Professional Opportunities in Rehabilitation Counseling
Job opportunities exist for qualified rehabilitation counselors in a wide variety of work settings, including:
State-federal rehabilitation agencies
Private nonprofit rehabilitation facilities and workshops
Private-for-profit rehabilitation companies
Insurance companies
Private clinical counseling practices (e.g. mental health, substance abuse, marriage and family
Substance abuse programs
Mental health centers
Psychiatric rehabilitation programs
Geriatric counseling and rehabilitation programs
Head injury rehabilitation programs
Developmental disability agencies
Mental retardation programs
Public and private counseling centers
Halfway hours and group homes
Independent living centers
Employee assistance programs
Disability management programs
Institutional and community based correctional programs
Comprehensive rehabilitation centers
University, college, and high school settings
Special education and transition from school to community and work programs
Hospital based rehabilitation and substance abuse programs
Veterans administration medical centers/hospitals
Client assistance and advocacy programs
The most recent editions of the Occupational Outlook Handbook (U.S. Department of Labor) report that employment for rehabilitation counselors are expected to grow faster than the national average for all occupations and that demand for their services is expected to be strong. Graduates of the Portland State University Program are currently employed in numerous rehabilitation settings including, DVR programs, the VA, private rehabilitation agencies, psychosocial/mental health centers, independent living centers, college and university services for students with disabilities, agencies serving people with specific disabilities, and public schools.
