Occupation AtlasRehabilitation Counselors
O*NET · 21-1015.00
Rehabilitation Counselors
Counsel individuals to maximize the independence and employability of persons coping with personal, social, and vocational difficulties that result from birth defects, illness, disease, accidents, aging, or the stress of daily life. Coordinate activities for residents of care and treatment facilities. Assess client needs and design and implement rehabilitation programs that may include personal and vocational counseling, training, and job placement.
32 more
Group Counselor · Homemaking Rehabilitation Consultant · Job Coach · LPC · LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) · Options Advisor · PRSC · Psychiatric Rehabilitation Counselor · Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services Coordinator (PRSC) · Psychosocial Rehabilitation Counselor · Psychosocial Rehabilitation Specialist · Rehab Liaison · Rehabilitation Liaison (Rehab Liaison) · Rehabilitation Services Specialist · Rehabilitation Specialist · Rehabilitation Tech · Rehabilitation Technician (Rehabilitation Tech) · Veterans Rehabilitation Counselor · Veterans' Rehabilitation Counselor · Vocational Counselor · Vocational Placement Specialist · Vocational Rehabilitation Case Manager · Vocational Rehabilitation Consultant · Vocational Rehabilitation Job Coach · Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist · Vocational Rehabilitation Supervisor · Vocational Rehabilitation Tech · Vocational Rehabilitation Technician (Vocational Rehabilitation Tech) · Vocational Services Specialist · VRC · VRC (Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor) · Work Counselor
Compare with another occupationCompare with Healthcare Social Workers
Job Zone
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Zone 5: Extensive Preparation Needed
Extensive preparation. Usually a graduate degree, with extensive skill, knowledge and experience — many of these occupations expect more than five years of experience.
Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.
Occupational interest profile
SEISocial · Enterprising · Investigative — the three strongest interests, in order
- S Social6.80
- E Enterprising3.56
- I Investigative3.27
- C Conventional3.26
- A Artistic2.98
- R Realistic1.23
RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.
Education and experience
The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.
- Related work experience
- Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years (29%)
- On-site or in-plant training
- Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years (24%)
- On-the-job training
- Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years (35%)
Typically associated skills
All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.
- Social PerceptivenessImportance 4.1Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Be aware of how a coworker's promotion will affect a work group
- Active ListeningbasicImportance 4.1Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
- MonitoringbasicImportance 4.1Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
- SpeakingbasicImportance 4.1Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
- Service OrientationImportance 4.0Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Make flight reservations for customers using an online booking site
- CoordinationImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Work with others to put a new roof on a house
- Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 3.9Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
- Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
- WritingbasicImportance 3.5Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
- Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 3.5Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a loan application for degree of risk
- Systems EvaluationImportance 3.3Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Identify the reasons why a client might be unhappy with a product
- Active LearningbasicImportance 3.3Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
Show the other 23
- Complex Problem SolvingImportance 3.1Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Redesign a floor layout to take advantage of new manufacturing techniques
- Learning StrategiesbasicImportance 3.1Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Identify an alternative approach to help trainees who are having difficulties
- Systems AnalysisImportance 3.1Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Determine how a new piece of equipment will affect production rates
- Time ManagementImportance 3.1Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Allocate the time of subordinates to projects for the coming week
- PersuasionImportance 3.0Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Convince a supervisor to purchase new office equipment
- InstructingImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
- Management of Personnel ResourcesImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
- NegotiationImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
- Operations AnalysisImportance 2.8Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Select a printer for an office
- Management of Financial ResourcesImportance 2.1Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Use available funds to buy office supplies and record the amount of the purchase
- MathematicsbasicImportance 2.0Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
- SciencebasicImportance 2.0Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Conduct standard tests to determine soil quality
- Management of Material ResourcesImportance 1.8Level 0.9
- Technology DesignImportance 1.6Level 0.6
- Operations MonitoringImportance 1.4Level 0.5
- ProgrammingImportance 1.4Level 0.4
- Quality Control AnalysisImportance 1.4Level 0.4
- Operation and ControlImportance 1.1Level —
- Equipment MaintenanceImportance 1.0Level —
- Equipment SelectionImportance 1.0Level —
- InstallationImportance 1.0Level —
- RepairingImportance 1.0Level —
- TroubleshootingImportance 1.0Level —
Tasks
17 coreWhat people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).
