Work Roles and Functions of Undergraduate Rehabilitation Services Alumni: A Replication Study

Abstract

Background:This study compared differences in work roles and functions, employment settings, job titles, and compensation received over a 12-year time period as reported by two different samples of undergraduate-trained personnel.Method:Using the same survey instrument from an earlier investigation conducted by Herbert et al. (2010), data from 166 respondents who graduated from 14 undergraduate rehabilitation programs across the country were asked to estimate the frequency and importance of each job task performed.Findings:Although there was a broad diversity in work tasks, as it relates to the ranking of job tasks performed on a daily basis and their relevance to client service outcome, there was a strong consistency between the current and earlier study, particularly among the highest ranked job tasks: providing emotional support, writing progress notes, obtaining client background information, and providing client training on problem-solving. It is also clear that undergraduate rehabilitation alumni continue working in diverse work settings and hold a wide variety of job titles earning an annual salary of $33,058, with half earning between $20,640–$35,000.Conclusions:Results from this study may be useful in terms of student recruitment information, program curriculum considerations, and accreditation requirements applicable to undergraduate rehabilitation education.