The printable notebook

Social services worker (intervenant social) is not a job title in Quebec's public network. The official titles closest to it pay $28.43 to $55.04 an hour as of April 1, 2026. The text applies to women and men.

The CPNSSS nomenclature contains no "intervenant social" or "intervenant psychosocial" title. The salary calculator covers the titles that do this work. The page Social worker describes the best known of them.

Why "intervenant" is not a title

The job title nomenclature of the health and social services network, version of September 15, 2026, has no "social services worker" or "psychosocial worker" title. The titles that use the word "intervenant" are specialized, such as the spiritual care counsellor (1552) or the specialized pacification and security counsellor (3547). None designates the social services worker.

In job postings, "intervenant" is an everyday word. It covers several official titles. To compare a job with a pay scale, look for the job title shown in the posting.

The closest official titles

Here are the network titles that do social or educational intervention work. Rates are those of April 1, 2026, before premiums.

Source: CPNSSS, job title nomenclature, September 15, 2026. Hourly rates. Work weeks vary by title, from 32.5 to 38.75 hours.

A social worker must belong to the Ordre des travailleurs sociaux et des thérapeutes conjugaux et familiaux du Québec (OTSTCFQ), Quebec's professional order of social workers. The social work technician and the special care counsellor hold a DEC. The human relations officer title accepts, depending on the field of activity, a bachelor's degree in criminology, social work or psychology.

In the public network

The employer is a network institution, such as Santé Québec, a CISSS or a CIUSSS. Youth protection services are part of it. The page DPJ explains how they work from the public's point of view.

The institution posts its jobs under their official title. A posting for "intervenant psychosocial" or "intervenant social" therefore hides one of these titles. The title's schooling requirement sets the minimum.

In community organizations

Community organizations also hire counsellors. The Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux supports those working in health and social services through the Programme de soutien aux organismes communautaires (community organization support program).

These organizations are independent employers. There is no common pay scale among them. This site gives no hourly rate for the community sector. No dated official source publishes one for the whole sector.

The network nomenclature does not apply to these employers. To learn the rate, read the job posting or ask the organization.

Frequently asked questions

What is the salary of a social services worker?

The title does not exist in the nomenclature. The nearby titles pay $28.43 to $55.04 an hour as of April 1, 2026. The rate depends on the title and the step.

What training do you need to be a social services worker?

It depends on the title. The social work technician and the special care counsellor hold a DEC. The social worker, the human relations officer and the community organizer hold a bachelor's degree. The psychoeducator holds a master's degree.

What is the difference between a social services worker and a social worker?

Social worker is a job title and a profession with an order. Social services worker is an everyday word. A social worker must belong to the OTSTCFQ.

What is a psychosocial counsellor?

It is an everyday word, like social services worker. The network nomenclature has no title by that name. Job postings correspond to one of the titles in the table.

Where does a social services worker work?

In health and social services network institutions or in community organizations. Both post their jobs on their own sites.

How much does a counsellor in a community organization earn?

There is no common scale. Each organization sets its own rates. No dated official source gives a rate for the whole sector.

Do you need a diploma to become a counsellor?

All network titles require a diploma. In the community sector, the organization sets its own requirements. Read the job posting.

Sources

• Job title nomenclature, descriptions, rates and pay scales of the health and social services network, CPNSSS, version of September 15, 2026
• Support for community organizations working in health and social services, Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux, consulted November 2, 2026

Working at the DPJ (Director of Youth Protection) means holding a job in a health and social services institution whose youth protection director carries out responsibilities set by law. A social worker there earns $31.06 to $55.04 an hour as of April 1, 2026. The text applies to women and men.

Each job title has its own pay scale. The salary calculator covers every title in the network. To reach the DPJ in your region as a member of the public, the page DPJ: making a report gives the number.

What the Youth Protection Act provides

The Loi sur la protection de la jeunesse (Youth Protection Act, CQLR, chapter P-34.1) names a youth protection director for each institution that operates a child and youth protection centre (section 31). The director acts under the direct authority of the institution's president and executive director.

Section 32 gives the director and the staff members the director authorizes, exclusively, these responsibilities:

• receive the report, make a summary analysis of it and decide whether it is retained for evaluation
• evaluate the child's situation and living conditions and decide whether the child's security or development is compromised
• decide on the child's orientation
• review the child's situation
• end the intervention if the child's security or development is not or is no longer compromised

Section 32 contains other responsibilities, including tutorship. Section 33 allows the director to authorize a person in writing to carry out the director's other responsibilities.

