What is it like working as a rehabilitation counselor?

I'm curious about what rehabilitation counselor jobs are like. What do people in this field do on a daily basis, and what kind of qualifications or skills are needed? I'm considering this as a career path and would love to hear from someone with experience.

Rehabilitation counseling is a profession that aims to empower people with disabilities to achieve personal, career, and independent living goals. On a daily basis, you might work on developing individualized plans for clients, coordinate community services or resources for clients, and advocate for the rights of clients.

One of the most important parts of the job is building a strong rapport with clients, understanding their needs and aspirations, providing emotional and practical support, and assisting them in overcoming any obstacles they may face in their daily lives. This could be physical obstacles, but often it's aiding with mental or emotional hurdles so that they are better prepared to navigate the world independently and with a sense of self-efficacy.

As for the qualifications, usually a master's degree in rehabilitation counseling or a related field is needed. Additionally, many positions require certification as a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC), which is achieved by meeting educational and work experience requirements and passing a comprehensive exam.

In terms of skills, a successful rehabilitation counselor must have excellent listening and speaking abilities in order to establish a positive relationship with their clients. Empathy and patience are crucial qualities, as the realities facing clients can be difficult and progress can sometimes be slow. Problem-solving skills are also key, since each client will have unique challenges to overcome. Furthermore, knowledge in accessibility and disability rights laws can be beneficial as well.

I hope this gives you a clearer understanding of the rehabilitation counselor profession. It can be a quite personally satisfying field, as you are helping individuals regain their independence and achieve their life goals.