Job Functions and Knowledge Requirements of Certified Rehabilitation Counselors in the 21st Century

Abstract

The practice of rehabilitation counselors has been affected by significant changes in rehabilitation counseling practice settings and service delivery systems, evolving federal legislative mandates, and the licensure movement in the field of counseling. The purpose of this study was to identify and examine the major knowledge domains and job functions required for rehabilitation counseling practice in today's rapidly changing practice environment. Results revealed seven job functions (vocational counseling and consultation, counseling intervention, community-based rehabilitation service activities, case management, applied research, assessment, and professional advocacy) and six knowledge domains (career counseling, assessment, and consultation; counseling theories, techniques, and applications; rehabilitation services and resources; case and case-load management; health care and disability systems; and medical, functional, and environmental implications of disability). Participants' ratings of the importance of job functions and knowledge domains and implications for practice are also discussed.