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Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (Vocational Rehab Counselor)

Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors
Description
Provide vocational counseling and case management to individuals with disabilities to help them prepare for, obtain, and retain employment; assess strengths and barriers, develop Individualized Plans for Employment, coordinate rehabilitation and training services, secure accommodations and assistive technology, and track outcomes.
Job tasks Attributes
  • • Maintain accurate and complete client case files in accordance with laws, agency policies, and regulations.
  • • Provide crisis intervention and safety referrals when emergencies affect a client’s employment or training.
  • • Assess vocational strengths, interests, skills, and barriers using interviews, records, and standardized tools.
  • • Develop, document, and monitor Individualized Plans for Employment (IPEs) with measurable goals.
  • • Counsel clients on career exploration, labor market options, and realistic employment pathways.
  • • Instruct clients in job search strategies, resume writing, applications, and interview skills.
  • • Arrange accommodations and assistive technology assessments, procurement, and training.
  • • Coordinate medical, psychological, and rehabilitation services that support work readiness.
  • • Refer clients to vocational training, apprenticeships, or postsecondary programs aligned to goals.
  • • Review transcripts, credentials, and testing to verify prerequisites and plan training.
  • • Use vocational evaluations and labor market information to guide decision-making.
  • • Conduct situational assessments, job shadows, or work tryouts to evaluate work behaviors.
  • • Build relationships with employers to develop internships, OJT, and competitive integrated jobs.
  • • Refer clients to employers, staffing agencies, supported employment, or workforce partners.
  • • Organize job fairs, employer panels, and work experience opportunities.
  • • Provide individual and group counseling to address personal, social, or behavioral barriers to work.
  • • Educate clients on ADA rights, disclosure decisions, and requesting reasonable accommodations.
  • • Provide or coordinate benefits counseling on SSI/SSDI, work incentives, and impact of earnings.
  • • Collaborate with families, schools, healthcare providers, and community agencies on service plans.
  • • Support transition-age youth by coordinating VR services with IEP teams and schools.
  • • Identify risks such as abuse, homelessness, or food insecurity and connect clients to resources.
  • • Coordinate supported employment, job coaching, and retention services as needed.
  • • Conduct follow-ups after placement to ensure stabilization and problem-solve workplace issues.
  • • Prepare case notes, eligibility determinations, authorizations, and outcome reports.
  • • Monitor provider performance, authorize services, and manage case budgets.
  • • Present VR services to community groups, referral sources, and employers.
  • • Plan and deliver workshops on soft skills, workplace expectations, self-advocacy, and wellness.
  • • Facilitate peer mentoring or support groups focused on employment and independence.
  • • Ensure compliance with the Rehabilitation Act, WIOA, ADA, confidentiality, and ethical standards.
  • • Maintain contacts with workforce systems and community partners to expand opportunities.
  • • Conduct outreach and intake to recruit eligible clients and determine service eligibility.
  • • Advocate for clients with training programs and employers to resolve access or performance issues.
  • • Coordinate transportation, childcare, or financial supports that affect participation.
  • • Track employment outcomes and provide post-employment services to sustain retention and advancement.
  • • Attend case conferences, interagency meetings, trainings, and committees for continuous improvement.
  • • Refer clients to mental health, substance use, or other specialized counseling services when indicated.
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Source
Tasks & skills: O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge). Learn more
Sources & Standards: This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
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