Getting a vocational rehabilitation counselor job.

How did you get your start doing vocational rehabilitation counselor work, and what career moves did you make to get to your current position?

Do you need a particular educational background?

Do you require your Masters in VRC to be able to work as a VRC?
Or is a Bachelor Degree sufficient?

Host said: How did you get your start doing vocational rehabilitation counselor work, and what career moves did you make to get to your current position?

Do you need a particular educational background?

I started as a vocational rehab counselor with a BS degree but soon realized I needed to go back to school. I earned a MA in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling and became nationally certified in Rehabilitation Counseling (CRC). I learned you can do the job with a BS but you become true to your consumers when you earn your MA in rehab counseling.............

Gemma Gapud in Hunters Hill, Australia said: Do you require your Masters in VRC to be able to work as a VRC?
Or is a Bachelor Degree sufficient?

most places a BA is sufficient...... but if you want to do your consumers a favor.......earn your masters degree

Donna in Brandon, Florida said: I started as a vocational rehab counselor with a BS degree but soon realized I needed to go back to school. I earned a MA in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling and became nationally certified in Rehabilitation Counseling (CRC). I learned you can do the job with a BS but you become true to your consumers when you earn your MA in rehab counseling.............

I am struggling to find a public sector job in Florida. I wish I knew your secret. I have a Masters in Rehabilitation Counseling, I'm a CRC, and I'm a QRP. I tried a job in the private sector (since that's where I did my internship) and discovered it wasn't the right place for me. I am in IARP so all of my contacts pretty much are in the private sector. I did a week of observation at a DVR. Everyone keeps telling me that I don't have enough experience. Do you have any tips for me?

You have a great deal of education and all the right certifications but you are not getting the job...... hhhmmm.... Have you interviewed for a counselor position? If so, did you ask the employer how you did in the interview? If not, are you requesting too much money? The salary generally starts at the lowest level. Would you consider starting as a VR Technician and working your way into a counselor position? Sometimes getting your foot in the door will give you the opportunity to prove you are a good counselor. Good luck to you.

Thank you for your comments, Donna. I definitely would consider VR Tech as long as no complex math & science were involved. I just wish that they hadn't talked up the field and the availability of jobs so much when I was in school. Oh, well. I'll get something eventually, I'm sure.

I got a job!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It's not a state VR job but it's a rehabilitation therapist. I am so excited that I can hardly stand it. Thanks everyone for your encouraging words!

Well, the job did not work out. So, I'm back searching again. Perhaps I should consider looking into a different kind of counseling or maybe even social work. I have a disability and sometimes I think that impacts my job performance. But I have wanted to be a counselor my whole life. My ideal job would be a disabilities services coordinator at a college or a college counselor. Something will turn up eventually. I have faith and a supportive family and they are what gets me through. For now, I will keep volunteering and being an active member of a public speaking club. They will keep me busy until I find the job that is right for me.

What would your advice be to a client in your situation? If you had someone who completed training and was looking for a job in their field what steps would you suggest?
Look at your situation through different eyes and make a plan.

It sounds like a plan to me. Remember looking for work is a fulltime job. One idea is for you to keep a journal. Write down what you do everyday. Keep your journal by the phone so when you get that call for an interview you can flip through your notes. You can use your experiences when you do get your job. I was without a job for eight months prior to finding mine. I once even made a cold call to find about about an opening and cried in the managers office! I interviewed with my current employer for two other jobs and was initially turned down for mine. Remember "no" doesn't mean forever.
The journal idea may be a way for you to focus on your efforts and make sure you stay motivated and positive.
Be creative. Looking at things from an employer's point of view, they will have some questions about you. It is true that you may have to accept a job that is not your dream job to get started. Consider voluntering.

Jusr donot work for Tri-City Mental Health and Eliot CHS in Mass.

So, I should not reveal my disabilities to these prospective employers. It will just hurt me in the long run. So, when my dad tells me to do this, he's nuts? Correct?

You DO NOT need to disclose your disability in an interview. The Americans with Disabilities Act, Title I, states as long as you can perform the ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS of the job with REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS that you can explain with accommodations AFTER you are offered the position. Your dad is not NUTS he is just not familiar with the law.

