A Systems Model of the Rehabilitation Counseling Process.

The systems model described in this paper outlines the rehabilitation counselor's function as he assists a client toward his final vocational goal. Twelve major components are outlined. Assessment of the client's potential is suggested as the counselor's major function in components 1 through 6, while planning and delivering services to assist the client becomes the major concern in components 7-12. These two major functions of the counselor, assessment and service delivery, are intertwined throughout the rehabilitation process. The systems model approach provides three useful functions which will enable counselors and counselor educators to promote the goals of rehabilitation. The model clarifies the counseling process, educates counselors in training as to their function as'rehabilitators,' and communicates the rehabilitation process to community members, thus promoting good public relations and encouraging the referral of handicapped persons to rehabilitation agencies where they may be assisted toward independence. (Author/PC)