What does a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor do?
Published 3 min read
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
Related: Top Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Skills: Definition and Examples
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.
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