The Department of Community Development (DCD) in Abu Dhabi recently released a statement that urged all Social Care Professionals to submit their applications to obtain their professional license before the September 2nd deadline in order to validate their work status. Those who have not done so, will automatically be penalized.
The DCD is responsible for regulating the social sector and reminds all working Social Care Professionals to “expedite the submission of their applications and legalize their working status now. The licensing process includes different stages that may take three months or more to complete, depending on the requirements to be fulfilled based on the type of social care activities they practice. This move will ensure that only licensed social care professionals are providing services to the Abu Dhabi community based on the highest global quality standards,” said Mubarak Al Ameri, acting executive director of licensing and social control at the DCD.
According to their website, the licensing requirements applies to five categories of professionals:
- Non- clinical Psychologists
- Behavior Analysts
- Psychotherapists
- Social Workers
- Counsellors
Within these categories, there may be the need for proficiency tests, verification of submitted documents, and other requirements as mentioned in the Regulations and Procedures Manual. There will also be a clear check on whether a candidates education meets the expected criteria specified by the DCD.
Al Almeri further stated that “Allowing social care professionals to reconcile their working status is in line with the DCD’s relentless efforts to improve the quality of social services in Abu Dhabi. It also ensures that all segments of society receive the best social services that meet their needs and aspirations and are offered by qualified and licensed professionals. This step is also part of its role to organize the social sector in Abu Dhabi and enforce the set policies, laws and strategies that aim to enhance the standard of living and quality of life in the emirate”.
