Thinking about a Career in Rehab?
The Nature of the Work
In this interesting and challenging discipline, rehabilitation counselors work with individuals who need to
- identify vocational options
- develop adjustment and coping skills to maximize their independence
- resolve problems related to their communities, jobs, families, functional capacities, and the impact that aging, addiction, or injury may have on their lives.
Employment Outlook
The rehabilitation counseling profession is undergoing significant growth at this time. Professional rehabilitation counselors are needed to address wide-ranging needs in both the public and private sectors.
Graduates may be employed as counselors in addictions or mental health counseling, or in psychiatric rehabilitation settings.
For those with interest in vocational areas, graduates may become employment specialists, job placement coordinators, work adjustment counselors, vocational evaluators, or vocational consultants in the private sector.
Rehabilitation counselors may also work in forensics, public and private industries and in the school system to provide
- vocational consultation services
- case management services
- vocational evaluation and work adjustment services
Graduates who are interested in public policy and administration may qualify for positions in agencies and organizations that affect the lives of individuals with disabilities and their families.
Earning Potential
Salaries vary with the employment setting. Typical entry-level salaries are listed here.
State/Federal Rehabilitation Agencies
Starting Salary Range: $23,000 - $36,000
Insurance Case Management/Disability Management
Starting Salary Range: $30,000 - $38,000
Private/Public Rehabilitation Centers
Starting Salary Range: $24,000 - $35,000
Mental Health Agencies
Starting Salary Range: $25,000 - $30,000
Substance Abuse Programs
Starting Salary Range: $25,000 - $30,000
Juvenile and Adult Corrections
Starting Salary Range: $25,000 - $29,000
Rehabilitation Consultation
Starting Salary Range: $35,000 - $60,000
Both public and private industry have developed an interest in the training and expertise rehabilitation counselors possess, and the potential for employment across industries continues to improve.
Certification and Training
The primary professional credential for rehabiltiation counselors is the Certified Rehabilitation Counselor national certification. Individuals who hold this certification have received education and experience in the field and have met stringent competency requirements. Certified Rehabiltiation Counselors are held to the highest ethical and professional standards by the Council on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC). For more information on this organization, please contact CRCC:
Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certicifation
300 N. Martingale Road, Suite 460
Schaumburg, IL 60173 USA
847-944-1325
or visit
http://www.crccertification.com