The Act names no job title. The director authorizes staff members, whatever their title.

The closest job titles

The CPNSSS job title nomenclature has no "DPJ counsellor" title. Only one description cites the Act: the reviewer (réviseur, 1570), who reviews a child's situation and decides whether to continue or close the file under the Youth Protection Act. It requires a bachelor's degree in social work, in social services or in another appropriate discipline. It also requires membership in a professional order that allows evaluating a person as part of a decision by the director of youth protection or the court.

For the other titles, no official document read for this article says which are employed at the DPJ. Here are the network titles that do social or educational work.

Source: CPNSSS, job title nomenclature, September 15, 2026. Hourly rates as of April 1, 2026, before premiums. The reviewer's rate (1570) is in the nomenclature.

Training and the professional order

A social worker must hold a bachelor's degree in social work or social services and belong to the Ordre des travailleurs sociaux et des thérapeutes conjugaux et familiaux du Québec (OTSTCFQ), Quebec's professional order of social workers. A social work technician holds a DEC. A special care counsellor holds a DEC in special care counselling techniques or delinquency intervention techniques.

The nomenclature specifies that a human relations officer holds, depending on the field of activity, a bachelor's degree in human sciences or social sciences, for example in criminology, social work or psychology.

Where to apply

The employer is the network institution in the region. Each institution posts its jobs on its careers page. Search for the official job title rather than "DPJ counsellor".

This text is neither legal advice nor union advice. It describes no real case. To report a situation, call the DPJ in your region. In immediate danger, dial 911.

Frequently asked questions

Who works at the DPJ?

The director of youth protection and the staff members the director authorizes. The Act designates no job title. Jobs carry the titles of the network nomenclature.

What degree do you need to work at the DPJ?

It depends on the title. A social worker needs a bachelor's degree and OTSTCFQ membership. A social work technician needs a DEC. A reviewer needs a bachelor's degree and membership in an order that allows evaluating under the Act.

How much does a social worker at the DPJ earn?

Title 1550 runs from $31.06 to $55.04 an hour as of April 1, 2026. The rate depends on the step. On April 1, 2027, the scale will run from $32.15 to $56.97.

Who decides that a child is in danger?

The director and the staff members the director authorizes. Section 32 of the Act gives them, exclusively, the evaluation of the child's situation and the decision on the child's security or development.

Do you have to belong to an order to work at the DPJ?

For the social worker and reviewer titles, yes. The reviewer's description refers to an order that allows evaluating a person under the Act. The social work technician title requires no order.

Where do you apply to work at the DPJ?

On the careers page of the health and social services institution in your region. That institution operates the child and youth protection centre the director reports to.

What does the DPJ do after a report?

It analyzes the report and decides whether to retain it. If it retains it, it evaluates the child's situation. The steps are described on the page After a report to the DPJ.

Sources

• Loi sur la protection de la jeunesse (Youth Protection Act), CQLR, chapter P-34.1, LégisQuébec, current to October 15, 2026
• Job title nomenclature, descriptions, rates and pay scales of the health and social services network, CPNSSS, version of September 15, 2026

A spiritual care counsellor in Quebec earns $30.07 to $49.89 an hour as of April 1, 2026, in the public network. This is job title 1552 in the CPNSSS job title nomenclature. The text applies to women and men.

The pay scale differs from the social worker's. It starts about $1 lower. To place your rate at your step, the salary calculator covers every job title in the network.

What a spiritual care counsellor does

The nomenclature describes the person who provides spiritual and religious support and accompaniment to patients, their families and their loved ones. According to the description, the counsellor:

• plans, carries out and evaluates spiritual and religious activities
• makes welcome visits to patients
• identifies their spiritual and religious needs
• answers requests for consultation on theological, spiritual or ethical matters
• takes part in interdisciplinary teams
• provides moral support to patients' families

The title falls in category 4 of the nomenclature, technicians and professionals of health and social services. The work week is 35 hours.

Required training

The description requires a bachelor's degree in theology, pastoral studies, religious sciences or another appropriate university discipline. It mentions no professional order. This sets the title apart from the social worker (1550), who must belong to the Ordre des travailleurs sociaux et des thérapeutes conjugaux et familiaux du Québec (OTSTCFQ), Quebec's professional order of social workers.

