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Disability Counselor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Disability Specialist

Boston, MA · On-site

$53K - $75K/yr

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES & ACCOUNTABILITIES 1) Direct Service to Students Counsel and advise students; provide specialized skills and compensatory strategies for students with disabilities. Advocate for ...

Disability Specialist

Boston, MA · On-site

$53K - $75K/yr

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES & ACCOUNTABILITIES 1) Direct Service to Students Counsel and advise students; provide specialized skills and compensatory strategies for students with disabilities. Advocate for ...

Disability Attorney

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$80K - $110K/yr

... and client counseling. This attorney will help clients navigate complex disability insurance disputes from initial case evaluation through resolution. Key responsibilities include reviewing ...

$7K/mo

Provide disability advising and disability counseling to assist students in their transition to and matriculation at CSUEB, including the most beneficial uses of accommodations, and effective ...

$7K/mo

Provide disability advising and disability counseling to assist students in their transition to and matriculation at CSUEB, including the most beneficial uses of accommodations, and effective ...

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Disability Counselor information

See salary details

$29.5K

$61.6K

$88K

How much do disability counselor jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for disability counselor in the United States is $61,648.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,000.00 and $72,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs pay 10,000 a month without a degree?

Disability counselors typically do not earn $10,000 a month without advanced experience or specialized certifications. High-paying roles that can reach this level without a degree include certain sales positions, real estate brokers, or entrepreneurship ventures, often requiring strong skills, networking, and industry knowledge. Most jobs with such high income potential without a degree involve commission, self-employment, or significant experience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Disability Counselor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Disability Counselor, you need a background in counseling, psychology, or social work—often supported by a relevant bachelor’s or master’s degree and, in some cases, state licensure or certification. Familiarity with case management systems, assistive technologies, and legal frameworks such as ADA compliance is typically required. Exceptional communication, empathy, and problem-solving skills help counselors build trust and advocate effectively for clients. These competencies ensure that individuals with disabilities receive appropriate support, accommodations, and guidance for their personal and professional development.

How to become a disability therapist?

To become a disability therapist, you typically need a relevant bachelor's degree in fields such as psychology, social work, or counseling, followed by obtaining a master's degree or higher in a related discipline. Licensing or certification requirements vary by region but often include supervised clinical experience and passing a licensing exam. Developing strong communication skills and knowledge of disability laws and therapies are also important for this role.

What qualifications do you need to work with people with disabilities?

Disability counselors typically need a relevant bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, counseling, or a related field. Certification or licensure, such as a state-specific counseling license, may be required, along with strong interpersonal skills and knowledge of disability services and resources.

What is the highest paid counseling job?

Among counseling roles, clinical psychologists and neuropsychologists tend to have the highest salaries, often exceeding $100,000 annually, especially with advanced degrees and licensure. These positions typically require specialized training, certification, and experience in mental health assessment and therapy.

What are some common challenges Disability Counselors face when supporting clients, and how can these challenges be addressed?

Disability Counselors often encounter challenges such as navigating complex legal requirements, advocating for accommodations, and addressing the diverse needs of clients with various disabilities. Building strong communication skills and staying updated on disability legislation, like the ADA, are essential for overcoming these obstacles. Collaborating closely with multidisciplinary teams and maintaining a client-centered approach can help ensure effective support and positive outcomes for clients.

What does a Disability Counselor do?

A Disability Counselor provides support and guidance to individuals with physical, mental, or emotional disabilities. They help clients understand their rights, access resources, and develop strategies to overcome barriers in education, employment, or daily life. Disability counselors also collaborate with families, employers, and other professionals to create inclusive environments and advocate for necessary accommodations. Their goal is to empower clients to achieve greater independence and improve their quality of life.

What is the difference between Disability Counselor vs Rehabilitation Counselor?

AspectDisability CounselorRehabilitation Counselor
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's or master's degree in counseling or related field; licensure may be requiredRequires a master's degree in rehabilitation counseling or related field; licensure often necessary
Work EnvironmentCommunity agencies, schools, healthcare settingsRehabilitation centers, hospitals, government agencies
Employer & Industry UsageNonprofit organizations, schools, healthcare providersState agencies, private rehab facilities, healthcare institutions

Disability Counselors and Rehabilitation Counselors share similar educational backgrounds and work environments focused on assisting individuals with disabilities. However, Rehabilitation Counselors often have specialized training in vocational rehabilitation and work within more formal rehab settings. Both roles aim to improve clients' quality of life, but Rehabilitation Counselors typically have a broader scope related to employment and functional recovery.

More about Disability Counselor jobs
What cities are hiring for Disability Counselor jobs? Cities with the most Disability Counselor job openings:
What states have the most Disability Counselor jobs? States with the most job openings for Disability Counselor jobs include:
Infographic showing various Disability Counselor job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,648 per year, or $29.6 per hour.

