A vocational rehabilitation consultant aids others in their professional lives. Workers who have been injured on the job, those with physical or mental disabilities, and those who have been laid off or need to transition to a different career or job field are all examples of people who vocational rehab consultants assist. Some vocational rehabilitation consultants are qualified rehabilitation consultants as well (QRCs).
When working with a new client, the first step is usually to conduct an initial assessment in order to gain a better understanding of their situation and to begin formulating a plan. Meeting others to gain a better understanding of the client’s situation is often the next step. Meetings with the client’s health care providers, such as physical therapists, occupational therapists, or psychologists, are possible. A rehabilitation plan is created after the vocational rehabilitation consultant has gained a thorough understanding of the client’s situation, and the consultant assists the client in achieving the goals of the plan.
A four-year college degree in rehabilitation services or a related field is usually required of vocational rehabilitation consultants. Coursework will frequently cover a wide range of topics, such as social work, psychology, and counseling. Students frequently take medical courses because a thorough understanding of medical reports is required. In order to receive their license, these consultants must usually complete one or more internships in addition to their schooling. Consultants may be required to complete continuing education courses even after they have been licensed in order to maintain their certification.
Strong interpersonal skills are required because vocational rehabilitation consultants frequently deal with sensitive and important issues with their clients. Clients frequently struggle with the new realities they are confronted with, and they frequently struggle to find the motivation to find new work or return to an old job. Clients may also be required to see a vocational rehabilitation consultant as part of their insurance benefits, which may add to their resistance to working with the consultant.
A vocational rehabilitation consultant’s work location can vary greatly due to the nature of the job. He or she may work in an office, at a client’s workplace, at a health care provider’s office, or at a client’s home. They usually have set schedules, but they may work days, evenings, or weekends to accommodate their clients’ needs.