keep calm and graduate on - class of 2014

A Clinician’s Guide to Landing a Dream Job in School-Based and Early Intervention Services

Class of 2014

Career Guide Class of 2014

www.ProgressusTherapy.com

Congratulations Graduate!You’re graduating soon, don’t worry!Here’s what you have to do...

Step 1: Be Proactive

Step 2: Read the Career GuideProgressus Therapy has more than 20 years of experience nurturing the careers of clinicians just entering the field. We developed the career guide as a resource for soon-to-be clinicians to provide them with information and materials geared to support them as they enter the field.

It is our mission to see talented therapists use their skills to bring best practices into their place of work and facilitate the best outcomes for their clients. But first we have to get you hired! This career guide will not only give you the tools needed to succeed in getting a job, but will help you thrive in your new position.

Step 3: Familiarize Yourself with Your Professional OrganizationIt is a fair assumption, we think, that you are in your line of work because you are eager to contribute to a better quality of life for others and are excited to enhance your skills through continued learning to best deliver your services. Let’s not forget the value of getting to know others who share in these same professional goals. Professional organizations are a great way to network and learn within your field.

Maintaining a membership to an association may be required or almost unavoidable, but to get the most out of it, you have to do more than pay your dues.

• Turn your passion into action by joining an advocacy group that rallies for your professional cause and directly connects you to policy leaders.

• Stay informed on the latest news in your field, whether it’s political policy, ground breaking technology or new studies on treatment.

• Make your continuing education an important part of your priorities for both you and your employer. Finding ways to expand your learning will only open doors in your career.

• Get a well-rounded experience• Be confident• Explore possible settings and populations• Ensure appropriate level of support and supervision• Seek continuing education• Don’t be afraid to ask questions• Don’t be afraid to be wrong• Understand the level of support you are looking for

Hello Graduate!



Considering School-Based or Early Intervention Therapy?

Top 10 Ways to Know that Working with Kids is Right for You:

10 You cruise garage sales for great therapy toys and books 9 You buy snacks in bulk for your caseload 8 You are constantly celebrating even the smallest of victories 7 You can write a book on “100 therapeutic uses for bean bags” 6 You keep giving your friends stickers for good behavior 5 The toy aisle at the dollar store excites you – Treasure Chest! 4 Children seem to gravitate to you during social events 3 You always have a therapy ball in the trunk of your car 2 You ask for a laminator for your birthday 1 You are an adult who still plays with bubbles on a daily basis and enjoys it

The Best Parts About Choosing a Career as a School-Based Therapist: ● Participating in a collaborative, interdisciplinary team

● Learning something new each day

● Teaching something new each day

● Interacting with families

● Flexibility of schedule

● Increased autonomy

● Fun, self-fulfilling career

● Making a difference in a child’s life

Working w

ith kids


Interview TipsAlways Be Prepared - This includes bringing your own pen and paper to make notes, taking extra resumes and of course reviewing our frequently asked interview questions!

Dress Appropriately - See the Career Guide section on “What Not to Wear”.

Smile and Show Energy - Employers want to see your enthusiasm.

Arrive Early - 10 min or so If you find yourself running late, be sure to call ahead with your expected time of arrival and apologize profusely

Do your Research - Try visiting the employer’s website, search the company name on the internet for articles, press releases etc. Explore their social media presence like LinkedIn, Facebook or Twitter.

Be Aware of your Body Language - Maintain eye contact and be conscious of your posture. Sitting up straight will help you stay sharp and keep your focus.

Be Engaged - So much information is being shared and there is a lot to process. Asking questions relevant to topics you are discussing throughout the interview is a helpful way to keep yourself focused and avoid distractions. Take notes if necessary.

Answer their Questions Honestly - Over compensating or overstating can get you in trouble later. Remember, it is OK not to know everything!

Be Yourself - Employers want to get to know you and get a feel for how you will fit within their team.

Have a Few Questions Prepared - Remember, you want to love your job and on some level, you’re interviewing them too!

If You Want the Job, Ask for It - Tell them that with confidence as the interview is wrapping up. Ask if there is any reason you wouldn’t be a good fit.

Send a Thank You Email or Note - A handwritten note is still best. However, if you need to get the note done quickly an email will do!

Interview Tips


Career Guide Class of 2014Interview

Questions

Getting Ready for Your Interview:Commonly Asked Interview QuestionsOur very talented Career Services Manager, Whitney Lohr, has extensive experience in the art of interviewing. Here she has put together a list of questions so that you can prepare some thoughtful answers and land your dream job!

