What does a vocational rehabilitation consultant do?

I'm trying to understand the role of a vocational rehabilitation consultant. What are the main responsibilities, and what qualifications should I aim for if I'm interested in pursuing this career in the future?

A Vocational Rehabilitation Consultant generally helps individuals who have physical, mental, or emotional disabilities to find employment and live independently. They work closely with their clients to understand their interests, strengths, and limitations, then devise strategies to help them overcome their challenges and achieve their career goals.

Key responsibilities often include:

1. Assessing clients' strengths and weaknesses, and evaluating their physical and mental capabilities.

2. Creating rehabilitation or treatment plans based on clients' interests, qualifications, and physical or psychological capacities.

3. Providing career counseling and teaching job-search skills such as resume writing and interview techniques.

4. Assisting clients in finding and applying for suitable jobs, and sometimes providing job training.

5. Collaborating with employers to modify workplaces and job duties to accommodate individuals with disabilities.

6. Keeping records of clients' progress and adjusting their rehabilitation plans as necessary.

In terms of qualifications, vocational rehabilitation consultants typically hold a bachelor's degree in a field related to human services, such as rehabilitation services, psychology, or social work. Some positions may require a master's degree in rehabilitation counseling or a related field, or specific classes in vocational guidance.

Valuable skills in this role often include communication skills to effectively work with clients and their families, empathy to understand the difficulties faced by individuals with disabilities, and problem-solving abilities to come up with individualized strategies to help each client.

You will also need to be licensed or certified, which usually involves completing a certain amount of fieldwork or an internship, and passing a written examination. The precise requirements for licensure differ slightly from state to state, so you should look into the specific details in your area if you decide to pursue this career.