Therapist Information - Frequently Asked Questions

You’ve Got QUESTIONS? We’ve got ANSWERS!

If you have a question or concern that isn’t fully addressed on our FAQ please call on of our Therapy Consultants or Regional Managers, or send us an email and we can send a personal reply to you.

SOS Questions:

1. What types of job opportunities would I have as an SOS employee?
   
2. Why do companies contract jobs?
   
3. Why would an employer choose to contract jobs with SOS and not fill them on their own?
   
4. Why do companies have SOS recruit for their permanent positions?
   
5. What are the advantages of being in a travel or contract position with SOS?
   
6. How am I as a therapist supported in my position while working as an SOS employee?
   
7. Why work for SOS versus another travel or contract company?
   
8. I am interested in SOS and would like to talk to one of your other employees. Is that possible?
   
   CFY Questions:
   
9. Is there a CF Mentorship Program at SOS?
   
10. How will SOS support me professionally during my CFY?
    
11. Do I need to pass the Praxis prior to beginning an assignment for SOS?
    
12. Can I be a Traveler during my CFY?
    
13. Can I be a Medical Traveler as a CF?
    
14. Why do you offer CFYs a sign-on bonus?
    
    Ensure a Successful CF Experience
    
    New Graduate Questions:
    
15. Is there a new graduate Mentorship Program at SOS?
    
16. How will SOS support me professionally during first year working as a therapist?
    
17. Do I need to pass my National Exam/National Boards prior to beginning an assignment for SOS?
    
18. Can I be a Traveler as a newly graduated therapist?
    
19. Can I be a Medical Traveler as a new grad?
    
20. Why do you offer new graduate therapists a sign-on bonus?
    
    Interview Process Questions:
    
21. Am I committed to accept a position if I interview for it?
    
22. Will SOS help me prepare for the interview process?
    
23. Will I be charged any fees if I interview or accept a job through SOS?
    
    Salary and Benefits Questions:
    
24. What are my benefits as an SOS employee?
    
25. How will I receive my paycheck?
    
26. What portion of my paycheck goes towards benefits?
    
27. When do SOS employee healthcare benefits become effective?
    
28. How many days is the paid vacation?
    
29. Does SOS help financially with relocation?
    
30. How much continuing education will SOS pay for?
    
31. Does SOS offer a 401K plan?
    
32. Will SOS assist me in obtaining my state license and/or teacher certification?
    
33. Will SOS help me to complete these forms and pay for my licenses?
    
34. Can I trade in some or all of my benefits for a higher salary?
    
35. How am I affected if I take time off between assignments?
    
36. If I am in a school contract and decide to take the summer off, how is my insurance coverage affected?
    
37. What do you mean when you say "Keep the Paycheck. Take the Summer Off"
    
38. How does the year-round pay plan work?
    
39. Does pay increase with experience?
    
40. Are there opportunities for advancement with SOS?
    
41. Does SOS offer money to employees who refer another therapist to the company?
    
    Housing Questions:
    
42. Will I be responsible for finding my own housing for each of my assignments?
    
43. Is the housing nice and near the assigned facility?
    
44. What do I need to pack to take on my SOS travel assignment?
    
    Travel Questions:
    
45. I am interested in travel, but would like to talk to one of your current traveler employees. Is that possible?
    
46. What makes me eligible for Travel Status with SOS?
    
47. How can I keep my travel status year after year working for SOS?
    
48. What would happen if I was no longer eligible for travel status?
    
    Assignment Questions:
    
49. Do I have to travel to work for SOS?
    
50. What is the average length of an assignment?
    
51. How long will I be in one place?
    
52. How many hours a day does an SOS employee work in a school or medical assignment?
    
53. Do SOS therapists work a 40-hour work week?
    
54. I am only interested in summer work. Does SOS have summer only assignments?
    
    Miscellaneous Questions:
    
55. Would SOS have a Speech Assistant position for me?
    
56. Does SOS have positions outside the United States?

SOS Information:

What types of job opportunities would I have as an SOS employee?
Our contract and travel jobs are in all clinical settings, (medical and educational) with all populations in the following 12 travel states: CA, AZ, TX, IL, IN, OH, MI, KY, PA, VA, NC and GA! We also have a permanent placement division in our company for therapy jobs in ALL 50 States!

