What does a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor do?

A vocational rehabilitation counselor helps people with physical, mental, or emotional disabilities live independently and find employment.

Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor job duties include:

Meeting with clients to discuss their vocational goals
Assessing clients’ skills, interests, and abilities
Developing individualized rehabilitation plans
Providing job counseling and placement services
Coordinating services with other agencies
Monitoring client progress
Preparing reports
Maintaining case files
Consulting with employers

Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Job Requirements

Vocational rehabilitation counselors need at least a master’s degree in vocational rehabilitation counseling or a related field. Some states have licensure requirements for vocational rehabilitation counselors. Many employers prefer candidates who have certification from the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification. Vocational rehabilitation counselors typically need 2 to 5 years of experience working with people with disabilities.

Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Skills

Patience
Empathy
Listening skills
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Organizational skills
Observation skills
Problem-solving skills
Critical thinking skills
Active listening skills
Nonverbal communication
Ability to build rapport

How to become a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor

There are many steps to becoming a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor. The first step is to earn a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Once you have completed your undergraduate studies, you will need to complete a master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling from an accredited college or university. After you have completed your master’s degree, you will need to obtain state licensure. Finally, you will need to pass the National Counselor Examination for Licensure and Certification (NCE).

Becoming a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor can be a rewarding career. As a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, you will help individuals with disabilities return to work and live independently. If you are interested in helping others and want to make a difference in someone’s life, then becoming a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor may be the right career choice for you.