• What is important to you when choosing a company to work for?

• Do you have experience working with children? In what setting?

• Tell me about your experience in a classroom setting.

• Tell me about your experience in a home-based setting.

• What populations/disabilities are you most comfortable and/or prefer working with?

• What made you want to pursue a career in this field?

• What age group do you prefer working in?

• What are your core strengths and weaknesses?

• How do you apply your strengths for better outcomes?

• How do you address your weaknesses?

• Describe how you collaborate with different professionals.

• Thinking about your previous job, describe one positive and one negative experience.

• Describe a lesson plan for an elementary aged child that you found to be successful.

• Describe some behavior management techniques that you have used.

• What kind of assessments do you have experience using?

• How much are you expecting to make for this position?

Interested in practicing your interviewing skills?Contact Progressus Therapy’s Career Services team and we’d be more than happy to take the time to review your resume and discuss your answers to the questionsabove. Call 800-239-7979 to speak with someone today!




District Questions

Questions That a School District or Community Agency Will Ask:When interviewing with a school district or community agency, you may find that you are asked more specific, targeted questions. They want to know how you will fit in with the philosophies and personalities of the work place.

• Are you familiar/comfortable writing IEPs and attending IEP meetings?

• How would you address the concerns of an upset parent?

• What assessment tools have you used?

• What are some of the reasons you decided to pursue a career with children?

• Describe the components of a therapy session that you recently conducted. Explain why you chose these certain activities.

• In what ways do you want to impact your students? How will you do it?

• Describe strategies and techniques you have used to motivate your students.

• Explain your most effective techniques for dealing with negative student behavior.

• How do your interactions with students reflect your own personal values?

• What’s your understanding of the difference between medical and school-based therapy?

• What is your experience with different service delivery models?

• How do you use technology to better help students achieve their goals?

• How do you collaborate with other professionals?

• What is your philosophy around integrating special education students into the general education setting?

• Describe your experience with specific trainings (e.g. SCERTS, PECS, Handwriting Without Tears)

• What is your particular experience, certification, or training with a specific disability (e.g. deaf and hard of hearing, autism)


Questions to Ask Employers and Districts


Your Questions

In almost any interview you participate in, there will be a moment when the interviewer asks if you have any questions. Not having a list prepared could make you feel put on the spot and unprepared, not to mention give the impression that you are not really that interested in the position. Here is a list to help you get started.

• Are there any insights about the population or district that I should know?

• What schools will I be working in?

• What is the caseload I will be taking on?

• What is the age range of students I will be working with?

• What resources will be provided? (computer, printer)

• What can you tell me about the working culture?

• Will I have my own therapy room to work in?

• What therapy and diagnostic tools will be provided to facilitate therapy?

• Do you provide professional development?

• Will I be paired with a mentor?

• What kind of advancement opportunities are there?

• Is there clinical support at the district?

• What kind of benefits will I receive including medical,dental, 401k, professional development, professional dues,time off etc...?

What N

ot To Wear

What Not To WearWe have all been given advice on what to wear to work or for an interview, for example, “Dress to Impress”.Unfortunately we must all have varying ideas of what this phrase actually means. We’re going to lay it out for you; Just follow the guidelines below and you’ll be great!

Women: • If you choose to wear pants, a pants suit is always best; this means a coordinating jacket with a button

down shirt or modest neckline blouse underneath. Though a jacket is preferred, it is not always necessary.• If you choose to wear a dress, a sleeveless dress should be worn only with a coordinating jacket. Arms

should be covered over the shoulder at a minimum. This applies to your blouse and pants combo as well.

Accessories: • Shoes - Closed toe shoes that you can walk in comfortably. No sandals, no scuffs, no

wobbly entrances!• Jewelry - Refrain from large statement pieces, they could be distracting. Also, avoid

wearing too much jewelry.• Perfume - Skip it or keep very very subtle• Hair - Neat and clean• Nails - No wild colors or fancy nail art

Men:• As with women, you can not go wrong with a suit and tie, however, a well pressed

button down shirt and slacks can be appropriate. Please be sure to wear a belt and keep your shirt tucked in.

Career Guide

Accessories:• Shoes - No scuffs, no sneakers, no boat shoes... Wear dark colored socks!• Jewelry - Limit it to a watch and one ring to be safe.• Hair (head and face) - Neat and trimmed.• Cologne - skip it or keep very very subtle.

