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Rehabilitation Counselor

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AVG. SALARY

$28,120

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EDUCATION

Master's degree

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JOB OUTLOOK

Stable

What They Do

Rehabilitation Counselors Career Video

Insider Info

Marie was only 29 when her vehicle spun on the ice and plummeted over a highway embankment. She survived the accident, but lost the use of her lower body. She can't drive, has difficulty getting into her apartment and can't return to her job as a backhoe operator. She remains optimistic, but how will she adjust to her new situation?

Rehabilitation counselors work with the disabled or injured to help them with day-to-day living, with education and with employment.

"For example, these services are provided to the older person, the child with a learning disability...the nurse with back pain, the individual with an amputation and the person with a head injury," says Margaret Glenn. She is an associate professor of rehabilitation counseling at West Virginia University.

Rehabilitation counselors interview clients, prepare case histories, assess problems and conduct vocational testing. They may also create and implement counseling programs to help clients determine goals and figure out how to attain them.

Rehabilitation counselors also evaluate the effectiveness of these programs and prepare reports. They may also work with community organizations and employers to find placements for their clients.

Although the job title may sound similar, rehabilitation counseling is not the same as drug and alcohol addiction counseling.

Rehabilitation counselors can find work in a variety of settings, such as government agencies. "Graduates also find employment in nonprofit and private rehabilitation agencies, rehabilitation centers, community or institutional mental health settings, corrections, schools, hospitals and related areas that emphasize rehabilitation," says Glenn.

Rehabilitation counselors tend to work a standard 40-hour week. "Self-employed counselors and those working in mental health and community agencies such as substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors often work evenings to counsel clients who work during the day," says Glenn.

Counseling doesn't require heavy manual labor. "People with disabilities are often given priority in hiring in the state and federal jobs, as long as the person is able to perform the expected functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodations," adds Glenn.

Just the Facts

Want a quick overview of what this career is about?Check out Just the Facts for simple lists of characteristics.

At a Glance

Help people with day-to-day living, education and employment

  • You'll create and implement counseling programs
  • Most employers require a master's degree
  • Volunteering experience can help

Contact

  • Email Support

  • 1-800-GO-TO-XAP (1-800-468-6927)
    From outside the U.S., please call +1 (424) 750-3900

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