A certified rehabilitation counselor is a professional whose job is to assist people as they adjust and recover from disorders and disabilities that adversely affect their ability to function normally. These disorders and disabilities may range from birth defects, illness, difficulties getting or keeping a job, addictions and accidental disabilities. The clients may be chemically dependent, psychologically and emotionally disturbed, physically ill, injured or socially disabled. The goal of the rehabilitation (rehab) counselor is to maximize the abilities of their clients and minimize their disabilities. Another goal of the rehabilitation counselor is to help their clients live as independent a life as possible. Rehabilitation counselors work with other professionals, such as psychiatrists, physicians and psychologists to gather information about the clients and come up with specific rehabilitation programs.
If you are interested in guiding people toward a productive and normal life, perhaps rehabilitation counseling is for you. Before you start looking for counselor jobs, use these tips to further understand the type of rehabilitation services you will offer and how to get qualified to become this kind of healthcare professional.
- Preparation: The necessary skills and character traits. Rehab counseling involves a lot of listening, so make sure you are a skilled listener. You should also have outstanding verbal skills to enable you to clearly communicate with your clients. You must also be empathetic, understanding and patient. And, because sensitive topics will be discussed during counseling, you must understand the importance of client confidentiality.
- Education and Training. First, obtain a bachelor’s degree. Presently, there is no standardized undergraduate degree requirement for rehabilitation counselors. Most rehabilitation counselors currently working have earned a degree in psychology, social work, sociology and other related fields. If you want to become a rehab counselor, consider getting one of these degrees or some coursework that will expose you to the principles of psychology, counseling services and case assessment and management. A master’s degree is now required for employment more and more often. After completing your undergraduate studies, you can proceed to earning a Master’s Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling or other related field from an educational institution duly accredited by the Council on Rehabilitation Education (CORE). A master’s degree is usually completed within two years and involves clinical training through practical experience and internship. A doctorate degree is required if you want to assume supervisory levels, be an educator in the field or get involved in research.
- Licensure and Certification. State requirements vary, so be certain to check with the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC). Certification is voluntary, but it signifies that you are competent and fully able to offer quality rehab counseling services. If you wish to earn certification, you can take the exam administered by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC). Some states require certification and some require a license to practice as a rehabilitation counselor—in addition, some states have a single license while others have a “two-tiered” system where first you get certified and then you can get a license. When you pass the certification exam and prove you have completed the necessary educational program, you will be designated as a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor. (CRC)
- Work Environment. As a rehab counselor, you will develop and prepare plans, case files and follow-ups concerning your client’s needs, goals and objectives. You may arrange to have your clients seen by other health care professionals in order to ensure they are getting all the help they may need to successfully accomplish those goals and objectives. You would be involved in the day-to-day implementation of the rehabilitation plan and work to ensure its success. As a rehab counselor, your knowledge base includes psychology and therapy as well as community services that are available. Some of the settings where you might work would be schools, correctional facilities, hospitals, community rehabilitation organizations, assisted- or independent-living facilities or in a private practice.
- Salary and Job Growth. The median salary for rehab counselors in 2010 was $32,350, but some institutions pay significantly more according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The rate of growth is predicted to be at 28%, much faster than most other professions.
Rehabilitation counseling requires a great deal of commitment to the well-being of others. It can be a rewarding career choice. You can be of direct service helping vulnerable people live independent and fulfilling lives and be a valuable and needed member of your community.