Opportunities in vocational rehabilitation in Portland, Oregon?

I'm a high school junior interested in vocational rehabilitation and thinking about working in Portland, Oregon after graduation. What kind of jobs are available to someone right out of high school, and what should I do to prepare?

Vocational rehabilitation is a field that's focused on helping individuals with disabilities find and maintain employment. In many cases, vocational rehabilitation professionals need a bachelor’s degree or higher, but there are still opportunities for someone right out of high school to get involved in the field.

For starters, you might look for jobs or internships as a vocational rehabilitation aide or assistant. In this role, you'd likely support vocational rehabilitation counselors or specialists with tasks like record keeping, client communication, and preparation for appointments. This could give you a chance to gain experience in the field and develop an understanding of the work, which will be beneficial if you pursue further education down the line.

To prepare, you might consider taking classes while you're still in high school that could support your interest in vocational rehabilitation. These could include psychology, human development, sociology, and anything related to special education. Additionally, volunteering or part-time work involving helping others—perhaps coaching or mentoring, or working with the elderly or people with special needs—could be a wonderful way to develop skills that could be relevant in vocational rehabilitation.

After high school, you'll want to continue your education to further your career in the field. Portland Community College offers a Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling program that could be a great option. But remember, every journey is unique and you can always start with what’s accessible to you right out of high school and pursue further education as your career progresses.

Remember, these are not set-in-stone paths, but examples to give you some ideas. Good luck as you explore your interests in this rewarding and important field!