Never work for Eliot Community Human Services in Massachusetts because managers like Aaron Katz and M Mathews are sleazy liers who exploit well meaning counselors.

Um............I don't like to bad mouth former employers and give their names...but that's just me.......I'm sorry you had a bad time of it.

Is is possible for an individual holding a BSW (social work) degree to be hired as a vocational rehabilitation counselor in order to get the much needed work experience as a Voc Rehab Counselor prior to obtaining a Masters degree.
If so, where should the job search begin?

It depends on where you live. Where I live, people without a Masters Degree get the jobs all the time IF they have more WORK EXPERIENCE than those with the degree. If you have any questions, email me. Lorraine_us@yahoo.com

If I understood you correctly, you are attempting to tell me that an individual with a BSW(social work)degree having Any Type of WORK EXPERIENCE, work experience not necessarily experience in Voc. Rehab counseling, oftentimes land the Voc. Rehab. Counselor jobs over the individual holding a Masters in Rehabilitation Counseling, in addition to holding CRC, and a QRP? If so, it doesn't make any fair sense that a person merely being in the work foce for a while gaining some type of work experience in any old field, merely holding BSW would win over the Voc.Rehab. Counseling job. This correct? What type of professional standards does the state of Florida have exactly?

Good Guy in Lynn, Massachusetts said: Never work for Eliot Community Human Services in Massachusetts because managers like Aaron Katz and M Mathews are sleazy liers who exploit well meaning counselors.

Hi, I am not an expert on legal matters. And we all must know our legal limits and that is mine. With that being said, may I suggest to you to seek out an expert attorney, one that will provide you good advice on whether or not you will find your self in legal trouble due to negative consequences of potentially being sued for Defamation of Character, which you have used to describe accusations of libel. Libel involves written derogatory statements. It’s a form of false or damaging allegations. A truthful but malicious statement can still be considered defamation of character under the right circumstances.
Please protect yourself.

I hope I don't offend you when I say this, but God only knows. I really wanted to work for Voc Rehab in the state of Florida and it didn't happen for me. Maybe it was some other reason besides the fact that I had no experience. But in every rejection letter I received and every subsequent phone call I made to potential vr employers achieved the same results, except for two places I applied to. They all said, you need to have more experience. Only one made a recommendation: Keep trying but in the mean time, get an entry level case manager job. And the other would not give me a reason that they did not hire me. I really hope that they are not reading these forums because if they are, that could be the reason because I said this stuff about them. But I can't keep my silence forever!

That last post was directed to Frankie. And yes, you understood me accurately.

Now, I believe I have shared far too much about my personal life and I am throwing myself out of here. I did not intend to complain about vr...I am hoping to get a job helping people with disabilities as a counselor some day...and I'll just do what I can to get by until then. It has always been my dream...This is why I asked you to email me at my email address.
*sniff*

Lorraine (not my real name) in Saint Augustine, Florida said: That last post was directed to Frankie. And yes, you understood me accurately.

Lorraine, yes, it is possible that some agencies want current working experience, however, many agencies do understand, we as professionals need to start somewhere & they will accept Voc Rehab. INTERNSHIP that you've obtain. In addition to Masters' level internship, these agencies will expect you to begin with a Lower Starting salary until you've gain voc. rehab. experience. Are you in the position to accept a lower salary? Should you be in the position, then, What are you willing to accept in order to secure employment? Would you settle for a unfair salary offer? If so, then it may be wise to indicate the desired starting salary that you find acceptable on your covering letter. While responding to a job, State clearly that based on the job description and your research a starting annually salary of $-------- will be acceptable. Start low, just low enough to get the agency to "bit", take the bate, once you present your strengths and give a powerful interview, you will leave such a strong impression, that any agency will need to consider you a solid, and strong candidate for the position. We are currently in a recession and the reality of it all -- is that even though you've worked extremely hard on your education, times are lean & we must be willing to be open-minded on salary. Keep your focus on the job search, and you will be more than fine. BTW, have you been in contact with you college/university career center? They are always willing to assist their graduates. Reach out to those college professors that will remember you & willing to provide positive reports on your behalf & willing to provide you direction. call DVR in your state

