Counselor (Rehabilitation)

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Work Tasks

REHABILITATION COUNSELORS determine the nature and extent of a person's disabilities, evaluate their strengths and limitations, and their employment potential. They counsel people with disabilities resulting form birth defects, illness, accidents, or the stress of daily life. Rehabilitation counselors help people with physical, mental, developmental, cognitive, and emotional disabilities to achieve personal, career, and independent living goals. Rehabilitation counselors also interview individuals and their families, evaluate school and medical reports, and discuss cases with physicians, psychologists, occupational therapists, and employers to determine the capabilities and skills of the individual.

Salary, Size & Growth

• $38,000 average per year ($18.25 per hour)
• A medium occupation (111,500 workers in 2010)
• Expected to grow moderately (1.9% per year)

Entry Requirements

REHABILITATION COUNSELORS generally need a master's degree in rehabilitation counseling, counseling and guidance, or counseling psychology. A minimum of two years of study, including 600 hours of supervised clinical internship experience, are required for a master's degree. Some employers accept applicants with a bachelor's degree in rehabilitation services, counseling, psychology, sociology, or related fields. The Council on Rehabilitation Education (CORE) accredits graduate programs in rehabilitation counseling. Many employers require rehabilitation counselors to be nationally certified by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC).