Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor

Encyclopedia Entry

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A vocational rehabilitation counselor (VR Counselor) works for state government vocational rehabilitation agencies. He/she helps individuals who have mental and/or physical disabilities (clients) to find, get, and keep jobs. The counselor plans, organizes, and implements individualized rehabilitation services for the client. Usually, a VR counselor has a Master's Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling or a related field.

• Builds strong, supportive working relationships,
• Effectively listens to the client. This includes respecting the client's choices and preferences, and refraining from choosing a career for the client,
• Organizes his/her time effectively to handle multiple projects and possibly a large caseload,
• Develops a network of community resources (including colleagues, employers, medical and other service providers),
• Works independently with minimal supervision,
• Develops an individualized written employment plan (IWRP) with the client,
• Communicates well verbally and in writing (including progress notes, reports and other measures),

• Determine the client's eligibility for services by conducting interviews and by synthesizing past employment history, educational and personal information, vocational, psychological and medical assessments.
• Provide counseling and guidance services.
• Assess the client's strengths, preferences, abilities and needs and helps the client to understand these characteristics and select an employment goal.
• Identify community supports which could be used by the client.
• Develop (with the client) a comprehensive individualized employment plan.
• Provide services identified in the plan and change the plan as needed.
• Advocate for client rights and responsibilities.
• Provide placement and follow-up services. This includes actively supporting the client during and after placement by creating accommodations, offering guidance, suggesting further supports and linking with additional resources.

• Provide transitional services for high school aged children.
• Assist resource teachers in the development of individualized education plans (IEP) and other transition plans.
• Act as a liaison with cooperating agencies, schools, community organizations, and employers.
• Participate in professional development workshops such as in-service training courses, conferences, and other meetings.
• Travel to perform field assignments (including home visits, and contacts with employers or various service personnel).