Rehabilitation Associate Job Description

The 2030 Rehabilitation Initiative

Rehabilitation is a person-centered process that depends on the goals and preferences of the individual. Rehabilitation can be provided in many different settings, from hospital to private clinics to an individual's home. The rehabilitation workforce is made up of many different health workers, including but not limited to therapists, doctors, nurses, and orthotists.

Rehabilitation can help to slow down the disabling effects of chronic health conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, cancer and diabetes, by giving people with self-management strategies and the assistive products they need, or by addressing pain or other complications. Rehabilitation is an investment that benefits both individuals and society. It can help to avoid costly hospitalizations and shorten hospital stays.

Rehabilitation allows individuals to participate in education and gainful employment, remaindependent at home, and minimize the need for financial or caregivers support. Universal health coverage is an important part of achieving sustainable development goal 3, which is "Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages". Rehabilitation is not limited to people with physical impairments.

Rehabilitation is a core health service for anyone with an acute or chronic health condition, impairment or injury that limits functioning, and should be available for anyone who needs it. Rehabilitation is not a service that is only available to those who can afford it. It is not an optional service to try only when other interventions fail.

Natural disasters such as earthquakes and disease outbreak can cause overwhelming rehabilitation needs for injured or ill people. They disrupt existing services and have the greatest impact on the weakest health systems. Rehabilitation in emergencies is important, but it is rarely considered as part of health system readiness.

The Range of Rehabilitation Counselors in the U.S

The rehabilitation case worker gives the client the tools to be successful in pursuing and maintaining employment if they have been injured in a work accident or have a life-long condition. The rehabilitation case worker is focused on helping their client find a vocation that will allow them to flourish and maximize their potential. The client enters the workforce with a new skill set, technological understanding and confidence that they can perform their job function at a high level.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics is responsible for labor statistics. The range for Rehabilitation Counselors is 50th to 90th percentile. National data is not school specific information.

Certified Rehabilitation Nurses

Rehabilitation nursing is a specialty of registered nurses. The demand for rehabilitation nursing is being driven by the large baby boomer population and longer life expectancy for Americans. Rehabilitation services may be required for sports injuries, strokes, and chronic diseases.

The first three choices for nursing education are associate degree programs, diplomas from hospital-based nursing schools and a baccalaureate degree. Should the nurse decide to pursue graduate education, a baccalaureate offers more potential for advancement. Employers pay a premium for the B.A. degree.

If you want to learn more about the profession, you can read a book, but certification in rehabilitation nursing is an option. Certified rehabilitation registered nurses can use the initials CRRN to be certified through the Association of Rehabilitation Nurses. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects registered nurse employment to grow at a seven percent rate.

Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors

Rehabilitation counselors spend a lot of time on continuing education. Counselors can stay up to date on the latest technology and best practices with ongoing professional development. Continuation education is required to renew a counseling license in many states.

There are large differences in rehabilitation counselor job descriptions from job to job and employer to employer, but they are generally applicable to the role. They work with people with disabilities to help them adapt to their challenges and improve their personal well-being. They build plans for clients that address their strengths and disabilities.

Rehabilitation counseling helps clients overcome disabilities. Rehabilitation counseling can be done in hospitals, nursing and residential care facilities, and private offices. Vocational rehabilitation counselors work to help clients with disabilities related to their work.

Vocational rehabilitation counseling includes disabilities and challenges that were born outside of the work environment in order to find and maintain meaningful work. Vocational rehabilitation counselors do the same things as rehabilitation counselors. Their tasks are focused on work related issues.

Vocational counseling and rehabilitation are different. Vocational rehabilitation counseling helps people with disabilities to find gainful employment. Vocational counseling helps people plan and pursue careers.

The Demand for Rehabilitation Counselors

Over the decade, 11,200 openings for rehabilitation counselors are projected. Many openings are expected to be caused by the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or retire. Rehabilitation counselors help people with disabilities live independently.

They help clients overcome the effects of disabilities on their lives. People with disabilities are helped by rehabilitation counselors. Some work with students to develop strategies to live with their disability.

Others help veterans deal with the effects of their military service. Older people are helped to adapt to disabilities that come later in life from illness or injury. Some may provide expert testimony during a workers compensation case.

State licensing requirements for rehabilitation counselors differ by service provided. Counselors who provide counseling services must have a license from their state licensing board. Rehabilitation counselors who provide other services may be exempt from state licensing requirements.

Rehabilitation counselors who only provide job placement assistance may not need a license. Interpersonal skills are important. Rehabilitation counselors have to be able to work with many different types of people.