Why do companies contract jobs?
Why would an employer choose to contract jobs with SOS and not fill them on their own?
Companies and school districts contract out positions for many different reasons. Sometimes they are simply unable to find enough qualified staff to fill their vacancies and sometimes their need is only to provide coverage for an absent employee. In other cases there are no local candidates to consider. We have longstanding relationships with many companies across the country that we staff for on an ongoing basis. They know we supply QUALITY therapists!

Why do companies have SOS recruit for their permanent positions?
Companies contract SOS to recruit for them for a variety of reasons. Most of the time we are working with client companies for whom we provide both Temporary Staffing and Permanent Placement services. We are familiar with the facility and their needs and have the ability to recruit candidates nationally, something they may be unable to effectively do on their own. If they don’t have a local candidate, our services are often more cost effective than conducting an independent candidate search on their own. Often, the client is simply unable to find enough qualified staff to fill all of their vacancies. Therapy is a specialty area and our clients have confidence that we can screen and match available candidates to their vacancies better than they may be able to do themselves. We have longstanding relationships with many companies across the country that we staff for on an ongoing basis. They know we supply QUALITY therapists!

What are the advantages of being in a travel or contract position with SOS?
Wow! There are many! In addition to working for a great company that fully understands the demands placed on you as a therapist, we will present you with job opportunities that help you achieve your personal and professional career goals. Because we are a therapist owned company, we can fully support you in the work place. Plus the advantages don’t end with your higher job satisfaction. As Travel or Contract employee with SOS, you receive a higher total compensation package. Another big financial advantage is that SOS will guarantee your hours during your work week! NO being “sent home early” or worrying about completing your CF in a timely manner. Finally, it’s a good way to get started in a new area to see if you like both the job and the geographic area. Ask us how you can stay in a position if you fall in love with it!

How am I as a therapist supported in my position while working as an SOS employee?
As an SOS employee you will be fully supported while working in the field. Whether you are a new graduate or an experienced therapist you will have a team of SOS therapists and professionals ready to offer you any support you may need. Because we are a therapist owned and managed company, we understand your concerns and make sure that you have everything you need to be successful in every SOS assignment you undertake. In addition to your Regional Manager, who is you assignment supervisor, you will also have an in-facility contact to help you at your assignment. Plus you will have assistance from our in-office therapists who will be a technical resource or sounding board for you if you have any clinical questions. The entire SOS corporate staff is available and ready to help you with any question you may have about your role and responsibilities in your new position.

Why work for SOS versus another travel or contract company?
We're glad you asked! SOS is therapist owned by individuals who have been EXACTLY where you are today! We understand and want to help you make the transition from student to professional or from your current position to being an SOS employee as easy as possible! In addition, as a therapist owned company, we understand and care about ethical issues, quality care and you a clinician. We also add stability for our current school-based therapists by giving them the option to extend their pay over 12 months as well as continuing to pay for health insurance coverage over the summer when they have committed to the next assignment. Give Doug Powers, Human Resources Director, ext. 103, a call to get more information about ALL of our great benefits. (Sign-on bonus, company paid housing, relocation assistance, continuing education, paid health, dental, vision insurance, and more!)

I am interested in SOS and would like to talk to one of your other employees. Is that possible?
Yes, SOS employees love to talk with anyone interested in gathering information about what it is like to work for SOS on a travel or contract basis. Just talk with an SOS Consultant or Regional Manager and we will get that arranged for you.

CFY Information:

Is there a CF Mentorship Program at SOS?
How will SOS support me professionally during my CFY?
SOS offers you a strong mentorship program throughout your CF experience. In addition to your ASHA CF-SLP Mentor, you will also have assistance from 2 SLPs in our corporate office, (Diane Powers, CCC-SLP, President of our company, and Sarah Foulks, CCC-SLP, Consultant on staff) and from an on-site supervisor, who may also be your ASHA CF-SLP Mentor. Your Regional Manager, who is your assignment supervisor, is also available to answer any questions you may have and to offer you any support you may need.

