Counsel individuals to maximize the independence and employability of persons coping with personal, social, and vocational difficulties that result from birth defects, illness, disease, accidents, aging, or the stress of daily life. Coordinate activities for residents of care and treatment facilities. Assess client needs and design and implement rehabilitation programs that may include personal and vocational counseling, training, and job placement.
SOC: 21-1015.00
Common Job Titles
Employment Specialist
Job Coach
Rehabilitation Counselor
Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC)
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generated
Key competencies for this occupation at a glance
KnowledgeDesign individualized rehabilitation programs addressing vocational and personal goals incorporating therapy and counseling principles, education strategies, and employment placement services.
Advanced
KnowledgeEvaluate client needs and rehabilitation program effectiveness using standardized assessments and progress monitoring data in collaboration with interdisciplinary teams.
Proficient
MindsetIntegrate social perceptiveness with active listening techniques to build therapeutic relationships with clients facing personal, social, and vocational challenges.
Proficient
KnowledgeAnalyze client barriers to independence and employability by synthesizing psychological, social, and vocational assessment data.
Proficient
MindsetAdvocate for client rights and service access when communicating with external organizations, employers, and community resources.
Proficient
KnowledgeCoordinate activities and services for residents of care and treatment facilities by organizing, planning, and prioritizing work schedules across multiple stakeholders.
Proficient
KnowledgeApply counseling theories and intervention strategies to address the stress, trauma, and adjustment challenges of clients with disabilities or life transitions.
Proficient
KnowledgeCompose case documentation, progress reports, and treatment plans using electronic medical record systems and complying with confidentiality and regulatory standards.
Proficient
MindsetReconcile client autonomy with safety concerns and treatment recommendations when resolving conflicts and negotiating care plans with clients, families, and providers.
Proficient
KnowledgeDevelop job placement and training strategies by applying knowledge of labor markets, accommodations, and employer relations to maximize client employability.
Proficient
KnowledgeInterpret psychometric test results and functional assessments to inform treatment planning and communicate findings to clients and stakeholders in accessible language.
Proficient
MindsetSupport client empowerment and self-advocacy skills through coaching, teaching, and motivational interviewing in one-on-one and group settings.
Developing
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Rehabilitation Counselors (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
88,930
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $34,480. 25th percentile: U.S. $38,700. 50th percentile: U.S. $46,110. 75th percentile: U.S. $59,040. 90th percentile: U.S. $77,200. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
U.S.
Metric
U.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less
$34,480
10% of workers earn the following or more
$77,200
Workers on average earn
$51,260
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
Customer and Personal Service4.1/5
Therapy and Counseling4.1/5
Psychology4.0/5
Education and Training3.9/5
English Language3.9/5
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