Generally Speaking:Wear clothes that are not wrinkled and that fit comfortably. Sticking to solid colors is an easy way to play it safe. No stressed seams! Lastly, attempt to cover any tattoos and remove any unconventional piercings.

Keep in mind: Your appearance in the workplace will always be an external example of your overall professionalism.

Class of 2014


Career Guide Class of 2014W

rong Way Resum

e


Name: Lauren Erickson

Age: 45

Position: OccupationalTherapist

Marital Status: Married

Number of children: 2

Address: 1234DealySt.Gainesville GA 55555

Education:SanJoseStateUniversity,Undergraduate

Dates 1990Degree: BachelorsofScienceinOccupationalTherapy

SanJoseStateUniversity,MastersDates 1994-1996Degree: MastersofScienceinOccupationalTherapy

Places of EmploymentJamestonSchoolDistrict ABCClinicofMiddleton TannerandAssociates CharterSchoolofGeorgia

1994-1999 1999-2001 2004-2008 2008-Present

AssociationsAmericanOccupationalTherapyAssociationmembersince1994

The Wrong Way ResumeBelieveitornot,thesedoexist... Aresumeshouldnotreadlikeapersonalbio.Aresumeshouldlookpretty,readeasily,beorganizedandgivesomeappropriateandinterestinginformationthatsetsyouapartfromothers.

Waytoopersonal!Don’tmentionyourage, maritalstatusorwhether ornotyouhavekids.

Givesomedetails!sharesomeofthe

greatthingsyoudidatschoolandprevious

placesofemployment.



Right Way Resum

e

Your NameAddress │ City State, Zip Code

Phone Number │ Email Address

Objective:Use just one or two sentences to briefly describe the title of the job you are looking for and the setting in which you’d like to work. If you are bilingual, be sure to mention that.

Education:State your degree(s), where they are from and date of graduation. Most recent degree always comes first.For example: M.S., Communication Disorders & Sciences, University of Oregon - Eugene, OR June 2009

Honors and Awards:Bullet your list of accolades and include the year that it was awarded.

Clinical and Professional Experiences:List your experience starting from the most recent. Give date of employment, the title of the position you held and the name of your employer. Beneath each job you list, bullet some of the important things you did while holding the position.

Certifications:List all of your certifications and lincesures, and include the dates they were attained.

Professional Activities: Don’t forget to mention your memberships, volunteer work and activities. Employers like a well-rounded candidate with various extracurricular activities.

Skills:Time to show off! List your knowledge of software, special trainings, multilingual skills, assessments and certifications.

**Include a separate sheet for references**

The Right Way Resume

Career Guide Class of 2014M

entorship

Importance of MentorshipProgressus Therapy has a keen understanding of the importance of providing best-in-class mentorships, support and professional development for every clinician. Our exclusive Career Launch program is designed to facilitate a new graduate’s first year experience, ensuring a strong start to their career. During a new graduate’s first year, an experienced Progressus mentor will be assigned to them to guide them through their first year and help them through any challenges that they might face. It is so important to get the most out of this mentorship experience. Below are a few examples of how a new graduate can benefit from the wisdom and experience of having a mentor.

Learning From your MentorMentors share their expertise, experiences and resources, while providing feedback regarding your performance and progress towards independence.

Access to a Professional in the FieldAccess to a support system during college and career development can help you get a feel for the environment in which you’ll be working in the future.

Insider Perspective and Advice Learning from someone that has been through it all, and having the ability to ask questions, opinions and receive advice.

Perception vs. Reality Your perception of what your career should be may be different from the reality. Having a mentor would allow you to receive the most accurate insight of your future career.

Get Your Questions and Concerns AddressedEvery time you go see your mentor, prepare a few questions. Take this opportunity to discuss your concerns so that you can go into your therapy sessions feeling confident that you have the time-tested advice and tools needed to address any situation.

Practice, Practice, PracticeHaving a mentor gives you the ability to shadow someone, and practice under their supervision while receiving helpful feedback and ways to improve. To learn more about Progressus Therapy’s Career Launch Program, contact one of our Career Services Representatives 800.239-7979 or email us at [email protected]



entorship

So You’ve Got Yourself A Mentor!Lisa Lawrence, M.S.CCC/SLP is one of Progressus Therapy’s exceptional clinical

managers in Philadelphia. She is a graduate of Nova Southeastern University in Florida with ten years of experience as a school-based SLP, she now supervises and mentors clinical fellows and clinicians new to school-based therapy through the Progressus Therapy Career Launch program. Lisa is incredibly knowledgeable about the clinician experience, so we asked her to share her wisdom with new grads and incoming professionals on how to get the most out of their

mentorship.

