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Rehab Counselor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Rehabilitation Counselor

Columbia, MD · On-site

$56K - $67K/yr

Reporting to the Residential Manager, the Rehabilitation Counselor helps clients with physical, mental, developmental, or emotional disabilities live independently. Rehab Counselors work with clients ...

Rehabilitation Counselor

San Jose, CA · On-site

$66K - $80K/yr

Rehabilitation Counselor JOB TYPE: Regular, Full-Time, Non-Exempt, Union, Benefitted PROGRAM(S): Adult/Older Adult Outpatient Continuum, FACT Triage, FACT REPORTING RELATIONSHIP: Director and/or ...

Rehabilitation Counselor

Prospect Park, PA · On-site

$54K - $65K/yr

The Rehabilitation Counselor provides direct support, counseling and supervision of all assigned residents to ensure a safe, healthy, secure and pleasant environment, which promotes growth and ...

Rehabilitation Counselor

Prospect Park, PA · On-site

$54K - $65K/yr

The Rehabilitation Counselor provides direct support, counseling and supervision of all assigned residents to ensure a safe, healthy, secure and pleasant environment, which promotes growth and ...

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Rehab Counselor information

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$34.5K

$61.3K

$76.5K

How much do rehab counselor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for rehab counselor in the United States is $61,313.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,000.00 and $69,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a rehab counselor?

Rehab counselors, also known as rehabilitation counselors, are professionals who help people with physical, emotional, mental, or developmental disabilities achieve personal, career, and independent living goals. They assess clients' strengths and needs, develop individualized treatment plans, and provide support as clients navigate barriers to employment, education, or daily life. Rehab counselors often work in schools, hospitals, government agencies, or private practice, focusing on improving their clients’ quality of life and self-sufficiency.

How does a rehab counselor typically collaborate with medical professionals and support staff in developing client treatment plans?

Rehab Counselors work closely with a multidisciplinary team, including doctors, occupational therapists, social workers, and case managers, to create comprehensive treatment plans tailored to each client. They often participate in case conferences and regular meetings to discuss client progress, share insights, and adjust interventions as needed. Effective collaboration ensures that clients receive holistic care addressing both their physical and psychosocial needs, which is central to successful rehabilitation outcomes.

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

To thrive as a Rehab Counselor, you typically need a background in counseling, psychology, or social work, often supported by a master’s degree and state licensure or certification. Familiarity with case management systems, assessment tools, and rehabilitation planning software is important for effective client support. Strong interpersonal skills, empathy, and problem-solving abilities help build trust and motivate clients through their rehabilitation journey. These skills are crucial for developing personalized treatment plans, ensuring compliance, and fostering successful client outcomes.

What is the difference between Rehab Counselor vs Substance Abuse Counselor?

AspectRehab CounselorSubstance Abuse Counselor
CredentialsState licensure, often a master's degree in counseling or psychologyCertification (e.g., CADC), sometimes a master's degree in counseling or social work
Work EnvironmentRehabilitation centers, hospitals, clinics, private practiceRehabilitation centers, addiction treatment facilities, outpatient clinics
Employer & IndustryHealthcare, mental health, rehabilitation servicesSubstance abuse treatment, mental health services
Common Search/ComparisonRehab CounselorSubstance Abuse Counselor

Rehab Counselors and Substance Abuse Counselors both work in mental health and rehabilitation settings, often requiring similar credentials like state licensure or certification. Rehab Counselors typically focus on helping clients recover from various disabilities or injuries, while Substance Abuse Counselors specialize in addiction treatment. Both roles are vital in healthcare and often overlap in work environments, but their specific focus areas differ.

How do you become a rehabilitation counselor?

To become a rehabilitation counselor, you typically need a bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, or a related field, followed by a master's degree in rehabilitation counseling or a similar area. Certification or licensure, such as the Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) credential, is often required and involves passing an exam and completing supervised work experience. Strong interpersonal skills and knowledge of disability services are also important for success in this role.

How much do rehabilitation counselors make in the US?

Rehabilitation counselors in the US earn a median annual wage of around $38,000 to $45,000, with experienced professionals and those working in certain states earning higher salaries. Salaries can vary based on location, education, certifications, and work setting, such as healthcare or government agencies.

What would a rehab counselor do?

A rehab counselor helps individuals recovering from addiction, injury, or illness by providing counseling, developing treatment plans, and supporting behavioral change. They often work in clinical or community settings, utilizing skills in communication and assessment, and may require certification or licensure depending on the region.
More about Rehab Counselor jobs

What cities are hiring for Rehab Counselor jobs?

