Disability Services Counselor Overview

Required Education and Training To Become a Disability Services Counselor

Best Schools to become a Disability Services Counselor in U.S. 2024

University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences

San Marcos, CA

In-State Tuition:$N/A
Out-of-State Tuition:$N/A
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:N/A
Total Enrollment:5,152

Liberty University

Lynchburg, VA

In-State Tuition:$15,467
Out-of-State Tuition:$15,467
Admission Rate:99%
Graduation Rate:66%
Total Enrollment:96,709

University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus

Pittsburgh, PA

In-State Tuition:$19,760
Out-of-State Tuition:$36,000
Admission Rate:49%
Graduation Rate:84%
Total Enrollment:33,767

The University of Montana

Missoula, MT

In-State Tuition:$5,515
Out-of-State Tuition:$27,168
Admission Rate:95%
Graduation Rate:46%
Total Enrollment:9,955

Lamar University

Beaumont, TX

In-State Tuition:$6,228
Out-of-State Tuition:$16,020
Admission Rate:84%
Graduation Rate:38%
Total Enrollment:16,803

University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA

In-State Tuition:$63,468
Out-of-State Tuition:$63,468
Admission Rate:12%
Graduation Rate:92%
Total Enrollment:48,945
Disability Services Counselor Job Description:
  • Counsel individuals to maximize the independence and employability of persons coping with personal, social, and vocational difficulties that result from birth defects, illness, disease, accidents, aging, or the stress of daily life.
  • Coordinate activities for residents of care and treatment facilities.
  • Assess client needs and design and implement rehabilitation programs that may include personal and vocational counseling, training, and job placement.

Required Skills and Competencies To Become a Disability Services Counselor

Job Duties for Disability Services Counselors

  • Confer with clients to discuss their options and goals so that rehabilitation programs and plans for accessing needed services can be developed.

  • Develop rehabilitation plans that fit clients' aptitudes, education levels, physical abilities, and career goals.

  • Prepare and maintain records and case files, including documentation, such as clients' personal and eligibility information, services provided, narratives of client contacts, or relevant correspondence.

Technologies and Skills Used by Disability Services Counselors

Electronic mail software

  • Email software
  • Microsoft Outlook

Internet browser software

  • Microsoft Mobile Explorer MME
  • Web browser software

Presentation software

  • Microsoft PowerPoint

Basic Skills

  • Listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
  • Talking to others

People and Technology Systems

  • Figuring out how a system should work and how changes in the future will affect it
  • Thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one

Social

  • Looking for ways to help people
  • Understanding people's reactions

Current Job Market and Opportunites for a Disability Services Counselor

Additional Resources To Help You Become a Disability Services Counselor

FAQs About Becoming a Disability Services Counselor