How to Be Senior Certified Rehabilitation Counselor - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jan 8, 2022 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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A Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) is a professional who helps individuals with physical, mental, developmental, and emotional disabilities reach their personal and career goals. In order to become a CRC, a person must meet the educational and experiential requirements set forth by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC). Those requirements include completing a master's degree in rehabilitation counseling, completing several years of supervised work experience, and passing the national certification exam.

Once a person achieves Senior Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (SCRC) status, they have proven their expertise in the field through their dedication and skill. As a result, SCRCs are able to provide the highest quality of services to their clients, ultimately improving their lives and helping them reach their full potential.

Steps How to Become

Have a minimum of a master's degree in rehabilitation counseling or a related field.
Obtain at least two years of relevant experience in the field of rehabilitation counseling.
Pass the Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) exam administered by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC).
Have at least one year of post-CRC experience.
Submit an application to the CRCC for Senior Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (SCRC) status, along with a letter of recommendation from a supervisor or other qualified professional.
Pass the SCRC examination administered by the CRCC.
Receive the Senior Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (SCRC) credential from the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC).

Becoming a Senior Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (SCRC) requires a high level of expertise and qualifications. To qualify, individuals must have a masters degree in rehabilitation counseling, at least 5 years of work experience in the field, and pass the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC) examination. Those who complete these requirements will gain a wealth of knowledge and skills that can help them effectively serve their clients.

These skills include the ability to assess client needs and develop comprehensive rehabilitation plans, along with the ability to provide individual and group counseling services. SCRCs are able to connect clients with community resources and provide job placement services. By becoming an SCRC, individuals demonstrate their commitment to the rehabilitation counseling profession and the clients they serve.

You may want to check Assistant Rehabilitation Manager, Mental Health/Rehabilitation Counselor, and Rehabilitation Technician for alternative.

Job Description

Develop individualized rehabilitation plans for clients to help them achieve their goals.
Provide vocational counseling and career counseling services to clients.
Develop and implement intervention plans for clients with physical, mental, emotional, or social disabilities.
Evaluate and diagnose clients in order to determine their needs and eligibility for rehabilitation services.
Connect clients with appropriate services, such as job training and placement, educational opportunities, and housing assistance.
Collaborate with other professionals to provide comprehensive services to clients.
Advocate on behalf of clients with employers, government agencies, and other organizations.
Monitor client progress and adjust plans as needed to ensure successful outcomes.
Maintain detailed records of client progress and interactions.
Educate clients and their families about their rights and responsibilities.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of the psychosocial and medical aspects of disabilities
Understanding of the vocational rehabilitation process
Ability to assess and interpret psychological, educational, and medical data
Knowledge of assessment techniques, such as work sampling and job analysis
Ability to develop and implement individualized plans of service, including job placement
Understanding of labor market trends and job opportunities
Ability to develop and maintain relationships with employers
Knowledge of job-seeking skills and strategies
Ability to provide case management services
Knowledge of the laws and regulations governing disability and rehabilitation services
Ability to provide counseling and guidance to individuals with disabilities
Knowledge of assistive technology and adaptive equipment
Ability to evaluate the effectiveness of services provided
Knowledge of community resources and services for individuals with disabilities

Having strong interpersonal skills is an essential skill for any Certified Rehabilitation Counselor. It is important for a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor to be able to effectively build rapport with clients, understand their needs, and develop strategies to assist them in achieving their goals. Being able to listen attentively, provide empathetic feedback, and remain patient while aiding clients in the rehabilitation process are key components in a successful rehabilitation counseling experience.

having a solid knowledge of the law and regulations regarding disability and rehabilitation is critical to ensure that the counseling process moves forward in a legal, ethical, and effective manner. Understanding how to make assessments and create individualized plans tailored to meet the needs of each client is also essential. Lastly, maintaining a positive attitude and staying proactive in the rehabilitation process can help make it a successful experience for all involved.

