Rehabilitation Counselor Career

rehab-counselor-500A career in rehabilitation counseling can be extremely rewarding. Rehabilitation counselors help people with physical, mental, or emotional disabilities. They offer support and help these individuals identify healthy ways of gaining independence, employment, and confidence. These professionals are able to assess the needs of their clients and create strategies for overcoming these obstacles. Rehab counselors may work in a variety of settings including hospitals, clinics, or community centers.

Rehabilitation Counselor Career Snapshot

Rehab counselors enjoy a ton of flexibility in the work environment. They typically work a 40 hour week, but have the opportunity to schedule appointments at various times throughout the day. They also work in a variety of settings and may do a lot of off-site planning. In addition, many counselors will often open their own practice which offers the reward of self-employment and a more flexible work schedule.

Further details on a career as a rehabilitation counselor are listed below (statistics from the May 2015 Bureau of Labor Statistics and Onet Online):

$34,390

is the average yearly salary for rehabilitation counselors.

9%

increase in employment between 2014 and 2024.

49%

have a Master’s degree while 26% have a Bachelor’s degree.

Rehabilitation Counselor Education

Most rehabilitation counselors will have completed at least a Bachelor’s in some psychology-related field. Approximately 49 percent of professionals in this field possess a Master’s Degree. Some positions may also require employees to be certified as a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor in addition to a degree.

Rehabilitation Counselor Job Outlook

Job growth for this career is expected to be around nine percent over the next decade. This higher than average growth can be attributed to an aging population. It can also be connected to the continued needs of groups such as veterans and the disabled. As the baby boomer group reaches retirement and nursing home age, many of them will need assistance navigating independent living.

Rehabilitation Counselor Salaries

According to the BLS.gov May 2015 data, rehabilitation counselors make an average of $16.00 per hour. The median salary lands around $34,390 with the lowest ten percent earning around $20,950 and the highest ten percent earning around $60,750. Counselors with more education can expect to earn higher wages on average. In addition, counselors with their own practice can increase their earnings by setting their own fees and maximizing their patient load.

Rehabilitation Counselor Job Duties

Day-to-day counselors will be involved in research, maintaining and updating client records, and meeting face-to-face with clients. They’ll also collaborate with other health professionals to gain insight and provide their clients with a well-rounded program of rehabilitation. Professionals in this field have a nice mix of interpersonal interaction and administrative work.

Rehabilitation Counselor Skills & Traits

Rehabilitation Counselor Skill Set:Required Abilities:Tools Used by Rehabilitation Counselors:Typical Work Activities:
• Active Listening
• Social Perceptiveness
• Monitoring
• Speaking
• Critical Thinking
• Oral Comprehension
• Oral Expression
• Speech Clarity
• Written Comprehension
• Written Expression
• Computer Keyboards
• LCD Projectors
• Smartphones
• Personal Digital Assistants
• Voice Output Communication Aids
• Organizing, Planning,
Prioritizing Work
• Assisting & Caring for Others
• Developing Relationships
• Getting Information
• Communicating with Others

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