Pursuing a vocational rehabilitation counselor career in Missouri

I'm interested in becoming a vocational rehabilitation counselor and considering Missouri as a place to work. What kind of demand is there, and what are the necessary steps to get into this career path here?

Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling is a noble profession and it's great that you're interested in it. This career typically exists to help individuals with chronic, developmental, or emotional disorders or disabilities to achieve their personal, career, and independent living goals.

In Missouri, the vocational rehabilitative services tend to be in demand due to the high number of individuals with disabilities and other barriers to employment. However, like any job market, availability may vary across different regions of Missouri and even change over time due to economic fluctuations, legislation changes, and state funding. Therefore, it's a solid idea to keep an eye on local job postings in the regions of Missouri you're interested in to get an accurate picture of vocational rehabilitation counselor job availability.

Here, I outline the steps you might take for this career path in Missouri:

1. Education: The first step is typically obtaining a relevant bachelor's degree. Most vocational rehabilitation counselors have a degree in fields like psychology, counseling, or rehabilitation counseling.

2. Master's Degree: In many cases, you'll need a master's degree in rehabilitation counseling or a related field. These programs often include internships or supervised clinical experience.

3. Certification: As a vocational rehabilitation counselor, you would typically need to be licensed or certified. Requirements for licensure vary by state, so it's essential to get familiar with Missouri's state requirements. In many states, licensure would require a master's degree and 2,000 to 4,000 hours of supervised clinical experience. You will also likely need to pass a state licensure exam. Many employers prefer or require vocational rehabilitation counselors to obtain Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) certification.

4. Continued Training and Education: Keeping your skills and knowledge updated is crucial. This can be accomplished through professional development courses, workshops, and attending industry conferences.

Remember, this is a generalized path and your journey might look a little different based on your specific circumstances and Missouri's specific requirements for vocational rehabilitation counselors. I recommend reaching out to a professional organization, such as the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification, or a local college's career office, for more specific guidance.

I hope this information helps you navigate your career path in vocational rehabilitation counseling in Missouri!