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A rehabilitation counsellor helps people navigate everyday issues brought on by disability, injury, addiction and poor health. They often are brought in to help clients after major life events, such as major trauma or diagnosis, that cause large changes. These allied health professionals assist those in need in a variety of ways, including helping them seek out and take advantage of employment and education opportunities and adapting to new ways of living everyday life.
Rehabilitation counsellors often work not only with the client, but also others in his or her life, including friends, family members and potentially employers or educators. These counsellors are fully equipped with knowledge of helpful resources and know how to use these resources to develop and deliver a rehabilitation plan to clients. Rehabilitation counsellors can specialise in certain areas based on client demographics or issues faced by clients.
There are 5 courses available for people who want to become a Rehabilitation Counsellor.
Possible job outcomes:
The Master of Counselling (Advanced) is tailored to prepare students for roles that utilise counselling and coaching skills in specialised work environments, including community and business settings, to foster positive human change. This course enhances capabilities in offering counselling and support across various life stages, combining theoretical knowledge with practical skills. It equips students with a broad skill set for lifelong learning, resilience, and professional boundaries, essential for effective interpersonal communication in business, community, education, and wellbeing settings. .
Average duration: 24 months.
The Master of Psychology (Clinical) equips students with the expertise to become professional clinical psychologists. The course focuses on adult, adolescent, and child psychology, alongside neuropsychological assessment and rehabilitation. It combines in-depth coursework with a research thesis in clinical or abnormal psychology. Students develop a comprehensive skill set, including academic knowledge, research proficiency, and clinical practice. Upon completion, graduates are prepared to diagnose, assess, and provide effective treatments for a wide range of psychological disorders in various healthcare settings..
The Graduate Diploma in Counselling equips students with vital knowledge and skills in counselling, enabling them to offer effective and compassionate support to individuals with mild or moderate mental health problems and standard developmental issues. This course is designed to prepare students for professional counselling roles, focusing on practical techniques and empathetic communication essential in the field of mental health support. .
Average duration: 12 months.
The Bachelor of Social Work provides the skills and knowledge you need to help vulnerable people, advocate for social change, and inspire more just systems and public policy. With this degree you could specialise in mental health, welfare services, homelessness, family support, youth work, drug and alcohol, correctional services. The program covers: introduction to sociology and human services, Australian social policy, social work for indigenous Australians, social justice in practice, public health and wellness, interpersonal skills and communication, social welfare history and context, groupwork theory and practice, applied human rights and much more. Enquire now for admissions criteria, social work career outcomes, and universities in your area that offer the Bachelor of Social Work..
Average duration: 3 years.
The Graduate Certificate of Counselling is a postgraduate qualification designed to enhance counselling and interpersonal communication skills. This course offers an in-depth understanding of the human psyche, various counselling theories, and the challenges to be addressed to support individual wellbeing. It is particularly beneficial for professionals in fields like nursing, social work, and teaching who are looking to develop relevant skills to augment their existing roles. .
In Australia, a full time rehabilitation counsellor generally earns $1,150 per week ($70,200 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.
As of May 2019, there were approximately 31,000 counsellors in Australia. That number is expected to grow to nearly 39,000 by May 2024. Though the number of rehabilitation counsellors fell from 2,100 in 2011 to 1,600 in 2016, drug and alcohol workers in particular are expected to see nearly 25% job growth in the next five years.
Source: The Labour Market Information Portal - 2019 Occupational Projections, Seek and Australian Government Job Outlook
To become a rehabilitation counsellor, you often need to pursue a learning pathway in which you obtain a qualification in counselling. A potentially suitable course is a Diploma of Counselling. This can take 24 months to complete depending on whether you study online, on campus or both and if you study full time or part time. Depending on your role, psychology study might also be suggested or required. You might also need to obtain other checks, including a national police check, and a working with vulnerable people and children check.
We’ll find nearby campuses and check if you’re eligible for funding in your state.
Here are some potential career pathways within counselling. Click on an occupation to learn more about the role and the qualifications that can help you get started in this industry.
Counselling
Support Worker
$960 weekly pay
Art Therapist
$1,250 weekly pay
Crisis Support Worker
Family Counsellor
$1,150 weekly pay
Life Coach
Marriage Counsellor
Mental Health Clinician
Mental Health Social Worker
$1,736 weekly pay
Mental Health Support Worker
Mental Health Worker
$1,440 weekly pay
Music Therapist
Rehabilitation Counsellor
Relationship Counsellor
Social Worker
Student Counsellor
Substance Abuse Counsellor
Youth Counsellor
Career Counsellor
$2,115 weekly pay
Counsellor
$1,450 weekly pay
Crisis Counsellor
$1,652 weekly pay
Drug and Alcohol Counsellor
Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner
$1,920 weekly pay
Grief Counsellor
Guidance Counsellor
$2,307 weekly pay
Mental Health Counsellor
Mental Health Practitioner
$1,500 weekly pay
Psychotherapist
Learn more about Rehabilitation Counsellor courses in your area.