Lorraine (not my real name) in Saint Augustine, Florida said: I am struggling to find a public sector job in Florida. I wish I knew your secret. I have a Masters in Rehabilitation Counseling, I'm a CRC, and I'm a QRP. I tried a job in the private sector (since that's where I did my internship) and discovered it wasn't the right place for me. I am in IARP so all of my contacts pretty much are in the private sector. I did a week of observation at a DVR. Everyone keeps telling me that I don't have enough experience. Do you have any tips for me?

With your eduational background along you would be able to secure employment with DVRS in the state of NC, the money is not great, but the this state is short on qualified applicants, are you willing to relocate

Does anyone have suggestions what you can do with your masters in RC besides working for VR...public or private...I want to get out of the numbers game, any thoughts.

I wasn't going to post here again but here I go. The most ideal place to work with a masters in RC is The Veterans Bureau but it is extremely hard to get a job with them. You can also be employed as an Addictions Counselor with a masters in RC. There are lots of case manager/social worker type jobs available as well. Good luck to you.

I was a CRC and worked at Eliot Community Human Services in Malden MA. After five months I ended my work there because the managers were dishonest about problems getting people in crisis help. As a voc rehab counselor you need to look out for the client but I couldn't do that at this job.

kWhat if you complete the M.S. in rehab counseling and you don't sit for the C.R.C.---what other positions are you qualified to do if you are mid-aged? I'm in a M.S. vocational rehab clinical counseling program and hope to finish end of 2009. Thinking also of sitting for and passing the C.R.C.--but it appears M.S.W.'s and R.N.'s are scooping up all the good positions now? Am I hopeless? or Hopeful???? thanks

Donna in Brandon, Florida said: I started as a vocational rehab counselor with a BS degree but soon realized I needed to go back to school. I earned a MA in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling and became nationally certified in Rehabilitation Counseling (CRC). I learned you can do the job with a BS but you become true to your consumers when you earn your MA in rehab counseling.............

Yes-think outside the usual "box" of ideas where to get a great position with great pay and perks, and stop focusing on those negative h.r. people. If you believe in yourself, (hey--you passed a very difficult exam---the C.R.C. is no walk in the park!) If you enjoy working with veterans and their families--women vets returning home to the states suffer from a lot of PTSD and other disorders...other females tend to understand other females. The VA hospitals hire rehab counselors and it is federal gov't. You have the experience from school, from passing and earning the C.R.C. which qualifies you, and you have done a practicum or an internship so those hours can be considered too. Find and get excellent written recommendations from people who know your character, and get all your paperwork in order. Walk into the H.R. area of any VA hospital and look at all their hiring opportunities. They start their rehab counselors out in the high 40's to start, and 6wk's vacation, with ongoing training. Just speak to some people who work their if possible to get a clear understanding of how they operate. Best of Luck to you...rose

Lorraine (not my real name) in Saint Augustine, Florida said: I am struggling to find a public sector job in Florida. I wish I knew your secret. I have a Masters in Rehabilitation Counseling, I'm a CRC, and I'm a QRP. I tried a job in the private sector (since that's where I did my internship) and discovered it wasn't the right place for me. I am in IARP so all of my contacts pretty much are in the private sector. I did a week of observation at a DVR. Everyone keeps telling me that I don't have enough experience. Do you have any tips for me?

Congratulations Lorraine(not your real name) as you venture out, keep your sights on the federal gov't because their vocational rehab counselors are getting more and more in high demand, and the grade pay steps are awesome...you can keep interviewing while you gain your experience and gain good contacts with professionals.

p.s. can you send me some tips on how to prepare for the C.R.C. as I may be sitting for it by mid 2009 and want to prepare myself early on. thanks and the best of luck to you again. rose (my real name)...from Cape Cod, not Boston

Lorraine (not my real name) in Saint Augustine, Florida said: I got a job!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It's not a state VR job but it's a rehabilitation therapist. I am so excited that I can hardly stand it. Thanks everyone for your encouraging words!

