In the past, special needs workers were restricted to schools and other education facilities. Nowadays, these specialists are working across a range of social care organiations. In Canada, these positions are currently being advertised in care homes, hospitals, specialist learning centres and of course, mainstream schools.
Hospitals tend to provide out-patient services to those with learning difficulties, special emotional needs, or physical disabilities. They provide respite care in lieu of the regular family carers, catering to both adults and children in need of assistance.
Some workers in government agencies are assigned specific individuals, with the task of preparing a case history and a suitable development programme for the client. On the other hand, schools and learning centres employ instructors to develop the life skills of those with special needs.
With such a wide range of jobs in this sector, salaries vary widely, ranging from as low as
$C26,000 for an inexperienced school assistant, up to
$81,000 for those in top executive positions.