Do I need to pass the Praxis prior to beginning an assignment for SOS?
Some states require you to pass the Praxis before you can begin your CFY. Other states allow you to work as a Speech Language Pathologist during your CFY but require you to pass the Praxis before you can get a permanent license or receive your CCCs. Our ability to offer you employment prior to passing the Praxis will depend on the states in which you prefer to work. SOS will assist you in this process.   If you have taken the Praxis test but did not pass, you still have employment options with SOS.  Call us for details regarding states and settings in which you could still work while you continue to study for your Praxis

Can I be a Traveler during my CFY?
Can I be a Medical Traveler as a CF?
SOS works with CFs in both School Travel and Medical Travel settings. It is significantly easier for a new graduate Speech Language Pathologist to complete their CF year in a School Travel or School Contract position before undertaking a Medical Travel assignment. However, SOS does set aside a limited number of CFY Medical Travel positions each year for the dedicated medical therapist who wants to immediately undertake the unique challenges and rewards of being a Medical Travel therapist. If you are a strong new graduate therapist who loved the changing rotations in your clinical externships and excelled in each new environment, we would like to consider you for a Medical Traveler position with SOS.
The selection criteria for CF Medical Travel positions is more competitive. CFs interested in Medical Travel must have a variety of clinical experience in hospitals, outpatient, rehab, and/or skilled nursing facilities. Increased student medical experience allows you to qualify for more opportunities.If you are interested in an SOS CF-SLP Medical Travel position, you must be open to a position in any of our travel states and be open to any medical setting.

Why do you offer CFYs a sign-on bonus?
We know how it is to be newly graduated with a nice chunk of student loans! We want to help to ease that initial burden and make your transition from student to professional as easy as possible. For our newly graduated therapists there may be a waiting period between graduating and securing your first job because of waiting for national exam results, securing your state license or certification, or if you can’t begin work until the next school semester begins. Your sign-on money will help you make that transition!

New Graduate Information:

Is there a new graduate Mentorship Program at SOS?
How will SOS support me professionally during first year working as a therapist?
SOS offers you a strong mentorship program throughout your first year of employment. You will have assistance from experienced PT/OT therapists in our corporate office, (Cheri Smith MSPT, OT Regional Manager and Ladonna Valier PT Vice President) and from an on-site supervisor at your assigned facility. Your Regional Manager, who is your assignment supervisor, is also available to answer any questions you may have and to offer you any support you may need.

Do I need to pass my National Exam/National Boards prior to beginning an assignment for SOS?
This will depend on the state(s) in which you are interested in seeking employment. Some states allow you to practice while on a temporary license prior to taking your national exam. SOS will assist you in this process. Call us for details regarding states and settings in which you could still work while you continue to study for your national exam.

Can I be a Traveler as a newly graduated therapist?
Can I be a Medical Traveler as a new grad?
SOS works with newly graduated therapists in both School Travel and Medical Travel settings. It is significantly easier for a new graduate to complete their first year of professional employment in a School Travel or School Contract position before undertaking a Medical Travel assignment. Many of our school therapists accept Medical Travel assignments during the summer months when school in not in session. SOS also sets aside a limited number of new grad Medical Travel positions each year for the dedicated medical therapist who wants to immediately undertake the unique challenges and rewards of being a Medical Travel therapist. If you are a strong new graduate therapist who loved the changing rotations in your clinical externships and excelled in each new environment, we would like to consider you for a Medical Traveler position with SOS.
The selection criteria for Medical Travel positions is more competitive. Therapists interested in Medical Travel must have a variety of clinical experience in hospitals, outpatient, rehab, and/or skilled nursing facilities. Increased student medical experience allows you to qualify for more opportunities. If you are interested in an SOS Medical Travel position, you must be open to a position in any of our travel states and be open to any medical setting.

