Rehabilitation Counseling Competencies

Abstract

Ninety competencies for rehabilitation counselors were identified and assigned to eleven categories to form a competency based Master's degree Rehabilitation Counselor Education Program. Forty eight experienced rehabilitation counselors (28 State VR; 15 private rehabilitation agencies and facilities; and 5 school/university) rated whether the competencies were a job requirement, using the Rehabilitation Counselor Competency (Task) Inventory. Data analyses suggested that more than two-thirds (63 out of 90) of the competencies are required by rehabilitation counselors. Implications for rehabilitation counselors are discussed in terms of skills development and preparation for positions of leadership.