The institution posting the job may specify its own requirements. The nomenclature sets the minimum schooling for the title.

Salary as of April 1, 2026

The scale has 18 steps. Here are some reference points.

Source: CPNSSS, job title nomenclature, September 15, 2026. Hourly rates, before premiums. On April 1, 2027, the scale for title 1552 will run from $31.12 to $51.64.

Its place in the nomenclature

Since April 2, 2019, title 1552 has been at range 20. The social worker (1550), the human relations officer (agent de relations humaines, 1553) and the community organizer (1551) are at range 22. The range determines the pay scale. This explains the gap in rates between these titles.

Titles 1550 and 1553 have 35 or 37.5 hours a week. Titles 1551 and 1552 have 35.

Where a spiritual care counsellor works

The title belongs to the nomenclature of the health and social services network. The employer is therefore a network institution, such as Santé Québec, a CISSS or a CIUSSS. The description speaks of patients, families and interdisciplinary teams. The job is found where people are housed or treated.

Each institution posts its jobs on its own careers page. The title to search for is "intervenant en soins spirituels" or "intervenante en soins spirituels".

Frequently asked questions

What is the salary of a spiritual care counsellor?

It runs from $30.07 to $49.89 an hour as of April 1, 2026. The rate depends on the step. On April 1, 2027, the scale will run from $31.12 to $51.64.

What training do you need to be a spiritual care counsellor?

A bachelor's degree in theology, pastoral studies, religious sciences or another appropriate university discipline. This is the requirement in the nomenclature description.

How long is a spiritual care counsellor's work week?

Title 1552 has 35 hours a week. This is the only duration given in the description.

Do you have to belong to a professional order?

The description of title 1552 requires membership in no order. The social worker title, by contrast, requires membership in the OTSTCFQ.

What does a spiritual care counsellor do for families?

According to the nomenclature, the counsellor provides moral support to patients' families. The counsellor also supports loved ones in spiritual and religious matters.

Does the job pay more or less than a social worker's?

Less. At the first step, the gap is $0.99 an hour. At the last step, it is $5.15 an hour.

Where can you find a spiritual care counsellor job?

On the careers page of the network institution in your region. Jobs are posted under the official nomenclature title.

Sources

• Job title nomenclature, descriptions, rates and pay scales of the health and social services network, CPNSSS, version of September 15, 2026

The community organizer (organisateur communautaire) in Quebec's health and social services network earns $31.06 to $55.04 an hour as of April 1, 2026, depending on step. This text applies to women and men. To find your step, use the salary calculator, which covers every job title in the network.

The role of the community organizer

"Organisateur ou organisatrice communautaire" is title 1551 of the network's job title nomenclature. It belongs to category 4, technicians and professionals of health and social services.

The job title wording describes a person who identifies and analyzes the needs of the population with the groups concerned. The person designs, coordinates and carries out community organization programs to meet the needs of the community and promote its development. The person acts as a resource for the groups.

The work therefore addresses groups and a territory rather than one person at a time. The work week is 35 hours.

Where a community organizer works

The title belongs to public network institutions such as the CISSS and the CIUSSS. Québec.ca describes the CLSC (local community service centre) as the place that offers everyday front-line health and social services as well as prevention and public health services to the population of its territory. The community organizer works there with the groups and organizations of that territory.

Positions are posted on the career pages of each region's CISSS and CIUSSS. Community organizations set their own conditions. The nomenclature does not bind them.

Required training

The nomenclature requires a bachelor's degree in human sciences or social sciences such as social work, psychoeducation or psychology. It requires no professional order membership. A job posting may specify the field of training wanted for the position.

Québec.ca's profile of social and community service workers lists university programs such as social work, psychoeducation, psychology and criminology. It states that these workers are usually employed by governments and community organizations. The title "community organizer" does not appear in it. It lists neighbouring titles such as community organization worker, community development worker and community animator.

Community organizer pay

Title 1551 follows the same scale as the social worker: 18 steps. Here are four steps, taken from the September 15, 2026 nomenclature.

The rate in force is the one of April 1, 2026. The April 1, 2027 rate is already written into the nomenclature. In the community sector, there is no common scale.

Difference from the social worker

The social worker holds title 1550 and must be a member of the Ordre des travailleurs sociaux et des thérapeutes conjugaux et familiaux du Québec. The social worker assesses social functioning and sets an intervention plan. The community organizer works with groups and community organization programs. The two titles have the same pay scale. This text is not legal advice.

