What does a Rehabilitation Specialist do?
Published 4 min read
A rehabilitation specialist helps people with physical, mental, or emotional disabilities regain their independence. They work with patients to develop individualized treatment plans that may include occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech therapy. They also provide guidance and support to patients' families and caregivers.
Rehabilitation Specialist job duties include:
- Develop and implement rehabilitation programs for patients with physical, mental, or emotional disabilities
- Provide counseling and guidance to help patients cope with their disabilities
- Coordinate services with other medical and social service professionals
- Evaluate patients to determine their level of functioning and needs
- Develop treatment plans outlining the type and frequency of therapy required
- Monitor patients’ progress and adjust treatments as needed
- Provide support and encouragement to patients and their families
- Educate patients and families about disability management and prevention
- Consult with employers to identify job accommodations for disabled workers
Rehabilitation Specialist Job Requirements
Most rehabilitation specialists have a bachelor’s degree in rehabilitation counseling, psychology, social work, or a related field. Some states require certification or licensure for certain types of rehabilitation counselors. In addition to formal education and training, most rehabilitation counselors have several years of experience working with people with disabilities.
Rehabilitation Specialist Skills
- Patience
- Communication
- Active Listening
- Empathy
- Critical Thinking
- Problem Solving
- Organizational
- Time Management
- Writing
- Research
- Public Speaking
Related: Top Rehabilitation Specialist Skills: Definition and Examples
How to become a Rehabilitation Specialist
There are many different types of rehabilitation specialists, but all share the common goal of helping people with disabilities regain as much independence as possible. Some work with patients who have recently suffered a debilitating injury or illness, while others provide long-term care for those with chronic conditions. No matter what type of rehabilitation specialist you want to become, there are a few key steps you will need to take.
1. Get a degree in a relevant field. Most rehabilitation specialists have at least a bachelor’s degree in physical therapy, occupational therapy, or another health-related field. If you want to specialize in a particular area, such as working with children or older adults, you may need to complete additional coursework or get a master’s degree.
2. Complete an internship. Many rehabilitation programs include an internship component, which gives you the opportunity to gain hands-on experience working with patients. This can be an invaluable way to learn about the day-to-day challenges and rewards of the job.
3. Get certified. While certification is not always required, it can give you a competitive edge when applying for jobs. There are several different organizations that offer certification for rehabilitation specialists, so research your options to find the one that best fits your needs.
4. Stay up to date on new developments. The field of rehabilitation is constantly evolving, so it’s important to keep up with new research and developments. Attend conferences and workshops, read professional journals, and talk to other rehabilitation specialists to make sure you are providing the best possible care for your patients.
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