What is a primary focus of vocational rehabilitation counselors?

The primary focus of vocational rehabilitation counselors is to guide individuals towards meaningful employment. This encompasses a wide range of responsibilities, including assessing clients' skills and interests, providing career counseling, developing personalized rehabilitation plans, and connecting individuals with job training and placement services. The overarching goal is to help individuals overcome barriers to employment, be it physical, emotional, or social, and to support them in gaining meaningful work that enhances their quality of life.

In contrast, assisting individuals in starting a new business, while valuable, is not the central aim of vocational rehabilitation; rather, it is a specific avenue some individuals might explore as part of their broader journey towards employment. Conducting psychological assessments is a component of the rehabilitation process, but it is not the sole focus or defining characteristic of vocational rehabilitation counseling. Enforcement of laws regarding employment is outside the scope of a counselor's role, which is more centered on support, guidance, and facilitating access to resources for job placement.