Empirically Derived Test Specifications for the Certified Rehabilitation Counselor Examination: Revisiting the Essential Competencies of Rehabilitation Counselors

The purpose of this article is to examine the results of the certified rehabilitation counselor (CRC) knowledge validation study conducted in collaboration with the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC). The research design for the present study includes both descriptive and ex post facto approaches. Three hundred ninety-four CRCs completed the Knowledge Validation Inventory–Revised (KVI-R) survey. Factor analysis results revealed six knowledge domains: (a) rehabilitation and mental health counseling, (b) employer engagement and job placement, (c) case management, (d) medical and psychosocial aspects of chronic illness and disability, (e) research methodology and evidence-based practice, and (f) group and family counseling. The findings of this study provide important information for CRCC to examine and develop test and item specifications that will guide future versions of the CRC examination. The findings also inform the description of the knowledge base underlying the practice of rehabilitation counseling and contribute further empirical evidence regarding the knowledge domains identified in this replication and extension of the previous study completed in 2012.

Ethical Considerations for Working with Transition aged youth and Students with Disabilities Given the implications of WIOA

Purpose: For decades vocational rehabilitation counselors (VRC) have worked to serve transition aged students and youth with disabilities with the consideration of federal mandates such as the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. With the implementation of the newly authorized Workforce Innovations and Opportunity Act (WIOA) VRC find themselves with greater responsibilities when working with transition aged youth. This article explores the relevant codes set forth in the Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) Code of Ethics that relate to the implementation of the WIOA as it applies to the provision of transition services. Implications for ethical obligations are presented as well as recommendations for best practice according to the CRC Code of Ethics.

Application of the Knowledge Validation Inventory–Revised to Assess Current Training Needs of State-Federal Rehabilitation Counselors

Purpose:To identify the current training needs of state-federal rehabilitation counselors and determine if the self-perceived training needs differ for participants who are a certified rehabilitation counselor (CRC) to those counselors with out the CRC credential.Method:A mixed-methods internet-based survey design was utilized and included descriptive, qualitative, and ex post facto approaches on a sample of rehabilitation counselors (N= 341) via the Knowledge Validation Inventory-Revised (KVI-R).Results:The participants reported high or moderate self-perceived training needs on 9 of the 10 content areas on the KVI-R; however, no significant differences between certified and non-certified rehabilitation counselors were found. Highest degree earned and numbers of years in practice were significant predictors of training needs.Conclusion:The results from this study indicate a self-reported need for additional training of state-federal rehabilitation counselors in many of the CORE knowledge domains considered essential for rehabilitation counseling. The findings also indicate that as level of education and experience increased among this sample, the need for training decreased.

Colorecta I Cancer and Rehabilitation Counseling

In 2011, the American Cancer Society (ACS) estimated that 141,210 people were diagnosed with colorectal cancer, affecting approximately 1.1 million people. One of those individuals was the lead author of this article, who was diagnosed with colon cancer in December, 2011. As such, this article offers a unique perspective on cancer recovery and rehabilitation from a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor who experienced a transverse colostomy and colectomy. Rehabilitation counselors playa critical role in recovery and return to work following cancer surgery and treatment. Implications for rehabilitation counselors will be examined including surgery and treatment options, psychosocial effects, functional concerns and colostomies, and return to work.