SLP Post-Interview Questions
After your job interview: "Sooo, do you have any questions for US?"
It is important to ask post-interview questions both for making a good impression and for finding out what you may be getting yourself into.
Remember, an interview is a time for both parties to see if they are a good fit for each other. It's your first date with that facility in order to decide if you would like to keep seeing them. You owe it to yourself to ask the BIG questions! These questions may also help you figure out what to ask for in your future negotiations talks.
ALL Settings
Are SLPs here allowed to use their clinical judgement to make diagnosis and treatment decisions with autonomy?
CFs
Present a written copy of the requirements for supervision of a CF (both ASHA and state-specific) and then ask "are you familiar with these non-negotiable requirements?”
How do you ensure that these CF supervision requirements are followed? (goal is to get something in writing before accepting any position).
(If a CF), will my CF supervisor be on site?
Will you assign a CFY supervisor or will I get input on who my supervisor is?
Can you verify that my CF supervisor, if one will be assigned, has current certification from the American Speech-Language Hearing Association?
What does a typical day on the job look like?
How do you support an SLP in balancing the patient/client/student care with other essential duties which are not face-to-face with the patient/client/student?
Can you please list the ones which occur weekly/monthly, etc.
What are the most frustrating/limiting aspects to this job?
What is the overall turnover like in this company for SLP's?
Why did the last SLP leave?
What is the ratio or mix between new SLP's and seasoned SLPs (w/ greater than 5 yrs exp)?
How does this company incentivise innovation/change/new practices?
If a client/family/other professional disagrees with the SLP's assessment/recommendations, what are the channels or resources for resolving this?
Tell me more about the culture of the department.
May I speak with a couple of your current SLPs?
Educational
What is the average caseload size?
What do you do when the caseload goes over the state caseload cap/district guidelines?
Do you use a caseload or a workload approach?
What RtI practices are in place within the district?
Is the SLP expected to cover more than one school?
Does the SLP supervise an SLPA?
Is the position full-time or part-time (.5, .7 etc)?
Do the SLPs follow the school/teacher calendar? (10-month versus 12-month employees)
Will I have an annual budget for ordering of therapy materials, test kits, protocols, etc.?
What IEP Program does the district use? Is there training available for new users?
Does your school maintain HIPAA compliance for PHI, including SLP therapy, diagnostics, and records, or follow the less stringent standard of FERPA compliance only?
Medical
What are productivity expectations and is there an incentive for exceeding them? (Incentive for exceeding them in the medical setting would be a redflag for ethics concerns).
When census is low, are hours cut or are hours re-directed to screening, training etc?
Are there PRNs available to help with high census or days off?
How are holidays handled? Are weekends required?
How are treatment minutes determined?
What is your average percentage of Ultra's? (Ultra-highs. It's the highest RUG level (pymt reimbursement level). Too high is a red flag)
Private Practice
Is travel expected, and if so, is this to other clinic locations, homes, or schools?
What norm-referenced assessments will I have access to?
What are productivity expectations and is there an incentive for exceeding them?
What opportunities for specialization exist?
How are individual schedules created?
Are there weekend or evening hours involved?
How do you communicate with families?
What are common diagnoses (medical and speech/language) of the people you treat?
What is the payment policy in the event of a cancellation?
Expand Your S.C.O.P.E.™ is a clinician mentoring and shadowing service for certified healthcare providers looking to expand their own scopes of practice. JOIN NOW to get access to exclusive content and the opportunity to be matched with providers in your field for professional shadowing and mentoring experiences.
