Job description
Rehabilitation counsellors assist people suffering from physical, mental, emotional and developmental disabilities in trying to live independent lives. This position involves working one on one with patients or clients to cope, manage or overcome the various effects of disabilities that can impact employment opportunities, social lives and independent living.
Duties
- Conduct one-on-one meetings with people suffering from physical, psychological or emotional disabilities
- Prepare documentation for relevant correspondence, services provided and eligibility of various services
- Develop treatment plans tailored to each individual case, considering aptitude or career goals
- Assist clients in handling details – large and small – in daily lives
- Monitor patients’ progress to determine if they’re meeting milestones and goals
- Evaluate individuals’ characteristics and abilities to the eligibility of services, jobs or school
- Determine if there are barriers to employment, living arrangements or education
- Maintain, update and organise clients’ records for future reference and perhaps research purposes
- Communicate with other professionals to assess clients' needs and coordinate treatment plans
- Keep in regular contact with patients to find out how a job interview went or if they attended a course
- Understand the efficacy of treatment – past and present – and revise when necessary
- Manage budgets by authorising expenditures, calculating patients’ needs and monitoring programme finances
Skills, qualities and knowledge
Working hours and environment
Average working hours
40hweek
Typical schedule
Full Time
Nights, weekends, holidays occasionally
As a rehabilitation counsellor, you can expect to clock in about 40 hours a week, but hours may vary based on where you are employed. You will typically meet patients during mornings, afternoons or nights, and you may need to keep in touch with them on weekends.
Again depending on your employer, some travelling may be required to meet clients in their homes.
You will generally work with people of all ages and backgrounds, including young children with autism, military veterans with physical disabilities and recovering alcoholics.
Salary
Bottom 10%
$23k
Median
$36k
Top 10%
$64k
Annual salary estimates are based on percentile wage data collected through the Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) survey of US workers.
Qualifications and training
Education level
Postgraduate
DVM / VMD degree
Study time
5years
Rehabilitation counsellors generally need a master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling or a related subject. Courses often include an internship which will allow you to gain real-world experience in the role.
You’ll generally need a licence from your respective state licensing board, which typically demands a master’s degree, up to 4,000 hours of supervised clinical experience and passing a state-recognised exam. To maintain accreditation, you might need to complete annual continuing education credits.
Job outlook
Projected growth
10%
No of new jobs
11.8k
Automation risk
0.94%
Career progression
There is plenty of room for career advancement for rehabilitation counsellors. Indeed, with experience, you could progress to a director, coordinator or executive role.