Rehabilitation Counselor

Rehabilitation counselors assist people recovering from injuries and illnesses. They work with patients living with disabilities caused by serious accidents, diseases, or birth defects. They're responsible for determining their patients' strengths and weaknesses, administering vocational counseling, and arranging job training, healthcare, and other services for patients.

Rehabilitation counselors also interview patients' families, review medical histories, and collaborate with doctors and other specialists to discuss patients' conditions. After spending some time with patients, they design rehabilitation plans, providing job training and personal development. Rehabilitation counselors also teach patients how to live independently.

Working Conditions

Rehabilitation counselors typically work 40 hours every week. Counselors employed at community health centers, substance abuse rehabilitation facilities, and those managing private practices frequently work nights to assist patients who work.

Career Training and Education

Most organizations that hire rehabilitation counselors prefer applicants with master's degrees in counseling psychology or rehabilitation counseling.

Some organizations hire people with bachelor's degrees in sociology, psychology, or rehabilitation counseling in entry-level positions. Many rehabilitation counselors begin their careers as social workers or rehabilitation or counseling aides. Acquiring work experience in social work, education, psychology, and job development will enhance your job opportunities. Additional information about rehabilitation counseling careers can be obtained from the Council on Rehabilitation Education, American Counseling Association, and the American Rehabilitation Counseling Association.