Welcome to the school of "hard knocks" but don't give up just because the job didn't work this time around. I think your disability may help you to get your foot in the door, as I see people with disabilities as heads of Human Resource offices, and all. The federal gov't may still be interested in your talents, if you get someone to do the leg work for you, then you can sit and prepare for interview.

The only thing you should consider first is: mobility, time you would have to be on your feet, or sitting down---if you had to take frequent breaks, would the employer be up for it? And, I don't have to tell you what all the different variables are to be taken into consideration. Figure what you can and can't do first so you won't set yourself up for any failure down the road.

You like college campus' then begin looking at their counseling dept. and talk to people in charge of those depts and find out what they need, and how much they pay.

Look at local employment offices if you don't mind testing people to see what they are best at doing for school or work, or both.

You will be fine. Give yourself some credit for crying out loud....you have that M.S. degree and the C.R.C. man---I'm still trying to earn that.....email me...I'll encourage y

Lorraine (not my real name) in Saint Augustine, Florida said: Well, the job did not work out. So, I'm back searching again. Perhaps I should consider looking into a different kind of counseling or maybe even social work. I have a disability and sometimes I think that impacts my job performance. But I have wanted to be a counselor my whole life. My ideal job would be a disabilities services coordinator at a college or a college counselor. Something will turn up eventually. I have faith and a supportive family and they are what gets me through. For now, I will keep volunteering and being an active member of a public speaking club. They will keep me busy until I find the job that is right for me.

Contact your school where you got your masters degree and ask them if they have any suggestions to offer you.

Meanwhile, look online and figure out if you would consider relocating to Orlando or another part of florida. The career centers should be interested; hospitals would; long term facilties for discharge planning and counseling family members; and keep looking online with the dept. of human services. Talk to Directors of rehab offices, some RN's may be able to guide you; and look where you'd like to help. The age group; gramma, middle, jr. high and high schools also need people that have suffered and can relate positive to other kids going through all sorts of changes. Best of luck.

Palmetto CDF in South Carolina said: What would your advice be to a client in your situation? If you had someone who completed training and was looking for a job in their field what steps would you suggest?
Look at your situation through different eyes and make a plan.

Last semester we covered questions pertaining to that. There were mixed feelings because some people thought the employer should know it up front.

I think you should be interviewing employers as they are looking you over too. Wait until they make you an offer for the job first. Don't seem so eager--after all, you are a highly trained, and credentialled professional. It doesn't matter what your age is---just think friendship and confidence without seeming obnoxious. You will have your family try to shelter you and try to guide you in your best interest--its normal for parents not to see you get hurt. We all must toughen up just a little and learn to make our own professional decisions.

Who's the one doing the job anyway? Well, I think the money and jobs are promising in the drug and alcohol addiction field. There will be far more people unable to cope with the worlds changes, and there are so many unhappy people in the world, they will turn to drugs, and alcohol to manage their stress.

Great counselors can help people live alcohol and drug free and if you get additional training in that area, you can earn another certification and there are lots of jobs everywhere. Did you also know with your credentials you could start your own practice? Ya---look at license costs with the town, or city hall office, talk to someone in business like social workers who counsel, and find out how to best approach starting your own place. You should have a nice, quiet, safe and confidential place to meet clients too. Be professional, get all your info. first, and go for it...What do you have to lose? Life--remember--is very short...so enjoy.

Lorraine (not my real name) in Saint Augustine, Florida said: So, I should not reveal my disabilities to these prospective employers. It will just hurt me in the long run. So, when my dad tells me to do this, he's nuts? Correct?

Here's my advice. I'm almost finished with the masters program and want to sit and pass the national test called the C.R.C. not easy.

If you are young enough and have the time and can get financial aid through Sallie Mae, you should go to a part-time evening grad school and get the vocational rehab counseling M.S. degree. It is quick and the classes are good.

