Scope of Work for Rehabilitation Counselors People with disabilities face unique challenges that often require creative alternative solutions. Whether a person has a physical, mental, developmental or emotional disability, rehabilitative counseling helps them achieve personal and professional goals, and lead their lives more freely. Rehabilitation counselors are employed by a variety of state departments and community programs. They are also employed in the private sector for for profit and nonprofit organizations, such as schools, colleges, residential care facilities and drug rehabilitation houses. As a rehabilitation counselor, you will likely work with: - Disabled people, either individually or in groups
- Employers, educating them about the Americans with Disabilities Act
- Placement agencies who refer disabled people to employers
Read the interview with a rehabilitation counselor for a more in-depth look at job experience.  Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors A vocational rehabilitation counselor works with disabled people, assisting them in finding gainful employment. On an individual level, you will counsel people through specific job training and be available for post-employment counseling as well. The primary focus is to assist the individual to live independently. A rehabilitation counselor may also work with employment agencies and employers to assure proper working conditions for their clients. Rehabilitation Counselor Salary The median salary for vocational rehabilitation counselors in the U.S. is $57,848, according to an April 2009 report by Salary.com, with a comprehensive earnings range between $50,425 and $64,337 per year. Rehabilitation counselors held 129,500 jobs in 2008, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Because of effective equal rights legislation for disabled people, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), job opportunities for rehabilitation counselors are plentiful. Rehabilitation Counseling Degree Although you can begin a rehabilitation counseling career with a bachelor's degree in human services, most professional rehabilitation counselors hold master's degrees. You can earn an MA in counseling and after your first year of post-graduate employment, become a certified and/or licensed rehabilitation counselor. Check state counseling license requirements.  |
