Helping others overcome barriers to employment and achieve greater independence is more than a profession — it’s a purpose. Vocational rehabilitation counseling jobs offer a rewarding career path for those who want to support individuals with physical, emotional, developmental, or cognitive disabilities in reaching their personal and professional goals.
Whether you’re just entering the field or seeking advancement, this guide covers what these jobs entail, where you can work, how to qualify, and what kind of impact you can expect to make.
What is a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor?
A vocational rehabilitation counselor (VRC) helps individuals with disabilities prepare for, find, retain, or return to meaningful employment. They use counseling, career assessment, skills training, and job placement strategies to guide clients toward financial and personal independence.
This role requires a blend of empathy, advocacy, career development knowledge, and rehabilitation psychology.
Key Responsibilities
- Evaluate clients’ abilities, interests, and limitations
- Create individualized employment plans (IEPs)
- Provide career counseling and job readiness training
- Coordinate services such as job coaching, assistive technology, and workplace accommodations
- Collaborate with employers, medical providers, social workers, and government agencies
- Assist with educational placement or vocational training enrollment
- Monitor progress and provide ongoing support during employment transitions
Where Do Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors Work?
- State VR Agencies (e.g., Department of Vocational Rehabilitation Services)
- Nonprofit disability advocacy organizations
- Veterans Affairs (VA) and military rehabilitation programs
- Hospitals and rehabilitation centers
- K–12 school systems or transition programs
- Private sector companies (as disability inclusion specialists)
- Colleges/universities (supporting students with disabilities)
Qualifications and Education Requirements
Most vocational rehabilitation counseling jobs require:
- A Master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling, Counseling Psychology, or a related field
- CRC (Certified Rehabilitation Counselor) credential (strongly preferred or required in many states)
- Knowledge of ADA laws, disability rights, and assistive technologies
- Strong skills in case management, communication, and career planning
Some entry-level roles, such as rehabilitation technician or case assistant, may be available with a bachelor’s degree and field experience.
Popular Job Titles in the Field
- Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC)
- Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC)
- Disability Employment Specialist
- Vocational Case Manager
- Transition Specialist (for youth with disabilities)
- Return-to-Work Counselor
- Workforce Development Specialist
Job Outlook and Salary
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):
- Job Growth (2022–2032): 2% (slower than average, but stable demand in state and veteran services)
- Median Salary (2023): $41,080–$65,000 annually, depending on state and agency
- Top Employers: State government agencies, VA hospitals, and nonprofit disability organizations
Counselors with CRC certification and bilingual skills may have a competitive advantage.
Top Employers Hiring for Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling Jobs
- State Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies (search “[State name] + Vocational Rehabilitation Jobs”)
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
- Goodwill Industries
- The Arc
- Easterseals
- Federal and state workforce development boards
- Private rehab and insurance companies (e.g., workers’ compensation programs)
How to Start Your Career
- Earn a bachelor’s degree in psychology, human services, or special education
- Pursue a master’s in rehabilitation counseling from a program accredited by CACREP or CORE
- Pass the CRC exam through the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC)
- Gain clinical experience through internships or entry-level case work
- Apply to government and nonprofit roles through sites like USAJobs, StateJobs, Indeed, and VR-specific boards
Vocational rehabilitation counseling jobs offer a rare blend of professional stability, personal fulfillment, and social impact. If you’re passionate about helping people reclaim their independence, break down employment barriers, and thrive in their careers, this field provides a meaningful and mission-driven path forward.