Supervisors of employment counsellors are included in this occupational group. Main Duties Employment counsellors interview workers to obtain their employment history, educational background, and career goals. They identify barriers to employment and assist clients to develop job readiness skills and job search strategies. They administer and interpret tests designed to determine the interests, aptitudes and abilities of their clients. The counsellors then assess the need for assistance, such as rehabilitation, financial aid or further vocational training, and refer their clients to the appropriate services.
Employment counsellors advise employers on human resource and other employment-related issues.
They also collect labour market information for clients regarding job openings, entry and skill requirements and other occupational information. Generally, the minimum requirement for a career in employment counselling is a four-year undergraduate degree in a social science discipline, such as education, psychology, family studies, sociology, social work or theology. In some settings, completion of a two-year social service diploma plus several years' experience in services related to counselling may be sufficient. Counselling positions in public schools and post secondary institutions usually require a bachelor's degree followed by a master's degree in counselling psychology, psychology or social work. A doctorate in counselling psychology is becoming increasingly important.