Rehabilitation Counselors
Counsel individuals to maximize the independence and employability of persons coping with personal, social, and vocational difficulties that result from birth defects, illness, disease, accidents, aging, or the stress of daily life. Coordinate activities for residents of care and treatment facilities. Assess client needs and design and implement rehabilitation programs that may include personal and vocational counseling, training, and job placement.
Common Job Titles
- Employment Specialist
- Job Coach
- Rehabilitation Counselor
- Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC)
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generatedKey competencies for this occupation at a glance
- KnowledgeDesign individualized rehabilitation programs addressing vocational and personal goals incorporating therapy and counseling principles, education strategies, and employment placement services.Advanced
- KnowledgeEvaluate client needs and rehabilitation program effectiveness using standardized assessments and progress monitoring data in collaboration with interdisciplinary teams.Proficient
- MindsetIntegrate social perceptiveness with active listening techniques to build therapeutic relationships with clients facing personal, social, and vocational challenges.Proficient
- KnowledgeAnalyze client barriers to independence and employability by synthesizing psychological, social, and vocational assessment data.Proficient
- MindsetAdvocate for client rights and service access when communicating with external organizations, employers, and community resources.Proficient
- KnowledgeCoordinate activities and services for residents of care and treatment facilities by organizing, planning, and prioritizing work schedules across multiple stakeholders.Proficient
- KnowledgeApply counseling theories and intervention strategies to address the stress, trauma, and adjustment challenges of clients with disabilities or life transitions.Proficient
- KnowledgeCompose case documentation, progress reports, and treatment plans using electronic medical record systems and complying with confidentiality and regulatory standards.Proficient
- MindsetReconcile client autonomy with safety concerns and treatment recommendations when resolving conflicts and negotiating care plans with clients, families, and providers.Proficient
- KnowledgeDevelop job placement and training strategies by applying knowledge of labor markets, accommodations, and employer relations to maximize client employability.Proficient
- KnowledgeInterpret psychometric test results and functional assessments to inform treatment planning and communicate findings to clients and stakeholders in accessible language.Proficient
- MindsetSupport client empowerment and self-advocacy skills through coaching, teaching, and motivational interviewing in one-on-one and group settings.Developing
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Rehabilitation Counselors (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
88,930
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $34,480. 25th percentile: U.S. $38,700. 50th percentile: U.S. $46,110. 75th percentile: U.S. $59,040. 90th percentile: U.S. $77,200. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
- U.S.
| Metric | U.S. |
|---|---|
| 10% of workers earn the following or less | $34,480 |
| 10% of workers earn the following or more | $77,200 |
| Workers on average earn | $51,260 |
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
- Customer and Personal Service4.1/5
- Therapy and Counseling4.1/5
- Psychology4.0/5
- Education and Training3.9/5
- English Language3.9/5
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
Technology Skills
- Adobe Acrobat Reader
- Budgeting software
- Chart Links
- Client information database software
- Data input software
- Electronic medical record EMR software
- Email software
- Encryption software
Tools & Equipment
- Alternative computer keyboards
- Alternative mouse options
- Desktop computers
- Global positioning system GPS receivers
- Handheld calculators
- Intercom systems
- Laser facsimile machines
- Laser pointers