Why do you offer new graduate therapists a sign-on bonus?
We know how it is to be newly graduated with a nice chunk of student loans! We want to help to ease that initial burden and make your transition from student to professional as easy as possible. For our newly graduated therapists there may be a waiting period between graduating and securing your first job because of waiting for national exam results, securing your state license or certification, or if you can’t begin work until the next school semester begins. Your sign-on money will help you make that transition!

The Interview Process:

Am I committed to accept a position if I interview for it?
SOS works with therapists under three programs; Medical Travel, School Contract/Travel and Perm Placement. Only in Travel and Contract positions is the therapist actually employed by SOS. Through our Permanent Placement division, the therapist is matched with and introduced to our clients who will employ you directly. You are never committed to accepting a position you do not want. You retain full autonomy to choose your employment regardless of working with SOS to identify potential employers. We also offer you complete information regarding the companies you will be interviewing with, and allow you to interview privately. We do not listen in on your phone conversations with our clients, so you can comfortably ask all of your clinical and caseload questions without worrying about us trying to control or censor information. Not all companies and individuals offering placement services are licensed employment agencies. Be sure to ask about each agency’s policies, search restrictions and possible costs before agreeing to work with them or to send them your resume. We work to make sure that the therapist is completely comfortable with an SOS Assignment or Permanent Placement position prior to their acceptance of any position.

Will SOS help me prepare for the interview process?
Yes, prior to the interview process, SOS will discuss interview preparation. We will dive you details and website information for the position before you interview and background information about the geographic area. Sometimes we can also arrange for you to talk with another SOS employee who has been in the assignment or the area. For most travel positions your interview will be conducted over the phone and not in person. If you are in the area and choose to do a site visit we will help you arrange an in-person interview.

Will I be charged any fees if I interview or accept a job through SOS?
The important thing to know about SOS's permanent placement division is that we are a licensed private employment agency. You will never be charged a fee or otherwise penalized for seeking employment through our agency nor are you committed to accept a position for which you have interviewed.  Not all companies and individuals offering placement services are licensed employment agencies. Be sure to ask about each agency’s policies, search restrictions and possible costs before agreeing to work with them or sending them your resume.

Salary and Benefits Information:

What are my benefits as an SOS employee?
SOS offers a comprehensive benefits package. We provide you with health insurance, dental insurance, a vision plan, accrued paid time off, continuing education, license and certification assistance, direct deposit payroll and much more. If you are serious about pursuing employment opportunities with SOS, ask for a guest login to get detailed information regarding all the benefits SOS has to offer you. In the employee section of our web site you can view a list of our employee benefits. Any of the Regional Managers can schedule a time for you to receive a comprehensive company orientation through our Human Resources Department.

How will I receive my paycheck?
All SOS staff are paid by direct deposit every two weeks. So no matter where you are in the country, every other Friday your paycheck is deposited into your checking account, or whatever account(s) you designate. As an SOS employee you have access to our ipay online pay check and retirement planning web site, where you can view their SOS payroll information.

What portion of my paycheck goes towards benefits?
None. SOS pays 100% of your insurance premiums and the cost of your benefits.

When do SOS employee healthcare benefits become effective?
You will become eligible for SOS healthcare benefits on your 61st calendar day of employment with SOS. During the first 60 days of your employment with us we will reimburse you for your existing or COBRA insurance coverage up to $150/mo or $300 maximum.

How many days is the paid vacation?
You accrue days on a percentage basis. During the typical school year you would earn 5 vacation days. If you work in medical facilities instead of a school, or work a summer assignment in addition to your school assignment, you earn between 7-8 vacation days because you do not have the down time that is built into a school calendar and you will be working and accruing PTO hours over the summer months.

Does SOS help financially with relocation?
Yes, SOS provides up to $500 relocation assistance to get you to each new assignment. Ask us for the details.

