Rehabilitation counselors are involved in providing career assessment, counseling, and planning services to people with disabilities. Career counseling can help people with disabilities crystallize their vocational goals and obtain career-based occupations consistent with their interests and abilities. This chapter provides an overview of career development theories and their applications in rehabilitation counseling, including the commonly used assessment instruments related to each specific theory. It reviews key components of job placement strategies and tools and other employment related services. The chapter also explains the concept and key elements of supported employment and its related strategies and services.

Rehabilitation counselors have long played a central role in helping persons with disabilities achieve their independent living and employment goals. Although the profession of rehabilitation counseling evolved from the state-federal vocational rehabilitation (VR) program, the professional practice of rehabilitation counseling is no longer restricted to state VR agencies. This chapter helps the reader understand rehabilitation and the impact of related legislation on rehabilitation counseling practices and the inclusion and participation of people with disabilities. The chapter explains the evolution of rehabilitation counseling and professional issues related to the profession, including certification and licensure. The chapter also provides the basic principles of ethics, ethical behavior, and risk management related to the professional practice of rehabilitation counseling.