Rehabilitation Worker overview
Rehabilitation Workers support individuals on their recovery journey — helping them build skills, reach personal goals, and access the right services. They work across health, disability, and community settings, often in partnership with allied health professionals. The work is person-centred, focused on restoring function, participation, and confidence.
Career guide for working as a Rehabilitation Worker
A Rehabilitation Worker is also called...
Job titles can vary depending on the setting and client needs. These may include:
- Rehabilitation Support Worker
- Recovery Worker
- Vocational Rehabilitation Officer
- Reintegration Support Worker
- Wellbeing Coach
What are Rehabilitation Workers trained to do?
Rehabilitation Workers assist with goal setting, daily living skills, vocational support, and care coordination. They focus on empowering clients to achieve independence and live meaningful, connected lives.
Who do Rehabilitation Workers help?
They support people recovering from physical injuries, illness, psychosocial disabilities, or substance use, as well as those adjusting to long-term disability or returning to work.
Where do Rehabilitation Workers work?
- Rehabilitation and recovery centres
- Hospitals and allied health services
- Drug and alcohol support programs
- Disability and mental health services
- Aged care, outreach, and employment services
Skills needed to be a Rehabilitation Worker
These roles require empathy, patience, problem-solving, teamwork, and a solid understanding of recovery, disability, and wellbeing frameworks.
Qualifications needed to be a Rehabilitation Worker
Typical qualifications include a graduate diploma or bachelor's degree in community and human services, social work, or occupational therapy. Workplace rehabilitation or return-to-work training may be beneficial.
Bachelor of Human Services & Bachelor of Public Health – Double degree
Bachelor of Community Mental Health, Alcohol And Other Drugs
Access online resources
Explore a range of guides, factsheets, tools, and research to help you understand case management and grow your career in community work.