How much continuing education will SOS pay for?
When you accept a school year or 1 year medical contract to be an SOS employee, you will receive reimbursement for up to $600 for continuing education expenses. You can use your continuing education money to attend trainings, to acquire professional materials or to pay your annual professional dues. In your third year of employment with us, your continuing education (CEU) fund is increased to $1,000. If any portion of your CEU fund is not used, you will receive it in the final pay check for that work year. The amount remitted to you in cash will be subject to applicable payroll taxes.

Does SOS offer a 401K plan?
Beginning with your second year of employment, you are eligible to participate in our 4% company matched, 401K plan. SOS matches your contributions to your 401K plan up to 4% of your gross annual pay. In addition, you are 100% vested in the SOS matching contributions from the first day of participation. 

Will SOS assist me in obtaining my state license and/or teacher certification?
Will SOS help me to complete these forms and pay for my licenses?
Yes! SOS has a licensure department and will work with you to get all necessary licenses and certifications. We will ensure that the forms are complete and accurate, directly pay for 100% of necessary license fees and monitor your application throughout the process so that you receive the license/certification that you need as quickly as possible.

Can I trade in some or all of my benefits for a higher salary?
If you are an SOS Employee who is not eligible for or who does not choose to have company paid housing you will receive additional pay in lieu of this benefit. You can choose to accrue paid time off, which is paid in a bonus check at the end of the assignment year, or you can choose to have a higher hourly rate. Likewise, you can choose to trade in your $600 CEU for a higher hourly rate.

You can also choose to have the company paid health benefits plan that includes a PPO health plan, prescription plan, major medical plan, dental plan, vision plan, and a $50,000 life insurance policy or, if you are covered by another health plan, you can decline the SOS medical insurance plan and receive more pay per hour.

In addition to the a la carte benefits that you can keep or trade for cash, we have a required minimum benefits package our employees receive but cannot trade for additional salary. SOS pays for all required state license(s), all required but non-reimbursed medical tests, relocation expenses up to $500 per assignment, professional liability insurance and other insurance coverage as required by law.

Beginning with your second year of employment, you are eligible to participate in our 4% company matched, 401K plan with 100% vesting privileges.

How am I affected if I take time off between assignments?
If I am in a school contract and decide to take the summer off, how is my insurance coverage affected?
Your employment with SOS is ongoing so long as you have already committed to your next assignment even if you schedule some time off. Generally we prefer that you not take more than 2 weeks off between assignments but will work with you if you need a longer period of time off due to special circumstances. Your SOS employment status and benefits are not affected by these scheduled times off between work assignments. If you are in a school assignment and decide to take the summer off, your benefits are unchanged and we pay your health insurance premiums all summer if you have committed to come back to SOS for another school year. You are an ongoing SOS employee, even when you are between assignments, as long as you have already committed to your next assignment!

What do you mean when you say "Keep the Paycheck. Take the Summer Off"?
How does the year-round pay plan work?
The SOS year-round pay plan is a flexible compensation plan you can participate in if you choose a school assignment. This optional payment plan allows you to allocate your pay over all 26 pay periods in the year so that even when the school year ends, you will continue to receive paychecks over the summer. The first 23 paychecks will be exactly the same. The final three paychecks will reconcile what you actually earned with what was estimated when your compensation plan was set up. The final paychecks might be higher or lower than your first 23 pay checks based on the hours you actually worked during the school year. This pay plan has no effect on your vacation pay. If you decide to take a summer assignment you will receive your “summer” pay in addition to your current earnings.

Does pay increase with experience?
Are there opportunities for advancement with SOS?
Yes we offer annual raises. Increases can occur as you move between geographic areas. Your hourly salary may also increase if you acquire special training or have special skills such as being bilingual in Spanish, or having sensory integration or MBS experience. Pay will also increase with additional responsibility, such as being a CF-mentor or being a lead therapist on a team.

Does SOS offer money to employees who refer another therapist to the company?
Yes we pay a $500 referral fee for each person that you refer who accepts a school year assignment or year long Employment Agreement with us. The referral bonus is prorated when the referred person works for SOS for a shorter period of time.

