Rehabilitation Psychologist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the evolving landscape of healthcare, the role of rehabilitation psychologists is becoming increasingly crucial.

As society gains a deeper understanding of mental health, the demand for skilled professionals who can guide, support, and heal individuals on their recovery journeys is on the rise.

But what does it truly mean to be a rehabilitation psychologist?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker wanting to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply curious about the day-to-day tasks of a rehabilitation psychologist,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a detailed rehabilitation psychologist job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s delve right into it.

Rehabilitation Psychologist Duties and Responsibilities

Rehabilitation Psychologists focus on the psychological aspects of patient care in people who have experienced a traumatic event, have a physical disability, or a chronic health condition.

They provide assessment, diagnosis, and treatment to help them adjust and regain functionality.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Conduct psychological assessments and diagnoses of patients
• Develop and implement treatment plans for patients dealing with disabilities or chronic illnesses
• Offer counseling services to patients and their families to help cope with the emotional and mental strains of a disability or illness
• Collaborate with a team of healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive patient care
• Provide education and training to patients to improve self-management and adjustment to their disability or illness
• Conduct research on psychological aspects of disability and rehabilitation
• Advocate for the rights and needs of individuals with disabilities
• Evaluate and report on patient progress and adjust treatment plans as necessary

 

Rehabilitation Psychologist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a dedicated Rehabilitation Psychologist to join our team.

The Rehabilitation Psychologist will work with patients who have suffered physical trauma, chronic illnesses, or neurological disorders to improve their quality of life and help them regain their independence.

The ideal candidate will have substantial experience in rehabilitation psychology and be able to develop individual treatment plans based on patient needs and goals.

They should be patient, empathetic, and have excellent communication skills.

 

Responsibilities

• Assess patient condition using interviews, observation, and various psychological tests
• Develop individualized treatment plans based on patient needs and goals
• Provide psychotherapy and cognitive rehabilitation therapy
• Work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals
• Help patients develop skills to cope with their disabilities
• Monitor patient progress and adjust treatment plans as necessary
• Document and maintain accurate patient records
• Stay updated on the latest research and methodologies in rehabilitation psychology

 

Qualifications

• Doctorate in Psychology (Psy.D or Ph.D.)
• State licensed to practice as a Psychologist
• Board Certified in Rehabilitation Psychology preferred
• Experience working with patients in a rehabilitation setting
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Empathetic and patient

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Rehabilitation Psychologist
• Work Environment: Clinical setting. May require some travel to patient homes or other healthcare facilities.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Head of Psychology or Rehab Services Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $75,000 minimum to $120,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Rehabilitation Psychologist Do?

Rehabilitation Psychologists work with individuals who have experienced disability due to injury or illness, with the goal to enhance their quality of life and functional independence.

They typically work in various settings such as hospitals, rehabilitation centers, long-term care facilities, and in private practice.

They can also provide services in the patient’s home or community.

Rehabilitation Psychologists assess the emotional, cognitive, and behavioral aspects of disability and chronic illness.

They utilize psychological evaluations to identify psychological issues and develop tailored treatment plans for each patient.

Their job includes providing psychological therapy, counselling, and coaching, as well as teaching adaptive skills.

They may provide interventions to help manage pain, anxiety, depression, and stress that can be related to a disability or chronic illness.

Rehabilitation Psychologists often work as part of a multidisciplinary team, collaborating with doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, social workers, and other professionals to provide comprehensive care.

They also conduct research, contribute to policy development, and advocate for the needs of individuals with disabilities and chronic illnesses.

 

Rehabilitation Psychologist Qualifications and Skills

Rehabilitation Psychologists apply a blend of psychological understanding and therapeutic methods to help individuals recover from physical and psychological difficulties, such as:

• Strong understanding of psychological theories and therapeutic methods to provide effective treatment to individuals with physical, emotional or developmental disabilities.
• Excellent communication skills to effectively interact with patients, their families, and medical staff, explaining complex psychological concepts and treatment plans in understandable terms.
• Patience and empathy, allowing them to build strong relationships with patients who may be dealing with distressing or difficult situations.
• Problem-solving skills to identify the underlying issues that may be hindering a patient’s recovery and to develop effective treatment plans to address these issues.
• Strong research skills to stay up-to-date on the latest findings in the field of rehabilitation psychology and apply this knowledge to their practice.
• Ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team, collaborating with other healthcare professionals such as doctors, nurses, and occupational therapists to provide comprehensive care to patients.
• Resilience and stress management skills to handle the emotional demands of the role, including dealing with distressing situations and maintaining professionalism in challenging circumstances.