- Develop rehabilitation plans that fit clients' aptitudes, education levels, physical abilities, and career goals.Importance 4.8
- Confer with clients to discuss their options and goals so that rehabilitation programs and plans for accessing needed services can be developed.Importance 4.7
- Prepare and maintain records and case files, including documentation, such as clients' personal and eligibility information, services provided, narratives of client contacts, or relevant correspondence.Importance 4.6
- Analyze information from interviews, educational and medical records, consultation with other professionals, and diagnostic evaluations to assess clients' abilities, needs, and eligibility for services.Importance 4.5
- Locate barriers to client employment, such as inaccessible work sites, inflexible schedules, or transportation problems, and work with clients to develop strategies for overcoming these barriers.Importance 4.5
- Monitor and record clients' progress to ensure that goals and objectives are met.Importance 4.4
- Maintain close contact with clients during job training and placements to resolve problems and evaluate placement adequacy.Importance 4.0
- Develop and maintain relationships with community referral sources, such as schools or community groups.Importance 4.0
- Arrange for physical, mental, academic, vocational, and other evaluations to obtain information for assessing clients' needs and developing rehabilitation plans.Importance 3.9
- Participate in job development and placement programs, contacting prospective employers, placing clients in jobs, and evaluating the success of placements.Importance 3.9
- Manage budgets and direct case service allocations, authorizing expenditures and payments.Importance 3.8
- Confer with physicians, psychologists, occupational therapists, and other professionals to develop and implement client rehabilitation programs.Importance 3.6
Show the other 5
- Supervise rehabilitation counselors and staff.Importance 3.6
- Arrange for on-site job coaching or assistive devices, such as specially equipped wheelchairs, to help clients adapt to work or school environments.Importance 3.5
- Collaborate with clients' families to implement rehabilitation plans, such as behavioral, residential, social, or employment goals.Importance 3.5
- Collaborate with community agencies to establish facilities and programs for persons with disabilities.Importance 3.5
- Develop diagnostic procedures to determine clients' needs.Importance 3.3
Knowledge
Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.
- Therapy and CounselingImportance 4.9Level 5.9
- PsychologyImportance 4.4Level 5.7
- Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 4.1Level 5.1Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
- English LanguageImportance 4.1Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
- AdministrativeImportance 3.6Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
- Education and TrainingImportance 3.6Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
- Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 3.3Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Write an article about cultural differences
- Administration and ManagementImportance 3.0Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
Show all 33
- Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 2.7Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants for an administrative position
- Law and GovernmentImportance 2.6Level 2.7
- Computers and ElectronicsImportance 2.4Level 2.7
- Communications and MediaImportance 2.2Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
- MathematicsImportance 2.2Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Add two numbers
- Medicine and DentistryImportance 2.2Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Use a band-aid
- Sales and MarketingImportance 2.1Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
- Public Safety and SecurityImportance 1.9Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
- Economics and AccountingImportance 1.8Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
- Philosophy and TheologyImportance 1.8Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Watch a TV show on family values
- TelecommunicationsImportance 1.8Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Send an email
- Foreign LanguageImportance 1.7Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
- TransportationImportance 1.7Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
- Engineering and TechnologyImportance 1.4Level —
- Production and ProcessingImportance 1.4Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Put a computer back into its packing materials
- BiologyImportance 1.3Level 0.7Level 1 looks like: Feed domestic animals
- GeographyImportance 1.3Level 0.6Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States
- Building and ConstructionImportance 1.2Level —
- DesignImportance 1.2Level —
- Food ProductionImportance 1.2Level —
- History and ArcheologyImportance 1.2Level —
- MechanicalImportance 1.2Level —
- ChemistryImportance 1.1Level —
- Fine ArtsImportance 1.1Level —
- PhysicsImportance 1.1Level —
Abilities
Enduring capacities the work calls for.
