Job Description
Vocational Rehabilitation will require you to work with people with varying disabilities. Some of them physical, some of them mental or emotional, there will even be instances where you will be working with veterans who are dealing with the emotional trauma that being in a war zone has had on them. As a result of these circumstances these individuals may not have the abilities required for them to have a steady job.
The responsibilities of a vocational rehabilitation therapist can vary quite a bit. You would be responsible for helping these individuals make a transition into there community, by helping them find a job. This will require individualized training programs and helping these disabled individuals reach goals, as well as mental and physical milestones.
You will also have the opportunity to help our veterans. Some of these veterans will suffer from severe or multiple mental diagnoses, including Polytrauma, that require unconventional interview approaches and treatments to devise effective methods and procedures. While this may be challenging, it will also be extremely rewarding.
Appropriate prosthetic devices are also employed to help in the rehabilitation process. Such devices are wheelchairs for people with leg paralysis, mock limbs for amputees, and crutches or braces for those with some disability to walk. Training might be required for persons to use these devices effectively.
Basic Requirements
A person seeking for a career in vocational rehabilitation is expected to undergo training in Occupational Therapy and receive a certification of completion.
Prior experience in some sort of medical setting may be desired but not requirement.
Good communication skills are required; it's not necessary to be fluent in other languages, although this can be helpful
Of course, a willingness to help others as well as patience and diligence are traits that a vocational rehabilitation specialist should have.
Employment Outlook
The job market for vocational rehabilitation should stay strong. There will always be people with special needs or disabilities that require help in order to obtain employment and better there own lives. The remuneration structure is attractive and is dependent on the employing agency.
Conclusion
A job in this particular field will prove to be as rewarding emotionally as it will be financially. Working as a vocational rehabilitation specialist will always leave you with a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction in the knowledge that you've bettered the lives of others.