Frequently asked questions

What is a community organizer?

It is a job title in the health and social services network, title 1551. The person analyzes the needs of the population with the groups concerned. The person designs and coordinates community organization programs.

What is a community organizer's salary?

It runs from $31.06 to $55.04 an hour as of April 1, 2026, depending on step. On April 1, 2027, the scale will run from $32.15 to $56.97.

What training do you need to become a community organizer?

A bachelor's degree in human sciences or social sciences such as social work, psychoeducation or psychology.

Do you have to belong to a professional order?

The wording of title 1551 requires no order membership. A job posting may require one depending on the position.

Where does a community organizer work?

In public network institutions such as the CISSS and the CIUSSS. The CLSC offers front-line services to the population of its territory. Community organizations also hire on their own conditions.

What is the difference between a community organizer and a social worker?

The social worker must be a member of the OTSTCFQ and hold a bachelor's degree in social work or social service. The community organizer can come from several disciplines and works with groups. Both earn the same rate at the same step.

How many hours a week does a community organizer work?

The nomenclature provides for 35 hours a week.

Sources

• Nomenclature des titres d'emploi, des libellés, des taux et des échelles de salaire du réseau de la santé et des services sociaux, CPNSSS, version of September 15, 2026 (job titles 1550 and 1551, pay scale 1551)
• Mission des établissements de santé et de services sociaux québécois, Québec.ca, updated January 12, 2026
• Social and Community Service Workers, Québec.ca, job profile updated June 19, 2026

The human relations officer (agent de relations humaines) in Quebec's health and social services network earns $31.06 to $55.04 an hour as of April 1, 2026, depending on step. This text applies to women and men. To find your step, use the salary calculator, which covers every job title in the network.

A title specific to the network

"Agent ou agente de relations humaines" is title 1553 of the network's job title nomenclature. It belongs to category 4, technicians and professionals of health and social services. It is a public network title, used by institutions such as the CISSS and the CIUSSS. Private employers and community organizations are not bound by this nomenclature.

The job title wording describes a person who carries out activities of design, assessment, orientation, consultation, implementation and analysis in one or more social programs. The work week is 35 hours or 37.5 hours depending on the position.

Who can hold the position

The nomenclature requires, depending on the field of activity required, a bachelor's degree in human sciences or social sciences such as criminology, social work or psychology. The wording names no professional order. Each posted position specifies the field of activity and the degree wanted. A graduate in criminology, social work or psychology can therefore aim for the title depending on the position.

A position may also require an order licence. In that case the job posting says so, not title 1553.

Human relations officer pay

Title 1553 follows the same scale as the social worker: 18 steps. Here are four steps, taken from the September 15, 2026 nomenclature.

The rate in force is the one of April 1, 2026. The April 1, 2027 rate is already written into the nomenclature.

Difference from the social worker

The social worker holds title 1550. The nomenclature requires a bachelor's degree in social work or in social service, or the schooling requirements of the Ordre des travailleurs sociaux et des thérapeutes conjugaux et familiaux du Québec (OTSTCFQ). It also requires membership in the Order.

The human relations officer wording does not have this double requirement. The degree can come from several disciplines. The two titles have the same 18-step scale and the same rates on April 1, 2026.

What the title does not say

The human relations officer wording does not mention assessing social functioning, which appears in the social worker's. Activities reserved by the Professional Code belong to the orders. This text is not legal advice.

Where to apply

Positions are posted on the career pages of each region's CISSS and CIUSSS. An institution may offer front-line services (CLSC), psychosocial youth protection services or rehabilitation services, according to the page on the mission of institutions. For the youth protection side, see the page on the DPJ. The posted position states the program in which the person works.

Frequently asked questions

What is a human relations officer?

It is a job title in the health and social services network, title 1553. The person carries out activities of design, assessment, orientation, consultation, implementation and analysis in one or more social programs.

What is a human relations officer's salary?

It runs from $31.06 to $55.04 an hour as of April 1, 2026, depending on step. On April 1, 2027, the scale will run from $32.15 to $56.97.

What training do you need to be a human relations officer?

A bachelor's degree in human sciences or social sciences, depending on the field of activity required. The nomenclature gives criminology, social work and psychology as examples.

Do you have to belong to a professional order?