You can find out about online going to school through Assumption College in Worcester, MA ---ask for Lee Pearson and tell him Rose gave you the info. The program is doable--you can be working elsewhere, or in the field of social services while taking 2 grad classes every 13wks. It takes around 2.5 yrs to finish. then, if you want to be nationally certified (you could start your own practice part-time and see how it flys) exam called the C.R.C. you can learn about it by emailing one of the colleges that help people study for the exam. You only need about a 75 to pass and you'll be nationally certified to counsel people all over the u.s.a. Also, the VA hospitals all over u.s. need vocational rehab counselors and the pay is unbelievable--(high 40's and goes up each pay increase) Alcohol and drug addiction is also an increasing field needing well-trained counselors and in this program you get the training. well, good luck...remember---nothing good ever comes easy...

[QUOTE who="Frankie in Toms River, New

Jersey"]Is is possible for an individual holding a BSW (social work) degree to be hired as a vocational rehabilitation counselor in order to get the much needed work experience as a Voc Rehab Counselor prior to obtaining a Masters degree.
If so, where should the job search begin?

After a long hiatus of self-discovery (including both positive and negative experiences), I have decided to return to this forum. I will be careful with what I say because I do not feel 100% secure in this medium. However, I wish to say thank you to everyone who has made comments (both positive and constructive criticism). I have found many folks off-line to be quite supportive and I feel (I hope I don't offend anyone when I say this) blessed. I believe that federal jobs would indeed be the way to go but it is hard for me to consider going "straight to the top" when I have been rejected so many times on the state level. I will not consider jobs in any of the following locations for personal reasons: St. Petersburg, Tampa, Miami, Orlando, and whatever the names are of the cities that are more than 5 hours away from my current location. BUT, hear me out, if there was an entry-level Veteran's Bureau job in Tampa or St. Petersburg and I could be provided with public transportation to and from work and driving was not the main requirement of the job, I would love it. That would be my #1 dream job. Some of you are probably thinking, she is unrealistic. But since my primary disability deals with driving, that is what I want. #2 My second dream job is to be a counselor in a school setting, preferably middle or elementary school. I did not pursue a degree in School Counseling for personal reasons. However, my minor (20 hours) in college was Psychology and I took one School Psychology course. I hope you find this post to be informative. I wrote a Bullying Prevention group proposal paper in graduate school and I think I would be able to counsel victims effectively and with training, I might also be able to counsel the bullies themselves. Sadly, that is something that never comes up in interviews and my modesty prevents me from boasting about it in a normal situation.

Shoot. Someone wanted advice on studying for the CRCC exam. I can't find that post now. I'm going to put this out in the void and whoever it was that posted will notice it, I hope. Make sure that #1 you buy the text CRC EXAM GUIDE TO SUCCESS. You have to buy it directly from the publisher. #2 If you cannot locate that book, check out the luna.cas.usf.edu/~rasch/review.html. It's an online review guide to the crcc. Dr. Rasch wrote it. I'd love to meet that guy. Review Code of Ethics on the national CRCC site www.crccertification.com/. #3Utilize any other websites you find with caution. I was at one particular site and took the practice quizzes (totally free) but some of the answers didn't make any sense and there was no way to ask anyone about them unless you had a study buddy. #4 Find someone to study with and ask questions to over the phone or via email or both. The best ones are in the CRCC Exam Guide To Success. Make flashcards of any concepts you need help remembering at least one-two months prior to the exam. Trust me, it sounds like a pain in the #**, but it's worth it.

Rose in Boston, Massachusetts said: kWhat if you complete the M.S. in rehab counseling and you don't sit for the C.R.C.---what other positions are you qualified to do if you are mid-aged? I'm in a M.S. vocational rehab clinical counseling program and hope to finish end of 2009. Thinking also of sitting for and passing the C.R.C.--but it appears M.S.W.'s and R.N.'s are scooping up all the good positions now? Am I hopeless? or Hopeful???? thanks

I got my CRC and worked as a vocational counselor and all went well. Until I worked at Eliot Community Human Service in Malden. Management would not accomodate a disability . This was after I made a formal request. Soon after identifying myself as having a disability I was thrown out like trash. I let my CRC expire.

It is a shame when we are being trained to help people with disabilities, and the agencies just don't seem to value their workers, especially workers that have disabilities.

