the employer.
To work out a salary at a given step, use the site's salary calculator. It covers all social intervention job titles. For a neighbouring job, see the social worker.
What a special care counsellor does
The CPNSSS job title nomenclature, in its September 15, 2026 version, describes title 2691 this way. The person provides education and re-education to service users in an institutional or outside setting, following programs set with the professional team. The aim is adaptation, rehabilitation or social reintegration. They use daily living activities and organize, coordinate and lead activities. They observe users' behaviour, take part in assessing their needs and record their progress.
The Québec.ca profile for special care counsellors, updated June 19, 2026, names hospitals, rehabilitation centres, CHSLDs, CLSCs and CISSS as workplaces.
Salary in the health network
These rates apply to the health and social services network only. They come from the CPNSSS nomenclature. The work week is 35, 36.25, 37.5 or 38.75 hours. Class 1 has 12 steps.
| Step | Rate on April 1, 2026 | Rate on April 1, 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $28.43 | $29.43 |
| 4 | $31.70 | $32.81 |
| 8 | $36.66 | $37.94 |
| 12 | $40.92 | $42.35 |
Source: CPNSSS, job title nomenclature, September 15, 2026. Hourly rates before premiums.
Schools fall under another collective agreement
Special care counsellors and technicians in school service centres are not covered by the health network nomenclature. They fall under another collective agreement. This text gives no school rate. No dated official source could be read for that rate. The rate for a school position is in the school service centre's job posting.
The required training
Class 1 of title 2691 requires a DEC in special care counselling techniques or in delinquency intervention techniques, from a school recognized by the ministry. It also covers holders of a college certificate in special care counselling techniques or in institutional re-education. Class 2 covers older schooling equivalencies.
According to Inforoute FPT, program 351.A1 replaces 351.A0. It has 91 2/3 units and 2,745 hours in total. The approximate length is 36 months. Admission requirements are the general requirements of the Règlement sur le régime des études collégiales. No special requirement is added.
The program prepares graduates to support people of all ages who have adjustment difficulties. These difficulties can be emotional, physical, intellectual, social, behavioural or related to mental health. The nomenclature requires no order membership for this title.
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Frequently asked questions
What is a special care counsellor's salary?
In the health network, it runs from $28.43 to $40.92 an hour as of April 1, 2026 for class 1. On April 1, 2027, the scale will run from $29.43 to $42.35. Schools fall under another collective agreement.
How much does a special care counsellor earn in a school?
The school rate is not in the health network nomenclature. It falls under another collective agreement. No dated official source was read for that rate. Check the school service centre's job posting.
What training do you need to become a special care counsellor?
In the health network, you need a DEC in special care counselling techniques. The nomenclature also accepts a DEC in delinquency intervention techniques. It accepts a college certificate in special care counselling techniques.
How long does the special care counselling program take?
The approximate length is 36 months according to Inforoute FPT. Program 351.A1 has 2,745 hours in total.
What are the admission requirements for the special care counselling program?
They are the general requirements of the Règlement sur le régime des études collégiales. Inforoute FPT states no special requirement for this program.
What is the difference between a special care counsellor and a psychoeducator?
The special care counsellor holds a DEC. The psychoeducator holds a master's degree and belongs to the Ordre des psychoéducateurs. The nomenclature gives them separate pay scales. The psychoeducator's starts at $31.06 an hour.
Where does a special care counsellor work?
They work in institutional or outside settings, in rehabilitation centres, CISSS, schools and community organizations. Inforoute FPT adds people's homes.
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Sources
- Nomenclature des titres d'emploi, des libellés, des taux et des échelles de salaire, CPNSSS, version of September 15, 2026
- Instructors of People with Disabilities, Québec.ca, page updated June 19, 2026
- Techniques d'éducation spécialisée (351.A1), Inforoute FPT, accessed November 2, 2026