Cities with the most Rehab Counselor job openings:

Who are the top companies hiring for Rehab Counselor jobs?

The top employers for Rehab Counselor jobs are:

What states have the most Rehab Counselor jobs?

States with the most job openings for Rehab Counselor jobs include:

Infographic showing various Rehab Counselor job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 8% As Needed, 50% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 26% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $61,313 per year, or $29.5 per hour.

$72K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

The Rehabilitation Counselor is located within the Community Support Services (CSS) program, located in the Social Work Service (SWS) line. The Rehabilitation Counselor is responsible for the delivery of rehabilitation services to promote and support optimal functioning and development of veterans by utilizing appropriate counseling and training.
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 3 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).
  • Certification. Current, full and unrestricted certification as a certified rehabilitation counselor (CRC) from the CRCC to practice vocational rehabilitation counseling.
    • (1) Exceptions for Graduate RCs. (a) RC graduates from an approved counseling or rehabilitation counseling program who otherwise meet the basic qualification requirements and the additional degree requirements for CRC certification by the CRCC, but do not possess the required certification, may be appointed, pending certification, as a graduate RC on a full-time temporary appointment not-to-exceed two years under the authority of 38 U.S.C. 7405(a)(1)(D). (b) Graduate RCs may only be appointed at the entry grade level and may not be promoted/converted until certification is obtained. (c) Temporary graduate RC appointments may not be extended beyond two years or converted to a new temporary appointment.
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 Determinations:
Rehabilitation Counselor, GS-09
(1) Experience. None beyond the basic requirements.
(2) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to meeting the experience or educational requirements for this grade level, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:
  1. Knowledge of human development and behavior, medical, psychosocial, and vocational aspects of disability and differential influences of environmental factors to assist persons with disabilities in determining suitable vocational goals.
  2. Knowledge of history, philosophy and disability rights legislation in the field of rehabilitation to apply in the practice of rehabilitation counseling.
  3. Ability to synthesize assessment and diagnosis information in conjunction with labor market trends and community/educational resources to develop an effective individual service delivery plan.
  4. Knowledge of caseload management strategies to maximize an individual's independent functioning from assessment through provision of post-employment services.
  5. Ability to employ person-centered job development strategies to facilitate successful job placement.
  6. Knowledge of assessment tools and methods, functional capacity evaluations and specific vocational preparation to evaluate transferrable skills, residual capacities and needs for accommodations and assistive technology
Rehabilitation Counselor, GS-11
(1) Experience. Completion of one year of professional experience equivalent to the next lower grade level directly related to the position being filled. OR
(2) Education. A doctoral degree in rehabilitation counselor education or related field (e.g. rehabilitation psychology) from a CACREP accredited institution or from an institution accredited by a national or regional accrediting body accredited by CHEA. 6 (3) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:
  1. Knowledge of physical and psychological disabilities, appropriate accommodations and assistive technology principles to mitigate and reduce or eliminate barriers to integrate into the community.
  2. Knowledge of counseling theory, medical and psychiatric terminology and signs and symptomology of suicidal and homicidal ideations, to communicate appropriately with community health care professionals to provide useful input to other team members and employers in relation to the Veteran and/or his/her family's psychosocial needs and to recommend and help implement suitable treatment plans.
  3. Ability to use evidence-based and evidence informed vocational and professional counseling practices to include individual placement and support (IPS), customized employment and supported employment models and motivational interviewing skills to promote self-awareness, adjustment to disability, enhanced job retention and successful integration to the community.
  4. Knowledge of career development processes and job analysis methodology to determine essential functions of jobs, worksite modifications and/or alternative vocational goals given the work history and residual functional capacities of individuals with disabilities.
  5. Ability to administer and interpret a wide variety of assessment methods including transferrable skills and labor market analyses to evaluate for individual interests, aptitudes and abilities and to identify suitable vocational goals for the development of an effective individual service delivery plan.
  6. Knowledge of marketing strategies to develop collaborative partnerships/Memorandums of Agreement within VA and local business community to enhance employment and/or work opportunities.
  7. Knowledge of military lifestyle, specific factors, and dynamics associated with Veterans, particularly combat Veterans, to assist those who are returning to community and community based-work.

Preferred Experience: Experience providing service to veterans, homeless, mental health, substance abuse/dependence
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-9 to GS-11.
Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service.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