Getting a job and living independently are vital goals for many people who have disabilities. Rehabilitation counselors help individuals who have physical, mental, or emotional disabilities to overcome barriers to employment or independent living. After developing a treatment plan for a client, they arrange for services such as medical care or career training, and find resources like wheelchairs or assistive technology. Rehab counselors may work with students to develop strategies to complete their education and transition to work. Some help veterans cope with the physical or mental effects of their military service. Others help elderly clients reconnect with activities and a lifestyle they enjoyed before an illness. Vocational rehabilitation counselors specialize in helping working-age clients deal with employment issues. Rehabilitation counselors are advocates for the rights of people with disabilities, and often work with employers to understand the abilities of their clients, as well as explaining laws related to hiring and accommodating disability in the workplace. Rehab counselors also provide consultation for legal issues around the impact of injuries on work activities. Typical work settings include community rehabilitation centers, nursing homes or senior centers, and youth guidance organizations. Some positions require evening or weekend hours. Rehabilitation counselors generally need a master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling or a related field. Some positions require certification or a license.
What they do:
Counsel individuals to maximize the independence and employability of persons coping with personal, social, and vocational difficulties that result from birth defects, illness, disease, accidents, or the stress of daily life. Coordinate activities for residents of care and treatment facilities. Assess client needs and design and implement rehabilitation programs that may include personal and vocational counseling, training, and job placement.
On the job, you would:
Prepare and maintain records and case files, including documentation such as clients' personal and eligibility information, services provided, narratives of client contacts, or relevant correspondence.
Develop rehabilitation plans that fit clients' aptitudes, education levels, physical abilities, and career goals.
Monitor and record clients' progress to ensure that goals and objectives are met.
Health
therapy and counseling
Business
customer service
administrative services
Math and Science
psychology
sociology and anthropology
Education and Training
teaching and course design
Basic Skills
listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements
Social
understanding people's reactions
changing what is done based on other people's actions
People and Technology Systems
figuring out how a system should work and how changes in the future will affect it
thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one
Verbal
communicate by speaking
communicate by writing
Ideas and Logic
make general rules or come up with answers from lots of detailed information
notice when problems happen
People interested in this work like activities that include helping people, teaching, and talking.
They do well at jobs that need:
Integrity
Concern for Others
Dependability
Cooperation
Self Control
Social Orientation
You might use software like this on the job:
Internet browser software
Microsoft Internet Explorer
Netscape Navigator
Medical software
Chart Links
Client information database software
Calendar and scheduling software
Fanatic Software Informant
Scheduling software
master's degree or bachelor's degree usually needed
Get started on your career:
New job opportunities are very likely in the future.
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