Take Advantage...In a Good Way - Spend time with your professors and supervisors while in college, and during your

externships. Ask a lot of questions. Go out of your way to engage them and learn as much as possible.

Have Confidence - The biggest fear most new graduates face is knowing that soon they will be working alone. We know it’s hard to go from having a supervisor with you, to being on your own. Don’t worry, that’s what grad school and externships are for.

Always Lean In - Don’t stand back and just observe your mentor from a distance, be hands on and try to get as involved as possible. Interact with colleagues and work together with teachers and school administrators to help drive positive outcomes for students.

Shadow Your Mentor - Pick a run-of-the-mill normal work day. This will allow you to see the typical ins and outs of a clinician’s schedule, caseload, trials, and triumphs.

Be Observed - Take time to not just observe your mentor doing what they do best, but try things on your own. Mentors are more than happy to give you constructive feedback. That’s what they’re there for!

Be Open to Doing Things Differently - Sometimes schools do things a little differently than what’s taught in universities. Evaluation procedures are a great idea in theory, but the testing and diagnostic hands-on are different depending on the schools. Walk in with an open mind and try to do the assessments as required by the district.

Introduce Yourself to Everyone in the School - You want to be able to work as a team with school employees, and their input is going to be valuable while trying to achieve greater results with students.

Soak It All Up - There are so many great resources for therapists. So try to follow as many blogs and current publications as possible.



yth Busters

Myth Busters and BenefitsProgressus Therapy’s resident myth buster Jennifer Carothers-Liske has been a school-based PT for 15 years. Here’s what she has to say about setting the record straight for school-based clinicians!

Myth: There is limited flexibility in a school setting.Bust: This is a total misconception. The truth is that flexibility is one of the great things about working in schools! Therapists often create their own schedules.

Myth: School-based therapists do not receive competitive pay or great benefits.Bust: Therapists are paid hourly wages that are competitive to other settings plus, when working in schools, you get summers and school holidays off. Benefits are more than comparable. Bonus: Many of our therapists choose to work in the summer either through the school or in other settings and have flexible pay options. Other perks include professional development, 401k, medical and dental benefits, and professional organization dues.

Myth: There is less stability in schools.Bust: Statistics show that there is a growing need for school-based clinicians. As the qualification for eligibility expands, the demand for services increases. Every year, for 15 years, Jennifer has noted growth in her school’s department.Bonus: Progressus Therapy has relationships with districts across the country, so should you decide to make a location change, we will work with you to find exactly what you’re looking for while remaining a Progressus employee! How’s that for stability!

Myth: There are few opportunities for advancement in school-based therapy.Bust: There are numerous ways for you to grow professionally. Jennifer points to examples of mentorship roles, supervisory and management roles, program development positions etc… Bonus: Progressus offers its clinicians a generous allowance for professional development and continuing education!

Myth: Contracted clinicians are seen as outsiders in schools.Bust: Clinicians are treated as part of the staff, working with other teachers and other related services providers as part of the team. “You never have to feel alone and it’s a great environment for collaboration”. Bonus: Progressus develops unique partnerships with districts to ensure that our clinicians work collaboratively with all members of a IEP team to ensure the highest quality of service delivery.


Navigating the HallsStarting your first day working in a school setting doesn’t have to bring back memories of starting your first day of school! Sure, you may have some butterflies but that’s a good thing, right? Our veteran SLP, Lyda Athanasiadis, helps give us the 411 on how to navigate the halls and the people you’ll get to know along the way.

The Team - As school-based therapy provider, you are already a part of a very special group right off the bat. You will be part of a team that consists of other clinicians of varying disciplines, teachers, principals, and Program Managers. You may work independently much of the time, but that doesn’t mean you’re alone. In the beginning of the year, a principal will sign off on your caseload but it is typical for therapists to dictate their own scheduling.

The Parents - In addition to your team, you will obviously be working closely with your students and their parents. The way you communicate with them is key. The IEP kicks off the new relationship between you and the family you serve. In addition to this initial meeting that outlines the individualized education plan, Lyda recommends you send an introductory letter at the beginning of the year to introduce yourself and lay out your thoughts for the upcoming school year. Lyda suggests sending monthly tips to the families to help them reinforce the therapy in the homes.

