Vocational Evaluation - Work Adjustment Specialist

The primary objective of this program is to prepare students to work as rehabilitation evaluation and work adjustment specialists. Emphasis is placed on the knowledge and skills needed in the professional use of standardized educational-vocational and psychological tests, work samples, situational assessment, assessment of learning, and functional skills assessment. Typically, graduates of this program work as vocational evaluators and world adjustment specialists for employers in many different agencies. Usual responsibilities include the ability to assess clients and consumers in a variety of modalities and milieus, write comprehensive reports, recommend appropriate learning and behavioral rehabilitation plans, and work as a member of a post-acute team of rehabilitation and health care professionals. This program leads to eligibility for national certification as a Vocational Evaluator/Work Adjustment Specialist.

* Successful completion of the Master’s Comprehensive Examination is required.

Rehabilitation Counceling and Services

The Rehabilitation Services Department at Springfield College offers both full-time and part-time graduate programs in Rehabilitation Counseling and Services leading to the master’s degree as well as the Certificate of Advanced Study. The programs are designed to provide a combination of didactic course work along with professionally supervised clinical experiences. The Rehabilitation Counseling and Services programs are offered in cooperation with the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA), U.S. Department of Education. RSA scholarships may be available to full-time students.

General Curriculum

The general curriculum requirements are such that each student is expected to demonstrate skills and understanding in six basic areas of functioning. These areas are as follows:

Foundations of Rehabilitation Counseling and Services
Assessment and Evaluation
Case Management
Interviewing and Counseling (Individual, Group, Family)
Personal Career Development and Placement
Research, Analysis and Application

Within the general requirements, emphasis is placed on knowledge and understanding of medical, psychological, social, educational, and vocational aspects of disability and impairments. Faculty advisors meet with students at the beginning of their enrollment to outline an appropriate course of study. Individual differences in background, education, and training are taken into account in meeting the basic requirements.

Programs

In addition to the general requirements, which are at the core of all programs, the graduate candidate may earn a master of science or master of education degree by completing a course of study in one of the following areas:

Rehabilitation Counseling:

General Counseling and Casework
Alcohol Rehabilitation and Substance Abuse Counseling
Psychiatric Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling
Pediatric and Developmental Disabilities
Counselor for Persons Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing
Vocational Evaluation and Work Adjustment

Rehabilitation Management and Administration:

Disability Management
Employee Assistance Administration
Rehabilitation Services Administration
Program Supervisor

Rehabilitation Services:

Rehabilitation Services Specialist
Cognitive Behavioral Rehabilitation
Geriatric Rehabilitation
Cardiac Counseling and Education
Addiction Services
Expressive and Activity Therapies
Citizen and Consumer Advocacy
Pediatric Early Intervention Specialist

The graduate programs are designed to meet the goals and needs of students with a variety of educational and experiential backgrounds as well as the national professional standards required to assist our graduates to be fully marketable in the field. Individual eligibility should be discussed with the department chairperson and faculty advisor. Students who have completed the master’s degree may pursue advanced course work leading to a Certificate of Advanced Study or Post-Master’s Certificate. Typically, students seeking the certificate wish to complement their existing educational and professional background, training, and experience to qualify for advanced positions or to become eligible for rehabilitation certification. Programs are arranged individually with the student’s faculty advisor. A minimum of thirty-two semester hours of graduate credit is required for the Certificate of Advanced Study. Three program levels are available for the master’s degree. Program levels may be determined and approved by the completion of the first twelve to fifteen semester hours of course work.

Eligibility

Program Level I: Students with bachelor’s degrees but without previous rehabilitation education or experience are eligible for the minimum sixty-semester-hour program. Students should have a minimum of fifteen to eighteen semester hours of undergraduate course work in the behavioral and social sciences especially psychology and sociology. Where the undergraduate background is deficient, prerequisite course work may be necessary.

Program Level II: Students who possess a bachelor’s degree, previous experience, concurrent employment in rehabilitation counseling, or a minor in Rehabilitation Services Education with at least eighteen semester hours of acceptable course work are eligible for this program. A minimum of forty-eight semester hours of graduate credit is required.

Program Level III: In recognition of the increasing need for qualified rehabilitation specialists to work with persons with disabilities, and the difficulties encountered by many individuals seeking to fulfill degree requirements, guidelines have been established for an individualized master’s degree program in Rehabilitation Services and Rehabilitation Management and Administration only. Students with acceptable previous employment experience, concurrent employment, or related background may plan a program of study within the scope of departmental and related offerings. This program is subject to departmental faculty approval and should be planned in consultation with a departmental faculty advisor. A minimum of thirty-six semester hours of graduate credit is required in this specialized program, although additional course work may be necessary. A minimum of three to five years of acceptable employment experience including a minimum of one year under the supervision of a CRC is required for CRC eligibility.

Certification: Students accepted to this program level normally have or are obtaining the professional experience necessary to become eligible for certification as a rehabilitation counselor (CRC) if required or desired. This program level, however, is not designed for certification eligibility, but rather is intended for those wishing to expand or complement existing background and experience. Those interested primarily in qualification for certification should consider Level I or Level II programs within the Rehabilitation Counseling programs.

Certificate of Advanced Study

Students who have completed the master’s degree may pursue advanced course work leading to a Certificate of Advanced Study or Post-Master’s Certificate (PMC) in a specialty area. Admission to this program is based on individual goals and objectives. Typically, students in this program seek to complement their existing educational and professional background, training, and experience; qualify for advanced position; or become eligible for certification or licensure. Programs are arranged individually with the student’s faculty advisor. A minimum of thirty-two semester hours of graduate credit is required for the CAS; twelve to eighteen semester hours are required for PMC.

Accreditation Information

The Rehabilitation Counseling programs (Levels I and II) are approved and accredited by the National Council on Rehabilitation Education (CORE). Students completing all course work requirements (minimum: 48 s.h.) including research, general rehabilitation course requirements, practica, and internships are eligible for the national certification examination to become Certified Rehabilitation Counselors (CRC) and to apply for state licensure as a Rehabilitation Counselor (LRC). Depending on the concentration, students may also be aligible for additional certifications and licences. For more information, see the information provided for individual concentrations.

Program Coordinators/Faculty and Telephone Numbers

Michael P. Accordino, D.Ed., CRC, LMHC - Assistant Professor
748-3258 Room 102C
Psychiatric Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling

Allison Cumming McCann, Ph.D. - Assistant Professor
748-3006 Room 107
Rehabilitation Counseling - General Casework

J. Patrick Decoteau, Ph.D., CRC/LRC - Professor
748-3375 Room 110
Rehabilitation Counseling - General Casework

Bernard T. Graney, Ph.D. - Professor
748-3320 Room 109
Pediatric and Developmental Disabilities

Robert L. Hewes, Ph.D., CRC - Assistant Professor
748-3769 Room 108
Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counseling

Thomas J. Ruscio, CRC/LRC - Department Chair
748-3566 Room 112
Management and Administration; Rehabilitation Counseling; General Cases; Rehabilitation Counseling for Deaf and Hard of Hearing; Special Services

Joseph F. Stano, Ph.D., NCC, CRC/LRC - Professor
748-3375 Room 102B
Vocational Evaluation - Work Adjustment Specialist