Instead of wasting valuable energy trying to fight them, or wonder "why"? Just look at all your strengths, your talents, and then think outside the ordinary box for careers, and try a different area, and different work.

I heard that clubhouses value rehab counselors for group work, and case management skills.

Perhaps you should get your c.r.c. updated again, and don't devalue yourself. When we meet cruel, and mean-spirited people out there, just look at it as another opportunity to do something better, and be paid well for it.

In case you may be interested, the local VA hospitals, and out-patient clinics are now interviewing for vocational rehab counselors. The pay is exceptional, the benefits very good. If you can get your credentials in order, and find someone who can guide you (perhaps someone who already works there---plan a formal visit to see what they do) then, if you think this is the sort of work you'd like to do there, then go ahead and try applying. We have everything to gain, and not much to lose.

Keep your eyes on the Lord, and He will guide you, and give you all the strength...after all, "all power belongs to the Lord" He will make a way, out of No Way!

Go for it....best of luck to you

jarman in Goldsboro, North Carolina said: Does anyone have suggestions what you can do with your masters in RC besides working for VR...public or private...I want to get out of the numbers game, any thoughts.

Yes: have you thought of applying to your local veteran's hospitals or their out-patient clinics? they are recruiting for voc rehab counselors everywhere in the country. The pay is excellent, and the benefits outstanding.

if you want,call them and ask if you can come in for a tour because you are a student.

Don't say anything about looking for work there. once you see what the job is all about, then perhaps you can speak privately to the person who is giving you a tour, or speak to other reb counselors. In this world, it is who you know---and then your talent and skills, and education come next.

Keep your c.r.c. active. You might also be interested in finding out how you can give private groups, workshops for empowerment planning for careers, and teach folks how to interview well for jobs.

There are other jobs you can transfer your skills, and talents to---if you want to look around at different places, get a temp job to see what the employer is all about before you apply as a full-time worker.

The VA hospitals/outpatient clinics pay their entry level rehab counselors in the high 40's to start, and you will work within a comprehensive team of people.

Don't ever give up, and don't devalue yourself. You got through this program, earned your credentials, and the job market is difficult right now--we are in a resession. Meanwhile, look at State jobs, but the federal govt jobs is the way to go if you have great references, and a decent work record. Try to network with people who work there to see what you need to do to apply for rehab counselor jobs. Just know this, the job isn't easy---it is high stress, so---think about that. Think also how you could help folks working in your own office setting, confidentially.

Frankie in Toms River, New Jersey said: Is is possible for an individual holding a BSW (social work) degree to be hired as a vocational rehabilitation counselor in order to get the much needed work experience as a Voc Rehab Counselor prior to obtaining a Masters degree.
If so, where should the job search begin?

Try also getting your state license, the LCSW. IF you want to work in transitional assistance jobs, apply to the state. You could look into counseling drug and alcohol by earning some credits in that area. Speak to people who already work there. Do some sight visits, and ask people inside if you can qualify for what you are interested in doing. If you earn a masters (M.S.W.) in social work and earn the next licensure ---the LICSW, then you qualify to open your own practice, and learn about billing for medicare, and medicaid patients. You can give workshops and charge a small fee, and you can have a few weeks to give different groups on various subjects people can be helped by. Think creatively, and try to have fun with what you want to do. Remember, in one-hundred years, it won't matter! best of luck to you.

Joey M in Lynn, Massachusetts said: I was a CRC and worked at Eliot Community Human Services in Malden MA. After five months I ended my work there because the managers were dishonest about problems getting people in crisis help. As a voc rehab counselor you need to look out for the client but I couldn't do that at this job.

Joey: just let your bad experience there "go" because it will eat you up, and you will be spending precious time trying to think about all the variables of why the job didn't work out.

In this case, chock it up to life experiences. There are lots of unkind folks out there. Power to them. But, if you are still looking for work, the VA hospital is recruiting voc rehab counselors. Perhaps you should call the closest one to see if you can get a tour by a voc rehab counselor to see what they do.

