Rehabilitation Counselor Job Description for Resume

Updated on: April 18, 2021
Rehabilitation Counselor Position Overview

With physical disabilities, drug dependencies, and work/family stress on the rise, the need for rehabilitation counselors has also become high.

These people are living proof that help is on its way. Their work can be considered noble as they help people come out from the dark, dismal places of their existence and help them reintegrate into society as responsible members.

The work of a rehabilitation counselor is complex.

Depending on the type of patients they cater to, they need to perform a lot of research, evaluation and assessment work. They have to be skilled in understanding disabilities and dependencies and be able to make arrangements for specific treatment avenues for their patients.

Rehabilitation Counselor Job Requirements

To work as a rehabilitation counselor, one has to possess a bachelor’s degree in rehabilitation counseling or a related field such as psychology.

A state-approved license in counseling is also required if you want to work as a rehabilitation counselor. Some critical skills that you will need to work in this position include exceptional communication, compassion, patience and listening skills.

If you have a combination of these, you will be able to assess patients’ situations successfully and provide advice/help accordingly.

Some typical duties of a rehabilitation counselor include:

Sample Job Description to Include in a Rehabilitation Counselor Resume

• Interview patients to determine their physical, emotional, and mental conditions and make detailed notes regarding each.

• Determine the type of disability or dependency patients have and mentally label them.

• Evaluate patients’ abilities, interests, skills, health, and education to figure out their standing in life.

• Create, develop and implement treatment plans by consulting with other professionals such as doctors and therapists.

• Develop and implement rehabilitation programs based on patients’ limitations and goals.

• Assist patients in creating strategies to develop their strengths and adjust to the limitations that they possess.

• Locate resources for each patient to help them cope with the rigors of their disabilities.

• Engage patients in counseling sessions to provide them with information on dealing with their limitations.

• Monitor progress by evaluating each patient on a regular basis and tweak treatment/rehabilitation plans accordingly.

• Work with community giants and organizations to establish facilities and programs to assist disabled patients.

• Talk patients out of morbid situations such as thoughts of suicide and ensure that they are kept safe from external elements.

• Create and maintain records of patients’ information safely and confidentially.

• Maintain contact with patients during job training and placement activities to provide them with constant encouragement and help.