Rehabilitation Employment Specialist in Kansas Career Overview
As a Rehabilitation Employment Specialist, you play a vital role in helping individuals with disabilities secure meaningful employment and reintegrate into the workforce. This career is centered around providing support, guidance, and resources necessary for clients to achieve their vocational goals.
Job Role: Your responsibilities include assessing clients' skills, interests, and barriers to employment, creating individualized employment plans, and coordinating services to enhance employability. You work closely with a variety of stakeholders, including clients, employers, and other service providers, ensuring that everyone involved is aligned with the clients' goals.
Importance in the Industry: Your expertise is essential in promoting inclusivity in the workplace. You advocate for clients, educating employers about the benefits of hiring individuals with disabilities and helping to create diverse work environments. By facilitating job placements and providing ongoing support, you contribute to breaking down barriers to employment, fostering independence, and enhancing the quality of life for your clients.
Impact: Your work not only helps individuals achieve their career aspirations but also supports broader societal goals of equality and opportunity. Through your efforts, you empower clients to take control of their employment journey, ultimately benefiting communities by utilizing the diverse talents available in today’s job market.
Rehabilitation Employment Specialist Salary in Kansas
Data sourced from Career One Stop, provided by the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics wage estimates.
Required Education To Become a Rehabilitation Employment Specialist in Kansas
To become a Rehabilitation Employment Specialist in Kansas, you will need to meet specific educational qualifications and complete relevant training programs. Here are the degree programs you should consider:
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions: Pursuing a degree in this field will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of rehabilitation processes and therapeutic practices that aid individuals in overcoming barriers to employment.
Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling: This program focuses on counseling skills and rehabilitation strategies that assist clients with disabilities in achieving their employment goals. A master's degree in this area is often preferred or required.
Occupational Therapy: Completing a degree in occupational therapy equips you with the knowledge to help individuals develop, recover, and improve the skills needed for daily living and working. This typically requires a master’s degree.
Occupational Therapist Assistant: An associate degree in this field prepares you to support occupational therapists in providing rehabilitative services. It includes hands-on training and coursework related to patient care and rehabilitation techniques.
Human Services: A degree in human services will give you foundational knowledge regarding social services, community resources, and helping professions, which is beneficial for working in rehabilitation employment.
It is important to verify specific state licensing or certification requirements, as these might vary depending on your educational path. Additionally, consider internships or volunteer experiences in rehabilitation settings to enhance your training.
Best Schools to become a Rehabilitation Employment Specialist in Kansas 2024
University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences
University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus
The University of Montana
University of Southern California
Texas Woman's University
Arcadia University
- 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.
Rehabilitation Employment Specialist Required Skills and Competencies in Kansas
Communication Skills: You must effectively communicate with clients, employers, and colleagues. This includes both verbal and written communication, as well as active listening to understand client needs and concerns.
Empathy and Compassion: Understanding the challenges that individuals with disabilities face is essential. Your ability to empathize will help build trust with clients and provide emotional support during their job search.
Problem-Solving Skills: Strong analytical and critical thinking skills will enable you to identify barriers to employment for clients and develop practical solutions to overcome these obstacles.
Knowledge of Employment Laws and Regulations: Familiarity with federal and state employment regulations relating to disability rights, workplace accommodations, and equal employment opportunity is important to advocate effectively for your clients.
Organizational Skills: You need to manage multiple client cases, maintain comprehensive records, and coordinate with various stakeholders while adhering to deadlines.
Networking Ability: Building and maintaining relationships with employers and community resources will be vital for connecting clients with job opportunities and support services.
Motivational Skills: Your ability to inspire and motivate clients is essential in helping them to overcome self-doubt and pursue their career goals with confidence.
Cultural Competence: Understanding and respecting diverse cultural backgrounds will enhance your effectiveness in working with various populations and ensure that you provide equitable support to all clients.
Assessment and Evaluation Skills: You should be skilled in assessing clients' abilities, interests, and job readiness, as well as evaluating the effectiveness of employment programs and interventions.
Adaptability: The ability to adjust your methods and strategies based on changing client needs, job markets, and organizational goals is critical in this dynamic field.
Job Duties for Rehabilitation Employment Specialists
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.
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
Job Market and Opportunities for Rehabilitation Employment Specialist in Kansas
The job market for Rehabilitation Employment Specialists in Kansas is characterized by a steady demand and positive growth potential. As an individual considering this career path, you may find several key aspects worth noting:
Demand for Services: With an increasing focus on workforce inclusion and the need for personalized employment services, there is a growing demand for Rehabilitation Employment Specialists. These professionals play a vital role in helping individuals with disabilities or other barriers to employment find meaningful work opportunities.
Growth Potential: The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates a favorable outlook for employment in this field. As more organizations recognize the importance of diversity and inclusion, the need for specialists who can effectively assist individuals in overcoming employment barriers continues to rise. This trend indicates strong growth potential for those entering this field.