Never, and I mean never bad-mouthed a former employer. Just say it wasn't what you expected there. Always sound and behave positive and hopeful. This is what the employers want: they want someone who is skilled, educated, has their credentials (C.R.C.) and if you don't have it, start studying to take the test. You only have to score in the mid-70's to pass it.

You can also look at working in private practice if you earn your national C.R.C. license, and can live anywhere in the country to work.

Drug/Alcohol and PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) patients will need kind people, who are knowledgeable, caring, and compassionate. Don't make the same mistakes I made in the past and bad-mouthed the employer, if you do this, they will believe you cannot be trusted and will bad-mouthed someone there too.

Be strong, courageous, look positive, smile, be soft-spoken, and vague if you can't answer the question. Admit it, and say, "I don't know--but I will find out for you if you like" Don't be cocky, rude, or angry...they can pick up on that. If you think you can, then in time you will...get rid of those negative voices.

Thanks for the reply, the encouragment is need, and I thank you. Are you working for federal rehab?

Lorraine (not my real name) in Saint Augustine, Florida said: Now, I believe I have shared far too much about my personal life and I am throwing myself out of here. I did not intend to complain about vr...I am hoping to get a job helping people with disabilities as a counselor some day...and I'll just do what I can to get by until then. It has always been my dream...This is why I asked you to email me at my email address.
*sniff*

Have your tried goodwill? In many areas of the state they do good work.

there are plenty of VR RC positions open in NC, wishing you the best in securing your dream job..jarman

jarman in Goldsboro, North Carolina said: there are plenty of VR RC positions open in NC, wishing you the best in securing your dream job..jarman

I am looking to possibly relocate to NC. I currently work for NY state as a VRC and just sat for my CRC *keep your fingers crossed*. I have about 4 years of experience now within the disability field. Currently I make about $48k, how much less is it in NC? And do you know if there is anyone in particular to speak to?

good luck with those CRC scores, I will be testing for that very soon...good luck. Okay back to your question you will not make a lot of money working for state VR agency, but with your masters degree already you can apply for independent counselor and make about 34-40k per year. The cost of learning in NC is cheaper so you my break even, or it may not be for you. Try this website and you can check the status of open employment. VR in NC is under the DHHS umbrella.

osp.its.state.nc.us/dhhssearchresults3a.asp?vacancykey=44 just cut and paste this link and you should see some helpful information.

..good luck to you...jarman

What do you mean, independent counselor? Do you mean apply to be a counselor in private practice? I am confused.

Rose in Hanscom Afb, Massachusetts said: Joey: just let your bad experience there "go" because it will eat you up, and you will be spending precious time trying to think about all the variables of why the job didn't work out.

In this case, chock it up to life experiences. There are lots of unkind folks out there. Power to them. But, if you are still looking for work, the VA hospital is recruiting voc rehab counselors. Perhaps you should call the closest one to see if you can get a tour by a voc rehab counselor to see what they do.

Never, and I mean never bad-mouthed a former employer. Just say it wasn't what you expected there. Always sound and behave positive and hopeful. This is what the employers want: they want someone who is skilled, educated, has their credentials (C.R.C.) and if you don't have it, start studying to take the test. You only have to score in the mid-70's to pass it.

You can also look at working in private practice if you earn your national C.R.C. license, and can live anywhere in the country to work.

Drug/Alcohol and PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) patients will need kind people, who are knowledgeable, caring, and compassionate. Don't make the same mistakes I made in the past and bad-mouthed the employer, if you do this, they will believe you cannot be trusted and will bad-mouthed someone there too.

Be strong, courageous, look positive, smile, be soft-spoken, and vague if you can't answer the question. Admit it, and say, "I don't know--but I will find out for you if you like" Don't be cocky, rude, or angry...they can pick up on that. If you think you can, then in time you will...get rid of those negative voices.

That is a good idea and thanks for the feedback.

I reside in Cleveland, Ohio and have already obtained a Bachelors of Social Work Degree & a Masters in Social Science & Administration Degree, but am interested in vocational rehabilitation counselor work & will requires more coursework/training. What career moves did you make to get to your current position? Will I have to obtain additional education?