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What does a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor do?

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

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.

Related: Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Resume Example

Related: Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

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Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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