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What does a Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist do?

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Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 4 min read

A vocational rehabilitation specialist helps people with disabilities find and keep jobs. They work with employers to create job opportunities, and they help people with disabilities learn the skills they need for employment.

Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist job duties include:

  • Assess individual needs and develop rehabilitation plans
  • Collaborate with other professionals to implement rehabilitation plans
  • Monitor progress of clients and make necessary adjustments to rehabilitation plans
  • Keep detailed records of client progress
  • Advocate for clients in order to secure necessary resources
  • Connect clients with community resources and support services
  • Help clients develop job search skills and prepare for job interviews
  • Provide on-the-job training and support as needed
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of rehabilitation services provided

Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist Job Requirements

A Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist is responsible for helping people with disabilities return to work. The job requires a bachelor's degree in rehabilitation counseling or a related field, as well as certification from the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification. Experience working with people with disabilities is also helpful.

Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist Skills

  • Vocational
  • Rehabilitation
  • Specialist
  • Skills

1. Communication

2. Case management

3. Counseling

4. Job placement

5. Job coaching

6. Disability determination

7. Benefits counseling

8. Career development

9. Record keeping

10. Report writing

11. Referral services

12. Community outreach

Related: Top Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist

A vocational rehabilitation specialist is a professional who helps people with physical, mental, or emotional disabilities return to work. There are many different types of disabilities, and each one requires a different type of rehabilitation. The most important thing for a vocational rehabilitation specialist is to have a thorough understanding of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and how it applies to the workplace.

There are many ways to become a vocational rehabilitation specialist. One way is to earn a degree in rehabilitation counseling from an accredited college or university. This type of program will prepare you to work with clients who have a variety of disabilities. You will learn about different types of accommodations that can be made in the workplace, as well as how to assess an individual's skills and abilities.

Another way to become a vocational rehabilitation specialist is to earn a degree in special education from an accredited college or university. This type of program will prepare you to work with students who have disabilities in the classroom. You will learn about different types of accommodations that can be made in the classroom, as well as how to assess an individual's skills and abilities.

Once you have earned your degree, you will need to obtain certification from the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC). To be eligible for certification, you must have completed an accredited rehabilitation counseling program and have at least two years of full-time experience working in the field of rehabilitation counseling. Once you have been certified, you will need to maintain your certification by completing continuing education credits every two years.

If you want to become a vocational rehabilitation specialist, you should consider earning a degree in rehabilitation counseling or special education. These programs will prepare you to work with clients who have a variety of disabilities. You will also need to be certified by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC).

Related: Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist Resume Example

Related: Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist 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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