- Oral ComprehensionImportance 4.1Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
- Oral ExpressionImportance 4.1Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
- Problem SensitivityImportance 4.0Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
- Speech ClarityImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
- Deductive ReasoningImportance 3.9Level 4.1Level 5 looks like: Decide what factors to consider in selecting stocks
- Inductive ReasoningImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
- Speech RecognitionImportance 3.9Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
- Written ComprehensionImportance 3.9Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
Show all 52
- Written ExpressionImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
- Near VisionImportance 3.4Level 3.8
- Fluency of IdeasImportance 3.3Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Think of as many ideas as possible for the name of a new company
- Information OrderingImportance 3.3Level 3.3Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
- OriginalityImportance 3.1Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Redesign job tasks to be interesting for employees
- Category FlexibilityImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
- Far VisionImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
- Flexibility of ClosureImportance 2.9Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
- Selective AttentionImportance 2.6Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
- Speed of ClosureImportance 2.6Level 2.6Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
- Time SharingImportance 2.6Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
- MemorizationImportance 2.4Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
- Perceptual SpeedImportance 2.3Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
- Mathematical ReasoningImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
- Auditory AttentionImportance 2.0Level 1.5Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
- Number FacilityImportance 2.0Level 2.1Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
- VisualizationImportance 2.0Level 1.6Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
- Trunk StrengthImportance 1.9Level 1.3Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
- Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 1.6Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
- Hearing SensitivityImportance 1.5Level 0.9
- Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 1.5Level 0.5
- Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 1.4Level 0.5
- Finger DexterityImportance 1.4Level 0.6
- Manual DexterityImportance 1.4Level 0.5Level 1 looks like: Screw a light bulb into a light socket
- Control PrecisionImportance 1.3Level —
- Response OrientationImportance 1.3Level —
- Spatial OrientationImportance 1.1Level —
- Depth PerceptionImportance 1.0Level —
- Dynamic FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
- Dynamic StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
- Explosive StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
- Extent FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
- Glare SensitivityImportance 1.0Level —
- Gross Body CoordinationImportance 1.0Level —
- Gross Body EquilibriumImportance 1.0Level —
- Multilimb CoordinationImportance 1.0Level —
- Night VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Peripheral VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Rate ControlImportance 1.0Level —
- Reaction TimeImportance 1.0Level —
- Sound LocalizationImportance 1.0Level —
- Speed of Limb MovementImportance 1.0Level —
- StaminaImportance 1.0Level —
- Static StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
Work activities
Kinds of activity the work is made of.
- Getting InformationImportance 4.5Level 5.1Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
- Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 4.4Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 4.4Level 5.4Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
- Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 4.4Level 5.4Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 4.2Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 4.2Level 5.4Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
- Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 4.1Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
- Working with ComputersImportance 4.1Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
Show all 41
- Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 4.0Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Help a medical patient find in-home assistance or healthcare
- Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 3.9Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
- Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 3.9Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Complete tax forms for a small business
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 3.8Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
- Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 3.8Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 3.7Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
- Processing InformationImportance 3.7Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
- Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 3.7Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
- Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 3.7Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
- Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 3.7Level 4.7Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
- Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 3.5Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
- Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 3.4Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 3.4Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
- Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 3.4Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
- Thinking CreativelyImportance 3.4Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
- Developing and Building TeamsImportance 3.2Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Lead an assembly team in an automobile plant
- Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 3.2Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
- Training and Teaching OthersImportance 3.2Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
- Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 2.9Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 2.9Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
- Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 2.9Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Work as a chef responsible for ordering food for the menu
- Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 2.7Level 2.9
- Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 2.4Level 2.7
- Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Estimate the size of household furniture to be shipped
- Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 1.9Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 1.7Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Check that doors to building are locked
- Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 1.5Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Change settings on copy machines
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 1.5Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Drive a car
- Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 1.4Level —
- Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 1.4Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Walk between workstations in a small office
- Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 1.2Level —
- Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 1.2Level —
- Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 1.1Level —
Work context
The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.
Technology
28 toolsSoftware used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.
In demand (1)
- Microsoft Office softwarehot
Hot (4; 1 more marked hot above)
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
Other tools (23)
- Adobe Acrobat Reader
- Budgeting software
- Chart Links
- Client information database software
- Data input software
- Electronic medical record EMR software
- Email software
- Encryption software
- Fanatic Software Informant
- Global positioning system GPS software
- Microsoft ActiveSync
- Microsoft Internet Explorer
- Microsoft Mobile Explorer MME
- Microsoft Office Mobile
- Microsoft Office Outlook
- Netscape Navigator
- Scheduling software
- SkillTRAN Job Browser Pro
- SkillTRAN OASYS
- Test interpretation software
- Virus protection software
- Web browser software
- Word recognition software
Related occupations
O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.
ESCO equivalents
From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.
Closest occupations
Compare any occupation →Other O*NET occupations whose importance ratings on the 35 skills both rate are nearest to this one's, with the biggest differences named. A plain rule, not a hidden score.
Healthcare Social Workers
Average difference 0.2 points · Complex Problem Solving +0.8, Monitoring −0.8
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Public Relations Specialists
Average difference 0.2 points · Monitoring −1.1, Service Orientation −0.9
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Art Therapists
Average difference 0.2 points · Coordination −0.9, Equipment Selection +0.8
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Social and Human Service Assistants
Average difference 0.2 points · Operation and Control +0.9, Operations Analysis −0.8
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists
Average difference 0.2 points · Mathematics +1.1, Social Perceptiveness −1.1
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Recreational Therapists
Average difference 0.2 points · Instructing +0.9, Operation and Control +0.7
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
Average difference 0.2 points · Complex Problem Solving +0.8, Persuasion +0.8
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Health Education Specialists
Average difference 0.2 points · Learning Strategies +0.9, Monitoring −0.8
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.