The wording of title 1553 requires no order membership. A job posting may require one depending on the position.

What is the difference between a human relations officer and a social worker?

The social worker must be a member of the OTSTCFQ and hold a bachelor's degree in social work or social service. The human relations officer can come from several disciplines. Both earn the same rate at the same step.

How many hours a week does a human relations officer work?

The nomenclature provides for 35 hours or 37.5 hours a week depending on the position.

Where do you find job postings?

On the career pages of the CISSS and the CIUSSS. The job title to search for is "agent de relations humaines" or title 1553.

Sources

• Nomenclature des titres d'emploi, des libellés, des taux et des échelles de salaire du réseau de la santé et des services sociaux, CPNSSS, version of September 15, 2026 (job titles 1550 and 1553, pay scale 1553)
• Mission des établissements de santé et de services sociaux québécois, Québec.ca, updated January 12, 2026

The criminologist in Quebec's health and social services network earns $31.06 to $55.04 an hour as of April 1, 2026, depending on step. This text applies to women and men. To find your own step, use the salary calculator, which covers every job title in the network.

What a criminologist does

The network's job title nomenclature (title 1544) describes a person who assesses criminogenic factors and offending behaviour as well as the effects of a crime on the victim. The person sets an intervention plan and carries it out. The person supports and restores the social capacities of the offender and of the victim. The person also designs research, intervention or consultation activities of a criminological nature.

The work week is 35 hours or 37.5 hours depending on the position.

Criminologist pay in the public network

Title 1544 follows the same scale as the social worker: 18 steps. Here are four steps of the scale, taken from the September 15, 2026 nomenclature.

The rate in force today is the one of April 1, 2026. The April 1, 2027 rate is already written into the nomenclature. The nomenclature applies only to the public network. Community organizations and private employers set their own rates.

Training and licence

The nomenclature requires a bachelor's degree in criminology. It also requires membership in the Ordre professionnel des criminologues du Québec (OPCQ). The title of criminologist is reserved for people who hold an Order licence.

According to the Order, three Quebec degrees lead to the licence: the Université de Montréal bachelor's in criminology (B.Sc.) in the intervention or clinical orientation, its master's in criminology (M.Sc.) with the intervention option, and the Université Laval bachelor's in criminology (B.A.). A degree in another orientation, from elsewhere or in a related field goes through the Order's equivalency standards. The admission application is made online through the Espace Crimino portal.

Order fees

The Order lists a file-opening fee of $205 plus taxes for an officially recognized degree. The fee rises to $307 for a Quebec degree reviewed through equivalency and to $614 for a degree earned outside Canada. Its 2026-2027 annual fee (April 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027) is $800.23 for a regular member and $400.11 for a new graduate, taxes included. The $37.60 Office des professions contribution and liability insurance are added.

Where a criminologist works

Québec.ca names detention and rehabilitation centres, health and social services centres, youth centres, halfway houses, community organizations, the federal and provincial governments and crime victims assistance centres (CAVAC).

The Order adds correctional services in Quebec and Canada, police services, courts, mental health institutes and forensic psychiatry settings. It also mentions the Commission québécoise des libérations conditionnelles, schools and private practice.

In the network, the employers are the CISSS and the CIUSSS. Positions are posted on their career pages.

Reserved activities

The Order's letters patent reserve activities for the criminologist, which the criminologist shares with other professionals, including social workers and psychoeducators. They include assessing a person as part of a decision by the Director of Youth Protection (see the page on the DPJ) or by the court. They also include deciding on the use of restraint or isolation. This text is not legal advice.

Criminologist or human relations officer

The human relations officer title (1553) accepts a bachelor's degree in criminology, social work or psychology depending on the field of activity. It follows the same pay scale. The difference is the licence: the criminologist title requires membership in the Order. The social worker falls instead under the social workers' professional order, and the job is described on the social worker page.

Frequently asked questions

What is a criminologist's salary in Quebec?

In the public network, the hourly rate runs from $31.06 at step 1 to $55.04 at step 18, as of April 1, 2026. On April 1, 2027, it will run from $32.15 to $56.97. Outside the network, employers set their own rates.

What training do you need to become a criminologist?

The network nomenclature requires a bachelor's degree in criminology. The Order recognizes programs at the Université de Montréal and the Université Laval. Other degrees go through the equivalency standards.

Do you have to be a member of the Order to work as a criminologist?

