National

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, 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.

Sample of reported job titles: Human Services Care Specialist, Rehabilitation Counselor, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VCR), Case Manager, Program Coordinator, Rehabilitation Specialist, Vocational Counselor, Vocational Services Specialist, Work Counselor, Employment Instructional Associate (EIA)

Tasks

• Monitor and record clients' progress to ensure that goals and objectives are met.
• Confer with clients to discuss their options and goals so that rehabilitation programs and plans for accessing needed services can be developed.
• Prepare and maintain records and case files, including documentation such as clients' personal and eligibility information, services provided, narratives of client contacts, and relevant correspondence.
• Arrange for physical, mental, academic, vocational, and other evaluations to obtain information for assessing clients' needs and developing rehabilitation plans.
• Analyze information from interviews, educational and medical records, consultation with other professionals, and diagnostic evaluations to assess clients' abilities, needs, and eligibility for services.
• Develop rehabilitation plans that fit clients' aptitudes, education levels, physical abilities, and career goals.
• Maintain close contact with clients during job training and placements to resolve problems and evaluate placement adequacy.
• Develop and maintain relationships with community referral sources, such as schools and community groups.
• Locate barriers to client employment, such as inaccessible work sites, inflexible schedules, and transportation problems, and work with clients to develop strategies for overcoming these barriers.
• Arrange for on-site job coaching or assistive devices, such as specially equipped wheelchairs, to help clients adapt to work or school environments.

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Tools & Technology

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