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Compensated Work Therapy Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Mental Health Clinic, Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Programs, Neuropsychology, PTSD Clinic, Mental Health Intensive Case Management, Compensated Work Therapy, Homeless services or Vocational ...

Mental Health Clinic, Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Programs, Neuropsychology, PTSD Clinic, Mental Health Intensive Case Management, Compensated Work Therapy, Homeless services or Vocational ...

Housekeeping Aid

Augusta, GA · On-site +1

$18.04 - $21.05/hr

Additionally, the position, may work with and provide guidance to Compensated Work Therapy (CWT) worker, and perform other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday (Various Shifts) Position ...

Psychiatrist - 1099

Kayenta, AZ · On-site

$175/hr

Mental Health Clinic, Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Programs, Neuropsychology, PTSD Clinic, Mental Health Intensive Case Management, Compensated Work Therapy, Homeless services or Vocational ...

Mental Health Clinic, Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Programs, Neuropsychology, PTSD Clinic, Mental Health Intensive Case Management, Compensated Work Therapy, Homeless services or Vocational ...

Mental Health Clinic, Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Programs, Neuropsychology, PTSD Clinic, Mental Health Intensive Case Management, Compensated Work Therapy, Homeless services or Vocational ...

Psychiatrist - 1099

Page, AZ · On-site

$175/hr

Mental Health Clinic, Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Programs, Neuropsychology, PTSD Clinic, Mental Health Intensive Case Management, Compensated Work Therapy, Homeless services or Vocational ...

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Compensated Work Therapy information

See salary details

$12

$21

$30

How much do compensated work therapy jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for compensated work therapy in the United States is $21.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $23.56 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Compensated Work Therapy vs Supported Employment?

AspectCompensated Work TherapySupported Employment
CredentialsTypically requires vocational rehabilitation certification or related credentialsRequires similar certifications, often vocational rehabilitation or mental health credentials
Work EnvironmentStructured, often within healthcare or rehabilitation settingsCommunity-based, integrated into regular workplaces
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by VA, mental health agencies, and rehab programsUsed by vocational agencies, mental health services, and community organizations

Compensated Work Therapy focuses on providing structured, rehabilitative employment within healthcare or rehab settings, often with compensation. Supported Employment emphasizes integrating individuals into competitive, community-based jobs with ongoing support. Both roles require similar credentials and serve overlapping industries, but differ mainly in work environment and approach.

What is Compensated Work Therapy?

Compensated Work Therapy (CWT) is a vocational rehabilitation program primarily offered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. It provides work opportunities and supportive services to help veterans with mental health or physical disabilities gain work experience and income. Participants engage in real work settings, either within VA facilities or with community employers, while receiving guidance and support from program staff. The goal is to promote independence, build job skills, and assist in transitioning to competitive employment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Compensated Work Therapy (CWT) Specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Compensated Work Therapy Specialist, you need a background in vocational rehabilitation, case management, and behavioral health, often supported by a degree in social work, psychology, or a related field. Familiarity with electronic health records, vocational assessment tools, and program management software is typically required. Exceptional interpersonal communication, motivational interviewing, and problem-solving skills help build trust and support veterans' employment goals. These competencies are crucial for effectively guiding clients toward meaningful work and successful reintegration into the workforce.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in Compensated Work Therapy (CWT) programs, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Compensated Work Therapy programs often encounter challenges such as balancing individualized client needs with organizational goals, supporting clients with complex mental health or substance use histories, and maintaining engagement among participants. Addressing these challenges typically involves ongoing training in trauma-informed care, effective communication with interdisciplinary teams, and utilizing evidence-based practices tailored to vocational rehabilitation. Collaboration with clinical staff and community partners is essential to provide holistic support and ensure successful client outcomes.
More about Compensated Work Therapy jobs
What job categories do people searching Compensated Work Therapy jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Compensated Work Therapy jobs are:
Infographic showing various Compensated Work Therapy job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, and 99% Full Time. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,981 per year, or $21.1 per hour.

