Rehabilitation Counselor

Your Fit

Income

$46K

Preparation

Considerable

Growth

1.9%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Rehabilitation Counselor?

Rehabilitation Counselors help individuals with physical, mental, developmental, or emotional disabilities live independently. They develop personalized plans for clients to manage or overcome their disabilities and achieve personal and career goals.

Sample job titles:

Employment Specialist, Job Coach, Rehabilitation Counselor, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC)

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Rehabilitation Counselor.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Rehabilitation Counselor earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$34K per year	$39K per year	$46K per year	$59K per year	$77K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $3.39K below the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Rehabilitation Counselor do?

Work environment

Rehabilitation Counselors work in various settings, including rehabilitation centers, hospitals, schools, government agencies, and private practices. They often collaborate with other healthcare professionals and may work in multidisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive care.

Quick task list

Evaluates clients' strengths, limitations, and needs through interviews and assessments.
Develops and implements treatment plans and rehabilitation programs.
Provides individual or group counseling to clients and their families.
Coordinates services with other healthcare professionals.
Assists clients in job search and placement efforts.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Vocational Rehabilitation: Assisting clients with disabilities in finding and retaining employment.
Disability Management: Working with clients to manage daily activities and improve quality of life.
Youth Rehabilitation: Specializing in working with children and adolescents with disabilities.
Substance Abuse Rehabilitation: Helping clients recover from addiction and related disabilities.
Mental Health Rehabilitation: Focusing on clients with mental health disorders.

Description

Rehabilitation Counselors play a vital role in helping individuals with disabilities overcome challenges and lead fulfilling lives. Their work involves assessing clients' abilities and limitations, and formulating personalized rehabilitation programs. These programs may include therapy, job training, and resources to help clients develop life skills, cope with their disabilities, and integrate into the community and workforce.

The role requires strong interpersonal skills, empathy, and patience, as counselors often work with individuals facing significant life challenges. Rehabilitation Counselors must also have a good understanding of the legal and ethical aspects of counseling and disability rights. They need to stay updated on the latest developments in rehabilitation techniques and resources.

This career can be emotionally demanding but also immensely rewarding. Counselors have the opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of their clients, helping them achieve independence and self-sufficiency.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Making a significant impact on clients' lives and seeing them achieve their goals.
The satisfaction of helping clients overcome challenges and improve their quality of life.
A diverse and dynamic work environment with opportunities for continuous learning.

You might make a good Rehabilitation Counselor if you are...

Compassionate and empathetic, with a desire to help others.
Patient and resilient, able to handle emotional challenges.
A good communicator, capable of motivating and encouraging clients.
Interested in working with people from diverse backgrounds.
Skilled in problem-solving and able to develop creative solutions.

Pros:

The opportunity to make a profound difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities.
A varied and engaging job with diverse client interactions.
Opportunities for specialization in areas of personal interest.

Cons:

Emotional and mental challenges of working with individuals in difficult situations.
Navigating complex healthcare and social systems can be challenging.
The need for continual professional development to keep up with changing practices and regulations.

How to become a Rehabilitation Counselor

Typical education

A master's degree in rehabilitation counseling or a related field is typically required, taking about 6-7 years of post-secondary education. Most states also require certification or licensure for practicing rehabilitation counseling.

High school preparation

Courses:

Psychology and sociology to understand human behavior and social dynamics.
Biology or health sciences for a basic understanding of physical and mental disabilities.
Communication courses to develop strong interpersonal skills.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Volunteering in community centers, hospitals, or rehabilitation facilities.
Participating in clubs or organizations focused on social services or advocacy.
Engaging in leadership roles in school or community projects.

Preparation after high school

Obtain a bachelor's degree in a field such as psychology, social work, or rehabilitation science.
Pursue a master's degree in rehabilitation counseling or a closely related discipline.
Complete supervised clinical experience required for certification or licensure.
Gain certification from organizations such as the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC).

More resources

Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC) - Provides certification information and resources for rehabilitation counselors.
American Rehabilitation Counseling Association (ARCA) - Offers professional development and networking opportunities.
National Rehabilitation Association (NRA) - A platform for advocacy and professional support in the rehabilitation field.
The National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR) - Offers research and resources on disability and rehabilitation.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.