Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Rehabilitation Counselor
What rehabilitation counselors actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for a rehabilitation counselor?
Review cases and new referrals. From there, the day usually includes assess client strengths and needs, develop individualized plans, and counsel clients on goals and adjustment. Most work full-time during regular business hours.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a rehabilitation counselor working full time.
- Review cases and new referrals.
- Meet a veteran about job training options.
- Visit an employer to discuss accommodations.
- Order assistive technology for a client.
- Counsel a client adjusting to a new disability.
- Coordinate with a job coach.
- Update case records.
Where rehabilitation counselors work
Rehab counselors work in agency offices, schools, hospitals, community programs and workplaces.
Hours and schedule
Most work full-time during regular business hours.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Assess client strengths and needs
- Develop individualized plans
- Counsel clients on goals and adjustment
- Arrange training and education
- Coordinate accommodations and assistive technology
- Work with employers
- Track progress and outcomes
Tools you’ll use every day
- Case management systems
- Vocational assessments
- Assistive technology
- Job databases
- Phones and laptops
- Resource directories
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Help people gain independence
- Regular hours
- Variety of settings
- Strong mission
What’s hard
- Bureaucracy and paperwork
- Caseload pressure
- Slow progress with some clients
- Master’s often required
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I want to help people with disabilities
- I believe in independence
- I like career planning
- I’m patient
- I enjoy working with employers
- I want regular hours
Not sure? Take the free Rehabilitation Counselor fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Protect client confidentiality
- Use de-escalation skills
- Follow agency safety rules for field visits
- Practice self-care