Friday, June 3, 2011

A Sign of the Times: Losing Therapists

Last week our OT at The Boy's sensory gym told us she was quitting at the end of the school year.  She's taking another job.  

That kind of news is tough to hear.  Especially when you find a therapist that you like, one that works well with your child.  One that understands his strengths and weaknesses.  She's been working with The Boy since September 2009.  And now we have to find someone else.


It's kind of like breaking up with a long time love.  You know that it's the right thing to do.  It's just not an easy decision to make. But I completely understand.  She has a family of her own.  And she needs to get paid.  It's not easy working as a therapist under the Board of Ed. 

Most employees know when to expect their paycheck.  But therapists submit their bills and then have to wait for their checks.  Sometimes a few weeks.  Sometimes months

I mean think about it: How long can you go without a paycheck?       

And it's a complaint I've heard before.  Is it a sign of the times?  People do not want to deal with the Board of Ed.  People do not want to make phone call after phone call inquiring about when they will get paid.  Therapists/service providers are frustrated and fed up and leaving to pursue other job opportunities.  Jobs making more money.  Jobs that provide health benefits (because did I mention, the OT has no medical/dental insurance).  Jobs that have an actual pay schedule.  I don't think these things are too much to ask for or out of the realm of possibility considering the services they provide. 

So wake up Board of Ed - You're losing all the good ones!   

3 comments:

  1. My son's OT moved in January and now his ST is leaving because she got a better job at a hospital. I'm seeing a lot of transitioning right now...people moving to better opportunities or cheaper places because of the economy.

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  2. Very sad situation. It is too bad this has to happen. :( Heather

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  3. It's very frustrating when your child has a good therapist who's helping them progress and then leaves. B/c then the process has to begin all over again which also confuses the child. I also understand she also has to get by. Shame on the Board of Ed for not providing their employees with benefits and a steady pay schedule when they don't treat their workers right how can we expect them to treat the kids right. I hope you will get a good replacement.

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AutismWonderland - written by Lisa Quinones-Fontanez - is a personal blog chronicling a NYC family's journey with autism, while also sharing local resources for children/families with special needs.