Rehabilitation counselors promote and initiate the process that facilitates the movement of a person with a disability toward optimal functioning in three broad areas of learning, living and working.

Rehabilitation counselors evaluate the strengths and limitations of individuals, provide personal and vocational counseling, and arrange for medical care, vocational training, and job placement. Rehabilitation counselors interview individuals with disabilities and their families, evaluate school and medical reports, and confer and plan with physicians, psychologists, occupational therapists, and employers to determine the capabilities and skills of the individual.

Conferring with the client, they develop a rehabilitation program, which often includes training to help the person develop job skills. They also work toward increasing the client's capacity to live independently. They arrange vocational and academic assessment and place clients in suitable training or jobs.  They may work with people with a variety of disabilities, or specialize in helping clients with the same disability, such as blindness or deafness.  They usually work as part of rehabilitation specialist teams with physicians, nurses, psychiatrists, and physical and occupational therapists.  Together, they develop plans that fit with the clients'
aptitudes, education, physical abilities and career goals.  Counselors maintain close contact with clients during training to resolve problems and to verify that the placement fits the clients abilities. 

courtesy U.S. Department of Labor and www.calmis.cahwnet.gov/file/occguide/counslr.htm