As my first teletherapy position interview approached in 2014, I had more questions than I could organize in my brain. I was an SLP with years of in-person speech therapy experience, but telepractice was brand new to me... and still relatively new to the profession, too.
Plus, I'm an expert over-thinker. My questions just led to more questions. It's not like I could ask a friend or colleague who had done teletherapy. I mean, I hadn't even heard the word 'teletherapy' until like the month before. Virtual therapy was a world of unknowns and I didn't even know what I wanted to know.
Even the interview itself had me questioning everything. I specifically remember mulling over what pants to wear for the virtual meeting. Should I wear dress pants as I would for an in-person interview? Or, could I wear shorts to be more cool and comfortable? I told you that I questioned everything 😆
My fellow speech-language pathologists who are considering the switch to teletherapy may appreciate some guidance in preparing for interviews. The answers to these questions can help you gather the information needed to make an educated decision on whether the position might be right for you!
Questions to Ask During an SLP Teletherapy Interview
While many of these questions may be answered within the job description, they're all points to consider before, during, and after an interview for an SLP teletherapy position.
General Questions about the Position
What are the hours (days, start/end times) of the job?
When does the position start?
Is the position based on a school or year-round calendar? What holidays are included?
Questions about Compensation and Benefits
What is the worker classification for the position? In other words, will you be formally employed by the company (and receive a W2 tax form) or an independent contractor (and receive a 1099)?
How is your time compensated? Are hours guaranteed? Are you paid by the hour or a salary? Are indirect duties (meetings, paperwork, phone calls, etc.) paid?
How are you paid for no-shows and/or canceled sessions?
Are there options for health and dental insurance?
Are continuing education expenses covered or reimbursed?
Are state and/or national license expenses covered or reimbursed?
How are days off requested?
Questions About the Caseload Clinical Duties
What is the population (ages, grade levels, goal areas)?
Where will your students/clients be located (in a brick-and-mortar building, at home, etc.)?
Will you need to provide case management? If so, for approximately what percentage of the caseload?
Is there a caseload cap?
Are students owed compensatory minutes? If so, how many students and minutes?
Are there out-of-compliance IEPs? If so, how many?
Will you provide services to groups? If so, how many students will be in a group?
Questions About Equipment and Resources
What platform is used to provide teletherapy?
Is any teletherapy equipment (computer, headset, webcam, internet, etc.) provided?
Will students be located in a quiet, designated therapy space? How many computers are available?
Is there a trained facilitator onsite to assist with duties before, during, and after sessions?
What digital therapy materials and evaluations are available?
Will you be provided with any equipment or will you provide your own?
Questions About Other Job Duties
How and when are IEP meetings held?
How is the schedule made? Is there flexibility?
How will collaboration with others (parents, teachers, assistants, administrators, etc.) be done?
What documentation is required? Is there Medicaid billing? Are daily notes entered into a system?
Questions About Job Support and Advancement
How is training and onboarding provided and structured?
What opportunities for professional development are available?
How is job performance evaluated?
How is a sense of community created to overcome the physical distance?
What additional job opportunities within the company might be available in the future?
Leading up to an interview, it's normal to feel like your head is swirling with questions, especially when delving into a new therapy setting (telepractice). More than likely, interviewers expect you to have questions and see it as a sign that you're truly interested in the position and organization.
If you're an SLP who's experienced an interview for a teletherapy position, comment on this post and let me know if there are any questions I should add. Happy job searching!
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