Rehabilitation Counselor Careers Information
Though this country is a much more hospitable place since the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, its physical infrastructure and cultural institutions can still can represent a challenge for people with disabilities. Rehabilitation counselors help such individuals understand their disabilities (and abilities) and learn the skills that will help them navigate their environments.
Rehabilitation Counselor Careers & Degrees
- Argosy University: Atlanta
South University: Columbia
Beckfield College: Tri-County Campus
Because these disabilities may be physical, emotional, or psychological, rehabilitation counselors must tailor their services to each patient and have a diverse group of associates, such as occupational or speech therapists, to whom they can refer particular clients as needed.
Like occupational therapists, the ultimate goal of a rehabilitation counselor is a patient who is able to live more independently and whose quality of life is improved because of the help he or she receives.
When meeting with a new client, rehabilitation counselors will complete a full evaluation to discover whether the disability(ies) are physical, emotional, or psychological and whether they are from birth or the result of an injury or illness. They will also meet with any family, friends, employers, or other medical personnel who may be able to assist in the treatment.
Rehabilitation counselors may visit the patient’s home to make suggestions on how to make it more comfortable and/or safer for them. If the patient is seeking help in order to find employment, the counselor will evaluate their education, skills, and interests in order to suggest vocational programs that will help them find a satisfying and remunerative position.
Rehabilitation Counselor Careers Path
Though requirements vary state to state, rehabilitation counselors, like most other types of counselors, need to have a least a Master’s degree in their particular field. Coursework will likely include counseling techniques, relationships, social diversity, and ethics.
Most states also require some form of licensing for their rehabilitation counselors, though again it may vary greatly from state to state. This may be achieved through examinations, internships, and/or a required training period. There are also national certifications that may be earned. These are usually voluntary, but may exempt one from some state licensing requirements and can show others that a high level of proficiency has been achieved.
Rehabilitation Counselor Careers: Compatible Personality Traits
Highly empathetic, excellent oral and written communicator, patient, strong desire to help others, willing to work odd hours to meet patient schedules, good note-taker, trustworthy, works well with others, able to handle stress well.
Rehabilitation Counselor Careers: Salary Expectations
The average salary for rehabilitation counselors is $30,930 a year, with the middle fifty percent earning between $24,110 and $41,240. Those who work for state governments tend to earn on the higher end of the pay scale at $45,350 while those who work for residential treatment facilities tend to earn on the lower end at $25,950.
Like other types of counselors, those who are self-employed or who work in private group practices have the potential to earn the most. And like most positions, rehabilitation counselors with more experience may be able to move into supervisory positions and earn more money.
Rehabilitation Counselor Careers: Job Outlook
The job outlook for rehabilitation counselors is very good in the coming years. Today, more attention is being paid to the quality of life for individuals with disabilities. Rehabilitation counselors are and will continue to be needed to help such individuals life a healthier and more comfortable and productive life. Those counselors with more education and experience should have the best chance of finding good positions.
Slightly off the Footpath
- Substance Abuse Counselor
- Marriage and Family Therapist
- Occupational Therapist
- Home Health Aide
- Social Work
Source: bls.gov/OCO/ocos067.htm
