Counselors, Vocational
Description OES Code: 31514
Counsel individuals and provide group educational and vocational guidance services. Counselors assist people with personal, family, educational, mental health, and career decisions and problems.

Wages, California
Entry-Level Hourly Wage $11.30
25th Percentile $13.95
50th Percentile $22.25
75th Percentile $33.09

Wages, San Joaquin
Entry-Level Hourly Wage $12.54
25th Percentile $15.58
50th Percentile $24.87
75th Percentile $31.32

Wages by California County
• OES Survey
• CCOIS Survey

Hours & Benefits
School Counselors work nine or ten months a year. Some School Counselors work evenings. Benefits for School and Rehabilitation Counselors in most cases include paid vacation, sick leave, medical, dental, vision and life insurance, and retirement plans.

Employment Trends, California
Employment 1998 19,500
Projected Employment 2008 26,100
Percent Change 1998-2008 33.8%
Separations 1998-2008 5,200

Employment Trends, San Joaquin County
Employment 1999 340
Projected Employment 2006 410
Percent Change 1999-2006 20.6%
Separations 1999-2006 60

Employment Trends by California County

Working Conditions
High School Counselors handle a caseload of up to 600 students, leaving little time for other serious problems. Some counselors divide their time between two or more campuses. Personal safety may be a concern for elementary, junior high, and high school counselors as violence on campuses becomes more commonplace. Rehabilitation counselors may spend time away from their office observing clients on the job or developing job opportunities for clients.

Advancement
As School Counselors gain work experience and meet continuing education requirements, they receive salary increases. With graduate course work, some advance to positions such as head counselor, director of pupil services, director of guidance, or school psychologist. College and university counselors may advance to dean of students, dean of placement or personnel, financial aid director, or supervisor of testing. Rehabilitation Counselors advance through regular salary steps as they gain experience. Promotions may depend on graduate degrees, especially for those who enter the field with only a bachelor's degree.

Getting the Job & Other Information
Job seekers should make one or more contacts from the following lists.

School Counselors:
Community college districts; public and private school systems; Public and private colleges and universities; Professional associations and college job placement centers

Rehabilitation Counselors:
State and federal rehabilitation agencies (Positions are classified as vocational rehabilitation counselors or specialists); Professional associations and college job placement centers; Private rehabilitation companies; College and universities; Worker's compensation insurance companies

For a list of current job listing, browse CalJOBS or America's Job Bank.

Education and Training
School Counselors are required to obtain a Pupil Personnel Services Credential which requires completion of at least 30 semester units of school counseling, including a practicum which involves students. The prospective counselor must also pass the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST). Community and four-year college counselors need a bachelor's degree and current enrollment in a master of counseling, guidance, psychology, or social studies. A community college credential is no longer required, but it gives holders a competitive edge in the job market.

Rehabilitation Counselors should have a master's degree or be enrolled in a master's program. Government agencies require a bachelor's degree with related work experience. Many private rehabilitation firms hire certified counselors, or require certification for promotions. The Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification certifies counselors based on both experience and education. The commission makes some provisions for counselors who began work before a bachelor's degree was required.

Skills & Other Requirements
Persons interested in counseling should have a strong interest in helping others and the ability to inspire repect, trust, and help others gain confidence. They should be able to work independently or as part of a team. Counselors follow the code of ethics associated with their respective certifications and licenses.

References
California Occupational Guide #429

Related Occupations: Teachers, Elementary, Teachers, Secondary

Training: California Training and Education Providers (CTEP)