Adaptive Physical Education Teacher/Rehabilitation Therapist, Rehabilitation Services Manager, and Rehabilitation Program Director are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

How does your experience and knowledge make you an ideal candidate for this position?
What methods do you use to ensure effective communication with clients?
Describe how you develop a treatment plan for a client.
Have you ever faced a difficult situation while working with a client? How did you handle it?
What strategies do you use to motivate clients to reach their rehabilitation goals?
How do you ensure that clients are receiving the most appropriate services for their needs?
What is the most rewarding experience that you've had as a rehabilitation counselor?
What techniques do you use to maintain a professional relationship with clients?
Describe your experience with managing a caseload of clients.
How have you adapted to changes in the rehabilitation counseling field?

Common Tools in Industry

Job Search Engines. Search engines that help job seekers find job postings and other employment opportunities (e. g. Indeed, Monster).
Professional Networking Sites. Sites that enable job seekers to create professional profiles, connect with other professionals, and find job postings (e. g. LinkedIn, Glassdoor).
Video Conferencing Platforms. Platforms used to facilitate remote interviews (e. g. Zoom, Skype).
Resume Writing Software. Software that helps job seekers craft and format their resumes and cover letters (e. g. Resume Builder, Resoomer).
Job Interview Preparation Tools. Tools designed to help job seekers prepare for job interviews (e. g. Interview Prep, Mock Interview).
Career Assessment Tests. Tests that help job seekers identify potential career paths based on their skills and interests (e. g. MyPlan, Holland Code).

Professional Organizations to Know

American Counseling Association
American Mental Health Counselors Association
American Rehabilitation Counseling Association
Association of Rehabilitation Nurses
Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards
Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification
International Association of Rehabilitation Professionals
International Association of Rehabilitation Counselors
National Board for Certified Counselors
National Council on Rehabilitation Education

We also have Senior Rehabilitation Aide, Rehabilitation Consultant, and Assistant Rehabilitation Aide jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor. A professional who helps individuals with disabilities to gain or retain employment.
Accommodations. Adjustments made in the workplace that allow individuals with disabilities to fulfill job requirements.
Job Accommodation Network (JAN). A free service that provides advice and resources on workplace accommodations.
Assistive Technology. Devices or services used to increase, maintain, or improve a person's functional capabilities.
Disability Disclosure. The process of disclosing a disability to an employer or prospective employer.
Workplace Accommodation Negotiations. The process of discussing and agreeing on workplace accommodations with an employer or prospective employer.
Job Search Strategies. Techniques used to identify and apply for jobs, such as networking, researching employers, and using job search websites.
Job Retention Strategies. Techniques used to maintain employment, such as problem solving, communication, and goal setting.
Job Coaching. An individualized counseling service designed to help people with disabilities develop skills and knowledge related to job search, job retention, and career advancement.
Self-Advocacy. The practice of speaking up for oneself in the workplace and advocating for the rights of people with disabilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a Senior Certified Rehabilitation Counselor do?

A Senior Certified Rehabilitation Counselor provides counseling and career development services to individuals with disabilities, helping them to identify and achieve their employment and career goals.

What qualifications are required to become a Senior Certified Rehabilitation Counselor?

To become a Senior Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, an individual must meet the requirements set by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC), including at least a master's degree in rehabilitation counseling or a related field, two years of post-master's counseling experience, and successful completion of the CRCC's certification exam.

How long does it take to receive Senior Certified Rehabilitation Counselor certification?

It typically takes between 4 to 6 months to receive Senior Certified Rehabilitation Counselor certification from the CRCC.

What are the benefits of becoming a Senior Certified Rehabilitation Counselor?

Becoming a Senior Certified Rehabilitation Counselor can provide individuals with increased job opportunities, higher salaries, and more professional recognition. It can also provide individuals with greater confidence in their professional abilities and a sense of accomplishment for completing the certification process.

What is the renewal process for Senior Certified Rehabilitation Counselor certification?

Senior Certified Rehabilitation Counselor certification must be renewed every two years by completing 80 hours of continuing education activities and submitting an application to the CRCC.

Web Resources

Rehabilitation Counseling Certificate | UMass Boston Online online.umb.edu
Rehabilitation Counseling Certificate | Utah State University Online www.usu.edu
Rehabilitation Counseling Certificate | Cambridge College www.cambridgecollege.edu