Yes for network title 1544, which requires membership in the Ordre professionnel des criminologues du Québec. The title of criminologist is reserved for licence holders.

How much is the fee for the Order of criminologists?

The 2026-2027 fee is $800.23 for a regular member. A new graduate pays $400.11. A file-opening fee is added at admission.

Where does a criminologist work?

In the health and social services network, correctional services, youth centres, community organizations, CAVACs and government departments. Some work in private practice.

What is the difference between a criminologist and a human relations officer?

The first holds a licence from the Order of criminologists. The second holds a broader network title that accepts several bachelor's degrees. Both follow the same pay scale.

How many hours a week does a network criminologist work?

The nomenclature provides for 35 hours or 37.5 hours a week depending on the position.

Sources

• Nomenclature des titres d'emploi, des libellés, des taux et des échelles de salaire du réseau de la santé et des services sociaux, CPNSSS, version of September 15, 2026 (job title 1544 and pay scale 1544)
• Rôle du criminologue, Ordre professionnel des criminologues du Québec, consulted November 2, 2026
• Diplômes du Québec, Ordre professionnel des criminologues du Québec, consulted November 2, 2026
• Frais d'admission et cotisation, Ordre professionnel des criminologues du Québec, consulted November 2, 2026
• Activités réservées et lettres patentes, Ordre professionnel des criminologues du Québec, consulted November 2, 2026
• Criminologists, Québec.ca, job profile updated June 19, 2026

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.

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.

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.

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

The social work technician in Quebec's public health network earns $28.43 to $40.92 an hour as of April 1, 2026. Job title 2586 requires a DEC (college diploma) in social work techniques. This text applies to women and men. It explains the job, the cégep program and the difference from the social worker.

To work out a salary at a given step, use the site's salary calculator. It covers all social intervention job titles.

What a social work technician does

The CPNSSS job title nomenclature, in its September 15, 2026 version, describes title 2586 in one sentence. The person carries out social activities using the techniques specific to the profession.

The Québec.ca profile of social work technicians is more specific. They meet with people to identify their needs and resources. They help resolve conflicts. They plan and run intervention programs with social workers. They defend individual and collective rights, refer people to other services and follow up on their progress.

Where a social work technician works

Québec.ca names hospital centres, rehabilitation centres, CHSLDs, community and social action organizations, youth and detention centres, educational institutions and governments. Inforoute FPT adds social economy organizations. The work is done in a multidisciplinary team.

Salary in the public network

Title 2586 has 12 steps. The work week is 32.5, 35 or 37.5 hours.

Source: CPNSSS, job title nomenclature, September 15, 2026. Hourly rates before premiums.

Technician or social worker

The two titles are separate in the nomenclature.

The Ordre des travailleurs sociaux has its own page on this site.

The DEC in social work techniques

Program 388.A1 replaces 388.A0 since its approval in 2022. According to Inforoute FPT, it has 91 1/3 units and 2,670 hours of instruction. 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 nomenclature also accepts holders of a college certificate in social work techniques or in social assistance techniques.

Frequently asked questions

What is a social work technician's salary?

In the public health network, it runs from $28.43 to $40.92 an hour as of April 1, 2026. On April 1, 2027, the scale will run from $29.43 to $42.35.

What training do you need to be a social work technician?

You need a DEC in social work techniques from a school recognized by the ministry. The nomenclature also accepts a college certificate in social work techniques or in social assistance techniques.

What is the difference between a technician and a social worker?

The social worker holds a bachelor's degree and belongs to the OTSTCFQ. The technician holds a DEC. The social worker's pay scale starts at $31.06 an hour and the technician's at $28.43.

How long does the social work technique program take?

The approximate length is 36 months according to Inforoute FPT. Program 388.A1 has 2,670 hours in total.

What are the admission requirements for the social work technique program?

They are the general requirements of the Règlement sur le régime des études collégiales. Inforoute FPT states no special requirement for this program.

Where does a social work technician work?

They work in hospitals, rehabilitation centres, CHSLDs, community organizations, youth centres, schools and governments. They are part of a multidisciplinary team.

Does a social work technician have to belong to a professional order?

The CPNSSS nomenclature requires no order membership for title 2586. Québec.ca notes that membership in a regulatory body may be required in some jobs of the group. Check the requirement in the job posting.

