Vocational rehabilitation jobs in the United States after high school?

I'm considering entering the workforce straight after high school and have heard about vocational rehabilitation jobs in the U.S. Can anyone share what these jobs generally involve and if they are a viable option for a recent high school graduate?

Vocational rehabilitation jobs typically involve working with individuals who have physical, mental, or emotional disabilities to help them develop, recover, or maintain the skills needed for daily living and working. They are an integral part of the healthcare sector, often working in close liaison with other healthcare professionals to enhance the quality of life for individuals experiencing disability-related challenges.

There are various subsets in vocational rehabilitation jobs. Most often, it includes roles such as vocational rehabilitation counselors or specialists. These professionals assess the strengths and limitations of individuals, counsel them on career-related objectives, provide job coaching and placement services, and assist in arranging for necessary accommodations in work settings.

Given your context of being a recent high school graduate, while vocational rehabilitation jobs present a compelling career option, entering into them often requires an advanced level of education and training, typically at least a Bachelor's degree within the field of rehabilitation or counseling, vocational or otherwise.

However, there are related fields you could explore straight out of high school. You might consider roles such as rehabilitation aides or assistants, for instance, working in rehabilitative care facilities under the supervision of therapists and healthcare professionals. These positions often require a high school diploma or equivalent and provide on-the-job training.

To move into a more advanced vocational rehabilitation role, you may consider pursuing further education while working in these entry-level roles, either by attending part-time classes or online programs. This will give you crucial exposure to the field and practical experience, plus the academic credentials to progress in rehabilitation careers. In addition, many employers value real-world experience, which is a plus that you'll have by working directly after high school.