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Vocational counselor vs student support counselor

The differences between vocational counselors and student support counselors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a student support counselor has an average salary of $41,329, which is higher than the $39,135 average annual salary of a vocational counselor.

The top three skills for a vocational counselor include rehabilitation, social work and mental health. The most important skills for a student support counselor are student support, mental health, and crisis intervention.

Vocational counselor vs student support counselor overview

Vocational CounselorStudent Support Counselor
Yearly salary$39,135$41,329
Hourly rate$18.81$19.87
Growth rate10%10%
Number of jobs77,189134,839
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 62%Bachelor's Degree, 63%
Average age4242
Years of experience--

What does a vocational counselor do?

People who have issues with getting employment or have certain disabilities require the help of a vocational counselor. This individual provides counseling, provides job plans for patients, and assists patients in achieving their employment goals so they can earn the income needed to live comfortably. They may be expected to help clients understand what they are capable of and using this, help develop their career goals. They provide the link between clients who are seeking employment and employers.

What does a student support counselor do?

A student support counselor is responsible for identifying the students' strengths and challenges through one-on-one counseling and establishing solutions to help them overcome difficulties and achieve their educational goals and aspirations. Student support counselors assist the faculty in determining appropriate programs and activities to develop the students' capabilities, especially as a way of preparing them with their career objectives. They also coordinate with the students' families for extended guidance and support for their growth and development.

Vocational counselor vs student support counselor salary

Vocational counselors and student support counselors have different pay scales, as shown below.

Vocational CounselorStudent Support Counselor
Average salary$39,135$41,329
Salary rangeBetween $30,000 And $50,000Between $29,000 And $57,000
Highest paying CityShasta, CATeaneck, NJ
Highest paying stateCaliforniaMassachusetts
Best paying companyLower Eastside Service CenterMercy College
Best paying industryEducationEducation

Differences between vocational counselor and student support counselor education

There are a few differences between a vocational counselor and a student support counselor in terms of educational background:

Vocational CounselorStudent Support Counselor
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 62%Bachelor's Degree, 63%
Most common majorPsychologyPsychology
Most common collegeCalifornia State University - Long BeachUniversity of Pennsylvania

Vocational counselor vs student support counselor demographics

Here are the differences between vocational counselors' and student support counselors' demographics:

Vocational CounselorStudent Support Counselor
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 29.8% Female, 70.2%Male, 34.3% Female, 65.7%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 10.6% Unknown, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 14.2% Asian, 3.7% White, 67.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%Black or African American, 10.6% Unknown, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 14.2% Asian, 3.7% White, 67.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%
LGBT Percentage11%11%

Differences between vocational counselor and student support counselor duties and responsibilities

Vocational counselor example responsibilities.

  • Manage all program operation in accordance with HRA and industry regulations, agency policies, and HIPPA guidelines.
  • Direct vocational rehabilitation services to developmentally disable individuals.
  • Conduct eligibility determination process for applicants seeking vocational rehabilitation services.
  • Identify clients' transferable skills and aptitudes.
  • Help disabled veterans excel beyond their own expectations.
  • Convene individual participants to discuss and review DVE, IPE, and EP's.
  • Show more

Student support counselor example responsibilities.

  • Maintain confidentiality relating to treatment while keeping organize and up to date IEP's, and medical records file accordingly.
  • Attend IEP meetings of students on caseload and present to the IEP team a clinical progress report with counseling goals.
  • Work towards empowering juveniles and their families to support a positive lifestyle by providing strength base intensive intervention and rehabilitation services.
  • Provide behavior modification and social skills training to children and adolescents with ADHD and other behavioral and emotional disorders.

Vocational counselor vs student support counselor skills

Common vocational counselor skills
  • Rehabilitation, 20%
  • Social Work, 12%
  • Mental Health, 7%
  • Community Resources, 7%
  • Substance Abuse, 6%
  • Vocational Assessments, 5%
Common student support counselor skills
  • Student Support, 18%
  • Mental Health, 11%
  • Crisis Intervention, 7%
  • Professional Development, 6%
  • Behavioral Issues, 5%
  • Financial Aid, 4%

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