 

Rehabilitation Psychologist Experience Requirements

Entry-level candidates for Rehabilitation Psychologist positions are usually expected to have completed an internship or practicum as part of their doctoral program in psychology.

This on-the-job experience often includes working with individuals dealing with disability, injury, or chronic illness, under the supervision of a licensed psychologist.

A Rehabilitation Psychologist typically requires a Ph.D. or Psy.D. in Rehabilitation Psychology or a related field, and post-doctoral work experience is also required.

This involves one to two years of supervised practice, which will offer crucial experience in working with patients and dealing with various health conditions.

Candidates with 2-3 years of experience as a Rehabilitation Psychologist should have developed a solid understanding of the biopsychosocial model of disability and have experience in interdisciplinary collaboration.

Those with more than 5 years of experience are often considered experts in their field.

They have typically developed strong counseling skills, have experience working with diverse populations, and may have gained experience in supervisory roles.

At this stage, they may be eligible for more advanced positions such as Rehabilitation Psychologist Supervisor or Director of a Rehabilitation Psychology Department.

 

Rehabilitation Psychologist Education and Training Requirements

Rehabilitation Psychologists typically require a doctoral degree in psychology from an accredited program.

This is usually either a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) degree.

In addition to general psychology, these programs often include coursework in rehabilitation and health psychology, counseling, and psychopathology.

Students are also required to complete a one-year internship as part of their doctoral program.

After earning their doctoral degree, rehabilitation psychologists must complete a post-doctoral placement, typically lasting one to two years, where they gain specialized experience in rehabilitation settings.

Licensing is mandatory in all states for rehabilitation psychologists.

This involves passing the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology.

Certain states may have additional licensure requirements.

Board certification is not required, but it can demonstrate a high level of professionalism and expertise in the field.

The American Board of Professional Psychology offers a specialty certification in rehabilitation psychology.

Finally, continuing education is crucial for rehabilitation psychologists to stay updated on the latest research and treatments in the field.

This can be achieved through workshops, seminars, and professional development courses.

 

Rehabilitation Psychologist Salary Expectations

A Rehabilitation Psychologist earns an average salary of $89,290 (USD) per year.

This salary can vary depending on factors such as years of experience, level of education, area of expertise, and geographical location.

 

Rehabilitation Psychologist Job Description FAQs

What kind of training does a Rehabilitation Psychologist need?

Rehabilitation Psychologists typically require a doctoral degree in psychology, specifically in rehabilitation psychology or a related field.

In addition to their degree, they also need to complete an internship, and typically acquire postdoctoral training in rehabilitation psychology.

Lastly, they need to be licensed to practice psychology in their state.

 

What are the daily duties of a Rehabilitation Psychologist?

Rehabilitation Psychologists work with individuals who have experienced physical trauma, chronic illness, or disability to help them adjust and improve their quality of life.

They conduct psychological evaluations, provide individual and group therapy, and develop treatment plans.

They also work with other health professionals and family members to support the patient’s recovery and adjustment.

 

What qualities make a good Rehabilitation Psychologist?

Empathy and patience are vital qualities for a Rehabilitation Psychologist, as they work with individuals who are going through significant life changes.

They must be excellent communicators, able to simplify complex medical jargon for patients and their families.

Good problem-solving skills are also needed to develop treatment plans that suit each individual’s unique circumstances.

 

What should you look for in a Rehabilitation Psychologist resume?

You should look for a doctoral degree in psychology and licensure to practice psychology in your state.

It’s also important to see internship and postdoctoral experience, preferably in rehabilitation psychology.

The candidate should also have experience working with individuals suffering from physical trauma, chronic illness, or disability.

 

How challenging is it to hire a Rehabilitation Psychologist?

As with any specialized role, hiring a Rehabilitation Psychologist can be challenging due to the specific training and experience required.

It is essential to offer competitive salaries and benefits, as well as a supportive and inclusive work environment, to attract qualified candidates.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve unveiled the true essence of being a rehabilitation psychologist.

Surprised?

It’s not just about counseling sessions.

It’s about fostering resilience, nurturing growth, and enabling individuals to regain their functionality, one therapy session at a time.

Armed with our user-friendly rehabilitation psychologist job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take the leap.

But why end your journey here?

Immerse yourself further with our job description generator. It’s your next step to creating impeccable job listings or refining your resume to precision.

Bear in mind:

Every therapy session is a stitch in the fabric of recovery.

Let’s weave that tapestry of renewed life. Together.

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