Some parents may need additional support. Invite families to reach out to you if this is true for them and encourage them to email you, schedule in-person conferences and help them find and use additional resources you think may help. In a circumstance where parents need further understanding, invite them to observe a session and review what they saw. Another option would be to have a team meeting to address any parental concerns and present data on the child’s progress to help alleviate the concern.

The Students - As a school-based therapist you will sometimes find that you will need to use several strategies to engage a student in therapy. Collaborating with other professionals such as a ABA coach, social worker, special education teacher, and general ed teacher, may be helpful as well. Parents need to be aware of any situation where a child may not be participating in therapy and help to implement a behavior program.

The Teachers - Working with teachers and encouraging them to incorporate or reinforce therapy lessons into the classroom is helpful. School-based therapists work closely and frequently with other special education teachers. It is important to exchange strategies and suggestions of activities to support the student’s academic goals. Lyda says it’s helpful to check in with general education teachers monthly if not weekly to exchange information on theprogress regarding the student’s classroom performance and provide tools like hand-outs and visual supports to assist them in the classroom setting.


Career Guide Class of 2014N

avigating the Halls

Sound Advice• Work to develop relationships with the teachers and school

administration. As a school-based therapist, you are part of aninterdisciplinary team that will collaborate with other professionalssuch as teachers, SLPs, OTs, PTs, Psychologists, Guidance Counselors,SPED Coordinators, paraprofessionals, etc.

• Build rapport with the teachers by inquiring about lessonplans that you can incorporate into therapy.

• Mentors can be a big help with transitioning into theschool environment. Programs like Progressus Therapy’sCareer Launch pair a new school-based therapist withone who has had years of experience.

• Since teachers are often the ones making the referralsfor the therapy services, developing a pre-processwith them can be very helpful in accuratelyidentifying students who may or may not be eligiblefor services.

• Get to know what motivates kids! Relate to them by watching what they watch,knowing the “it” toys, games and fashion. Changing the names of areas in an obstaclecourse to landmarks in the Mine Craft game can make all the difference! A Sponge Bobsticker here and there can go a long way!

• Create your therapy schedule by doing group sessions with kids whose goals are similar,bearing in mind the personalities of the students. Teachers can be very helpful insuggesting which children would be great motivators for others in group therapy or perhaps abig distraction.

• The school is different from the clinical setting so things change, vary and shift. Be flexible and creative.Find multiple uses for the same object across age levels. For example stringing multicolored beads may beenough for one age group but counting them, distinguishing color groups, or identifying patterns may beuseful for others. “This job is fun and rewarding. We can affect real change with students and serve as thebridge they need to access their educational program in significant waysand the impact can change them for a lifetime.” -- Karen Combs

Career Guide Class of 2014Sound Advice




Whether you’re a newbie or veteran clinician, having a bag of tricks is key to getting you through the day. Check out these“must have” items as recommended by fellow clinicians. Some pertaining to language and articulation, others for fine and gross motor, and some can be used for both! Be creative, this is the fun part!

What’s In M

y Bag

BubblesBlocks

CrayonsShaving creamMasking tape

TongsBalls

PlexiglasiPad - check out Progressus Therapy’s Pinterest boards for great app options

Lift-the-flap picture booksArticulation cards

Musical instruments Puzzles

PensPlay-doh

Pipe cleanersYarn and crochet hook

String and colored beadsHand held bean bags

StickersCookie sheet for magnet piecesClorox wipes for cleaning toys

Hand sanitizerToy cars

Scooter boardWind-up action toys

COFFEE!



Relocation Checklist

Relocation Checklist

Have California dreams? Looking to go big in Texas?If you are considering relocating to a new city, Progressus has put together some tips to help you get ready for your big move.

□ Do your research□ Speak to your future clinical manager - after landing your new job□ Connect with other professionals in the area - find local professional groups□ Stay organized while packing□ Make to-do lists before you depart□ Plan all your moving logistics; understand your relocation package□ Give yourself enough time to get settled before you begin working□ Read local news and blogs to get to know your new place□ Compare the cost of living and see if it’s worth it□

Look up reviews for apartments, restaurants, places, etc. The reviews are there to help you.

□ Build a social support network□ Embrace the new experience; it might be the best decision you’ve ever made.

Did you knowProgressus offers relocation assistance? Contact us at 800.239.7979 or [email protected]

keep calm and graduate on - class of 2014

Documents

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best practices

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