Developmental Disabilities Camp Counselor 1-4

StateJobsNY

Wilton, NY • On-site

$15.97 - $22.86/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Duties Description Developmental Disabilities Camp Counselors assist in the provision of appropriate recreational and leisure activities for individuals with developmental disabilities. The programs allow individuals to have summer fun in a natural setting. Counselors with appropriate lifeguard certification, may serve as lifeguards during water activities. The positions are temporary in nature and counselors may be assigned to day programs.
To learn more about what direct professionals do on the job every day, go to; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cnK4z3KAqtE
https://www.linkedin.com/company/nys-office-for-people-with-developmental-disabilities/posts/?feedView=all
#LI-SR1
Minimum Qualifications Developmental Disabilities Camp Counselors must be 18 years of age and eligible to work in New York State. Preference is given to individuals with education or experience in therapeutic recreation or camp programs for individuals with developmental disabilities. Counselors serving as lifeguards must have American Red Cross lifeguard certification, first aid, and CPR. All candidates will be subject to a criminal background check.
Additional Comments • If you are currently a New York State employee serving in a permanent competitive qualifying title and eligible for a transfer via Section 70.1 of the Civil Service Law, you may be appointed to this title as a permanent competitive employee.
• For CSEA positions: Local Bidding Agreements will be honored.
• Preference will be given to OPWDD employees impacted by closures. If you are being impacted by closure, please indicate this on your resume.
• All OPWDD employees must be eligible and maintain eligibility for full and unconditional participation in the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Continued employment will depend on maintaining eligibility.
• If you are employed by state government you may be able to receive loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF). The PSLF Program forgives the remaining balance on Direct Loans after 120 qualifying monthly payments have been made under a qualifying repayment plan while working full-time for a qualifying employer. For more information on PSLF, please visit www.studentAid.gov/publicservice.
• Employees on long term leave can bid on positions but must be able to report to work within fourteen (14) days and be able to perform the essential functions of their positions with or without reasonable accommodation (RA).
• If an employee or job applicant believes that they need a reasonable accommodation, they should contact the Reasonable Accommodation Unit at (518) 486-7222 or email accommodationrequests@opwdd.ny.gov to obtain information and RA forms.
• Savings programs such as the U.S. Savings Bond and the College Savings Plan.
• Voluntary pre-tax savings programs such as Health Care Spending Account and the Dependent Care Advantage Account offer employees options to pay for uncovered health care expenses or dependent care expenses.
• Access to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) an assessment and referral service that connects employees with local service providers and support services to address their personal needs.
• Life insurance and Disability insurance.
• The New York State Deferred Compensation Plan is a voluntary retirement plan that offers employees the option to invest a part of their salaries for retirement on a tax-deferred basis.
• Paid Holidays and Leave:
° Thirteen (13) paid holidays each year.
° Thirteen (13) days of paid vacation leave initially.
° Five (5) days paid personal leave each year.
° Thirteen (13) days of paid sick leave each year (PEF/CSEA), which may carry over from year to year.
° Up to three (3) days professional leave each year to participate in professional development events.
• Health Care Coverage:
Employees and their eligible dependents can choose from a variety of affordable health insurance programs. Employees are provided family dental and vision plans at no extra cost.
• Paid Parental Leave:
Paid Parental Leave allows eligible employees to take up to 12 weeks of paid leave at full pay for each qualifying event. A qualifying event is defined as the birth of a child or placement of a child for adoption or foster care.
• Retirement Program:
Participate in The NYS Employees' Retirement System (ERS), which is recognized as one of the best-managed and best-funded public retirement systems in the nation.
• Professional Development and Education and Training:
NYS offers training programs and tuition assistance to eligible employees to maintain and increase their professional skills and prepare them for promotional opportunities. For more information, please visit https://oer.ny.gov/training-and-professional-development.
• Additionally, the Public Service Workshops Program (PSWP) offers certain professional training opportunities for PEF represented and M/C designated employees that may grant continuing education credits towards maintaining professional licensure. For more information, please visit https://oer.ny.gov/public-service-workshops-program-pswp.
• OPWDD is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer dedicated to creating and sustaining a culture of inclusion. We believe that we are most effective in managing and improving our service system with a diverse team of employees. With such a large workforce, we rely on the collective individual differences, life experiences, knowledge, self-expression, ideas and talent that our employees bring to their work. This speaks to our culture and is a key part of our successes. As we continuously recruit people for our team, we welcome the unique contributions that applicants bring in terms of their education, culture, ethnicity, race, sex, gender identity and expression, nation of origin, age, languages spoken, veteran's status, color, religion, disability, sexual orientation and beliefs.
***All people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.***
Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.
Name Sarah Rayow, Human Resources
Telephone 518-801-7852
Fax 518-370-7536
Email Address CapitalDistrict.Careers@opwdd.ny.gov
Address
Street 500 Balltown Road
City Schenectady
State NY
Zip Code 12304
Notes on Applying Please email your resume to CapitalDistrict.Careers@opwdd.ny.gov and reference vacancy ID in your email.