Geographical Hotspots: In Kansas, metropolitan areas such as Kansas City, Wichita, and Topeka are where you may find a concentration of job opportunities. These cities host various organizations, including vocational rehabilitation services, community service agencies, and non-profits that focus on employment for individuals with disabilities.
Public and Private Sector Opportunities: You can explore employment options in both public agencies and private organizations. Public sector positions may include roles within state and local government rehabilitation programs, while private organizations often provide services to assist individuals in job placements and skill development.
Collaborative Environment: Rehabilitation Employment Specialists regularly collaborate with a range of professionals, including social workers, job coaches, and employers. This collaborative environment enhances job opportunities as many organizations look to build teams that can effectively address the diverse needs of clients.
By considering these factors, you can gain insight into the opportunities awaiting you as a Rehabilitation Employment Specialist in Kansas. As the landscape continues to evolve, staying informed about local trends and networking within the industry will be essential for career advancement in this fulfilling field.
Top Related Careers to Rehabilitation Employment Specialist 2024
Additional Resources To Help You Become a Rehabilitation Employment Specialist in Kansas
National Rehabilitation Association (NRA)
- A professional organization dedicated to promoting the field of rehabilitation. Resources include employment-related information, training, and networking opportunities.
- Website: nationalrehab.org
American Rehabilitation Counseling Association (ARCA)
- Provides resources for rehabilitation counselors and employment specialists, including professional development, research, and advocacy information.
- Website: arcainc.org
Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA)
- A federal agency providing funding for services supporting individuals with disabilities. Offers guidelines, funding opportunities, and research updates.
- Website: rsa.ed.gov
Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF)
- Offers information and resources specific to Kansas residents, including services provided for individuals seeking rehabilitation and employment support.
- Website: dcf.ks.gov
Kansas Rehabilitation Services (KRS)
- A division of the Kansas Department for Children and Families focusing on helping individuals with disabilities to achieve employment. Offers state-specific resources and support systems.
- Website: dcf.ks.gov/services/rehab
Job Accommodation Network (JAN)
- A free consulting service designed to help individuals and organizations implement workplace accommodations.
- Website: askjan.org
Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)
- Offers resources and tools for employment specialists, including information on hiring practices and workplace accommodations for disabled individuals.
- Website: shrm.org
U.S. Department of Labor (DOL)
- Provides resources related to employment laws and regulations, including information specific to the employment of individuals with disabilities.
- Website: dol.gov
National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD)
- A resource for educators and specialists working with individuals who have learning disabilities. Provides information and strategies for supporting employment success.
- Website: ncld.org
CareerOneStop
- Offers tools and resources for career exploration, job search, and training resources, tailored to individuals with disabilities.
- Website: careeronestop.org
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Rehabilitation Employment Specialist in Kansas
What does a Rehabilitation Employment Specialist do?
A Rehabilitation Employment Specialist assists individuals with disabilities or employment barriers in finding and maintaining suitable jobs. This includes assessing clients' skills, interests, and potential challenges, as well as providing job placement services and ongoing support.What are the educational requirements for becoming a Rehabilitation Employment Specialist in Kansas?
Most positions require at least a bachelor's degree in fields such as psychology, social work, or vocational rehabilitation. Some employers may prefer candidates with a master's degree or specific certification in rehabilitation counseling.Is certification necessary to work as a Rehabilitation Employment Specialist?
Certification can enhance your qualifications and job prospects. The Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) credential, offered by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification, is highly regarded in the field.What skills are essential for a successful Rehabilitation Employment Specialist?
Key skills include strong communication, empathy, problem-solving, and analytical skills. Familiarity with job market trends and knowledge of available resources for individuals with disabilities are also important.What types of employers hire Rehabilitation Employment Specialists?
You can find opportunities in various settings, including state and private rehabilitation agencies, non-profit organizations, community colleges, and corporate human resources departments.Is this a growing field? What is the job outlook for Rehabilitation Employment Specialists?
The job outlook for Rehabilitation Employment Specialists is positive. With increasing awareness of inclusive employment practices and growing support for individuals with disabilities, the demand for these specialists is expected to rise.What does a typical day look like for a Rehabilitation Employment Specialist?
A typical day may involve meeting with clients, conducting assessments, developing individualized rehabilitation plans, coordinating with employers, and providing follow-up support to ensure job retention.What challenges might I encounter in this career?
You may face challenges such as managing client expectations, navigating complex cases, and dealing with employers who may be hesitant to hire individuals with disabilities. Patience and creativity are essential in overcoming these hurdles.How can I gain experience in this field?
Consider internships, volunteer opportunities, or entry-level positions in related fields to gain practical experience. Networking with professionals in the industry or joining relevant associations can also be beneficial.What resources are available for individuals interested in becoming Rehabilitation Employment Specialists in Kansas?
You can access resources through local universities offering relevant degree programs, professional associations like the Kansas Rehabilitation Association, and state agencies such as the Kansas Department for Children and Families, which often provide job search tools and training programs.