Sources

• Nomenclature des titres d'emploi, des libellés, des taux et des échelles de salaire, CPNSSS, version of September 15, 2026
• Social Service Workers, Québec.ca, accessed November 2, 2026
• Techniques de travail social (388.A1), Inforoute FPT, accessed November 2, 2026

The psychoeducator in Quebec's public health network earns $31.06 to $55.04 an hour as of April 1, 2026. Job title 1652 requires a master's degree in psychoeducation and membership in the professional order. This text applies to women and men. It explains the job, the training and the permit.

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 psychoeducator does

The CPNSSS job title nomenclature, in its September 15, 2026 version, describes title 1652 this way. The person assesses adjustment difficulties and adaptive capacities. They set an intervention plan and see that it is carried out. They design, update, analyze and evaluate rehabilitation programs.

The job's Québec.ca profile, updated June 19, 2026, adds that they observe the person in their environment and adapt that environment. They also play a prevention role and defuse crises when needed.

Where a psychoeducator works

Québec.ca names self-employment, school settings, CISSS, youth centres, rehabilitation centres and community organizations. The Ordre des psychoéducateurs et psychoéducatrices du Québec lists the health and social services network, schools, private practice, consulting firms, businesses, community organizations and other settings.

A psychoeducator's salary in the public network

Title 1652 has 18 steps. The work week is 35 to 37.5 hours. Here are four steps of the scale.

Source: CPNSSS, job title nomenclature, September 15, 2026. Hourly rates before premiums.

In community organizations and private practice, there is no common pay scale. No official source publishes rates for these settings.

The required training

The nomenclature requires a master's degree in psychoeducation. The order confirms that the permit is open to holders of this master's degree. It lists the eligible programs: the master's in psychoeducation (M.Sc.) from Université de Montréal, Université de Sherbrooke and some Université du Québec institutions, and the master's in psychoeducation (M. Ps. éd.) from Université Laval.

A degree in a related field can lead to the permit through admission by equivalence. The order describes this route on its admission page.

The order's permit

Only members of the Ordre des psychoéducateurs et psychoéducatrices du Québec (Quebec's professional order of psychoeducators) may use the title psychoeducator and the abbreviation "ps. éd." To become a member, you register on the order's portal. You then submit your application under the Adhésions tile. The order expects 2 to 4 weeks to process it.

A new-member recruit pays the fee in stages. They must apply no later than four months after finishing their program. The admission page publishes neither admission fees nor the annual fee. You can get them by calling the order at 514 333-6601 or 1 877 913-6601.

This text is not legal advice. Only the order decides on an admission.

Frequently asked questions

What is a psychoeducator's salary in Quebec?

In the public health network, it runs from $31.06 to $55.04 an hour as of April 1, 2026. The rate depends on the step. On April 1, 2027, the scale will run from $32.15 to $56.97.

What training do you need to become a psychoeducator?

You need a master's degree in psychoeducation. The order's admission page cites programs at Université de Montréal, Université de Sherbrooke, Université Laval and Université du Québec.

Do you have to be a member of the order to be a psychoeducator?

Yes, to use the title. The order reserves the title and the abbreviation "ps. éd." for its members. The CPNSSS nomenclature also requires order membership for job title 1652.

How much is the fee for the Ordre des psychoéducateurs?

The order's admission page publishes no amount. Call the order at 514 333-6601 or 1 877 913-6601. A new-member recruit pays the fee in stages.

Where does a psychoeducator work?

They work in the health and social services network, in schools, in community organizations and in private practice. Youth centres and rehabilitation centres are part of the network.

What is the difference between a psychoeducator and a special care counsellor?

The psychoeducator holds a master's degree and an order permit. The network's special care counsellor holds a DEC in special care counselling techniques. The two titles have separate pay scales in the nomenclature.

Can a psychoeducator practise psychotherapy?

They can add a psychotherapy permit from the Ordre des psychologues du Québec. They can then use the title psychotherapist. Québec.ca describes this permit as a possible addition to the profession.

Sources

• Nomenclature des titres d'emploi, des libellés, des taux et des échelles de salaire, CPNSSS, version of September 15, 2026
• Psychoeducators, Québec.ca, page updated June 19, 2026
• Admission régulière, Ordre des psychoéducateurs et psychoéducatrices du Québec, accessed November 2, 2026
• Qui sont les psychoéducateurs et psychoéducatrices ?, Ordre des psychoéducateurs et psychoéducatrices du Québec, accessed November 2, 2026