$133K/yr

Other

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

This position is served as the Supervisory Rehabilitation Counselor for the Compensated Work Therapy/Transitional Residence (CWT/TR) Program, which provides education and resources for Veterans in the programs. The position oversees service delivery and coordination of care activities for Veterans receiving CWT/TR services through the Homeless Program, Social Work Service department at the VA Health Care System.Qualifications:Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.
Basic Requirements:
  • United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
  • Education:
    • (1) A master's degree in rehabilitation counseling or clinical rehabilitation counseling from a rehabilitation counseling program accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). If the applicant's degree was granted prior to July 1, 2017, the program must be accredited by the Council on Rehabilitation Education. OR
    • (2) A master's degree in counseling or clinical rehabilitation counseling from a college or university accredited by a national or regional accrediting body accredited by Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). OR
    • (3) A master's or doctoral degree in a related field of study with course content that emphasized rehabilitation, counseling, disability, therapy, health, employment, wellness, or human development from a college or university accredited by a national or regional accrediting body accredited by CHEA. OR
    • (4) Foreign graduates with a degree acceptable by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC). May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).
  • Certification: Current, full and unrestricted certification as a certified rehabilitation counselor (CRC) from the CRCC (Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification) to practice vocational rehabilitation counseling.
  • English Language Proficiency: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. 7403(f).
  • Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service.May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).

Grade Determination as Supervisory, Rehabilitation Counselor, GS-0101-13:
Experience. Completion of one year of professional experience equivalent to the next lower grade level directly related to the position being filled.
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA). In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:
  • (a)Skilled in program management/administration of a wide range of rehabilitation programs, including such areas as clinical specialties, finance, accountability, oversight of work performed by program staff, consultation, negotiation and monitoring to successfully operate and enhance all programs.
  • (b) Ability to provide individual and group training, orientation, consultation and guidance within clinical specialization of rehabilitation counseling practice to develop, improve and maintain programming.
  • (c) Ability to monitor program outcomes using a data driven quality assurance process to make decisions associated with program management and the development of productivity standards appropriate to the service provided.
  • (d) Ability to translate leadership goals and objectives into well-coordinated and controlled work processes for effective program operations.
  • (e) Extensive knowledge of all legal guidelines governing the operation of CWT programs, their scope and their effect on clinical programming and service delivery.
  • (f) Skill in leading others, assess employee strengths, opportunities for growth and qualifications to accomplish program goals, adapt work operations and guide staff.
Assignment. For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, administrative independence, complexity (difficulty) and range of variety as described in this standard at the specified grade level and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. Serve as supervisor and program manager. Manage the administrative and clinical aspects of a major specialty treatment program, such as CWT, physical medicine & rehabilitation program, CWT-transitional residence (CWT-TR), homeless Veterans program, mental health residential rehabilitation treatment program or a psychosocial rehabilitation and recovery center located at one facility or multiple divisions of a facility. Coordinate interdisciplinary staffing, work assignments, budget, treatment services provided and admission, transition and discharge criteria for the programs. Supervise employees assigned to the program. Serve on local, VISN, and/or national VA committees or task forces and/or represents VA at professional/program community group/events and committees. Manage allocated budgetary resources and supervises the expenditure of funds; e.g., administrative travel, supplies, equipment and staff development in an efficient and economical manner. Utilize wide latitude and independent judgment in exercising line and staff authority for administrative and programmatic resource allocations (e.g., budgets, purchasing, labor mapping) within major specialty programs. Integrate major specialty treatment programs and services into the entire mental health continuum of care in collaboration with the senior leadership. Conduct surveys of rehabilitation facilities and agencies to promote the establishment of suitable medical and rehabilitation services not currently available, or to develop and implement pilot rehabilitation projects.
References: See Office of the Chief Human Capital Officer (OCHCO) website for VA specific qualification standards: VA Qualifications Standards - Office of the Chief Human Capital Officer (OCHCO)Education:Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.Employment Type: OTHER