CAREER PATHS AND JOB OPPORTUNITIES
CAREERS AFTER MASTERS DEGREE
Direct Counseling and Clinical Roles
Disability Services Counselor
Support students or employees with disabilities in academic or workplace settings.
Rehabilitation Counselor
Work with individuals with disabilities to help them achieve personal, career, and independent living goals.
Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor
Assist clients in preparing for, obtaining, and maintaining employment.
Mental Health Counselor
Provide therapy to individuals dealing with emotional or psychological challenges (may require licensure).
Substance Abuse Counselor
Work with clients struggling with addiction and co-occurring disorders.
School Base Therapist
Work with school-age client struggling with adaptive, emotional, and or educational challenges.
*To become a School Counselor, the person might need additional coursework and clinical experience.
Education and Advocacy Roles
Disability Rights Advocate
Promote access, equity, and policy change for individuals with disabilities.
Case Manager
Coordinate care and services for individuals with complex needs, such as medical, vocational, and housing services.
Assistive Technology Specialist
Assess and recommend technologies that support independence and productivity.
Career Counselor
Guide clients in exploring career options and vocational planning, often within educational settings.
Transition Specialist
Help youth with disabilities transition from school to adult life and employment.
Healthcare and Rehabilitation Settings
Psychosocial Rehabilitation Specialist
Assist individuals with severe mental illness in building skills for daily living.
Medical Rehabilitation Counselor
Work in hospitals or rehab centers supporting patients recovering from injuries or chronic illnesses.
Pain Management Counselor
Provide psychoeducational and supportive services to individuals experiencing chronic pain.
Trauma Counselor
Assist clients coping with PTSD and trauma, often in collaboration with other health professionals.
Administrative Roles
Program Coordinator (Disability Services or Vocational Programs)
Manage service delivery programs for people with disabilities.
Rehabilitation Program Evaluator or Analyst
Conduct needs assessments, data analysis, and program evaluation in rehab settings.
Grant Writer or Policy Analyst (Rehabilitation Focus)
Write proposals or analyze policies that affect the rehabilitation services field.
Compliance Officer (ADA/504 Coordination)
Ensure institutions are compliant with disability laws and regulations.
Federal, State, and Non-Profit Employment
State Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor
Employed by state VR agencies to help individuals with disabilities prepare for and obtain employment.
VA Rehabilitation Counselor
Support veterans through the Department of Veterans Affairs’ vocational rehabilitation programs.
Nonprofit Program Manager
Oversee community-based services for people with disabilities or mental health needs.
Independent Living Specialist
Help individuals with disabilities live more independently in their communities.
