What are vocational therapy jobs like?

I'm curious about careers in vocational therapy. Can anyone share what these jobs typically involve and what kind of training or certification is needed? I'm interested in helping people with disabilities engage in meaningful work.

Vocational therapy, also known as vocational rehabilitation, is a dynamic and fulfilling career that involves helping individuals with physical, mental, or emotional disabilities regain, develop, or maintain their ability to engage in work. The primary goal of the vocational therapist is to facilitate these individuals in overcoming barriers to employment and helping them discover their strengths and abilities.

A typical day in the life of a vocational therapist might include evaluating a client's skills, needs, and interests, developing a customized plan for job training and placement, providing guidance and counseling, or teaching job interview strategies, among other tasks. You might work in a variety of settings, such as schools, hospitals, rehabilitation agencies, or even as part of an organization's human resources team.

As for educational and certification requirements, most vocational therapists start with a Bachelor’s degree in a field like Rehabilitation Services, Social Work, or Psychology. After that, the next step often involves earning a Master's degree in Vocational Rehabilitation or a related field. While not always required, gaining certifications such as the Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) or Certified Vocational Evaluator (CVE) can certainly strengthen your credentials and can be particularly useful in more competitive job markets.

It's crucial to continue your professional development throughout your career, given the constantly evolving landscape of disability employment laws, adaptive technology, and other relevant knowledge areas.

In sum, vocational therapy is a rewarding job that requires solid educational credentials and a sincere passion for empowering individuals with disabilities to lead productive and fulfilling lives. It's a job where you can see tangible impacts, where your efforts directly help someone secure employment and improve their quality of life.