Housing Information:

Will I be responsible for finding my own housing for each of my assignments?
Not if you don't want to! Unless you choose to do your own housing SOS will take care of your housing arrangements and expenses for you in full for as long as you are on travel status. We will secure the apartment, sign the lease and pay the deposits, provide a complete hard furnishings package, pay the utilities and send you directions for how to get to your apartment and where to pick up your keys. We work to make sure your travel experience is enjoyable and to keep as much money in your pocket as possible. Our system allows you to keep your focus on the job you love.

Is the housing nice and near the assigned facility?
You will be placed in comfortable, professional housing within close proximity to your assigned job location(s). Sometimes we staff facilities in areas in which there is no housing that meets our standards. In those situations, your housing might be 10-20 miles away in a neighboring community. The distance from your apartment to your work site will vary with each assignment but you will always have a typical commute for the area in which you are working. You can be as involved in selecting your housing as you choose to be.

What do I need to pack to take on my SOS travel assignment?
SOS will provide your furniture package. You will only need to bring with you clothing, linens and kitchen supplies such as plates, cookware, etc. and personal items such as your stereo, television, computer, artwork and decorator items. (Most but not all of our apartments have microwaves so we will let you know about any other amenities when we know where you will be housed during your assignment.)

Travel Information:

I am interested in travel, but would like to talk to one of your current traveler employees. Is that possible?
Yes, SOS employees love to talk with anyone interested in gathering information about what it is like to travel for SOS. Just talk with an SOS Consultant or Regional Manager and we will get that arranged for you.

What makes me eligible for Travel Status with SOS?
"Travel" is an IRS qualification that allows SOS to directly pay for your housing while you are
working in an assignment for SOS. This is financially advantageous to you!
If you accept a position that is further away from your legal residence than you can comfortably commute, we can provide you with tax-free company paid housing and the position is designated as a Travel position. This employment status is defined by the federal tax code. If you meet these criteria you are eligible for a range of tax advantages in addition to the benefits that are directly provided to you by SOS on a tax free basis. An important note when comparing Travel company compensation packages is that SOS takes the most conservative interpretation of tax liability possible. We have no inflated "effective rates", no penalty clauses, no income pay back clauses, and no reduced compensation or benefit clauses in our employment agreement. Your quoted hourly salary from SOS is guaranteed regardless of tax circumstances, so you can quickly and accurately calculate your estimated gross pay as our employee and then apply your specific tax liabilities. A Travel therapist's annual income tax liability should only be calculated by a tax accountant familiar with their situation.  To accept Travel status benefits from your employer or to claim Travel expense deductions to which you are not entitled might result in an IRS tax liability or risk an unacceptable tax exposure. Some Travel company's use of a non-accountable compensation plan creates confusion and potentially adverse financial situations for Travel therapists.

How can I keep my travel status year after year working for SOS?
What would happen if I was no longer eligible for travel status?
In order to keep your travel status, you must be on temporary assignment for less than 12 months and maintain a permanent residence other than your SOS provided travel housing. You may select a different assignment in the same general geographic area or you can move to another geographic area within the state or even move to a different SOS travel state.

If you remain in an assignment for 12 or more months, or return to the same school assignment for a second year, then you will no longer be eligible for travel status and SOS will no longer be able to provide you with tax free housing. You can also lose your travel status if you establish residency in the area, even if you have not been in the area for a year, or if you marry someone who is a resident in the area in which you are traveling. Should this occur, SOS will increase your hourly compensation in lieu of this benefit.

Assignment Information:

Do I have to travel to work for SOS?
No. SOS may also have contract positions "in your back yard" which allow you to work for us year after year on a contract basis. If you accept a position in a city where you live or if after being in an area you decide that you want to establish residency, we have an employment option that works for you. The difference is that if your workplace is within commute range of your legal residence you would not qualify for “travel status” and would not be eligible for company paid housing or other travel status benefits under IRS regulations. You would receive addition pay in lieu of company paid housing but all of your other benefits remain the same.

What is the average length of an assignment?
Education assignments are usually for the whole school year while medical assignments typically last three months (13 weeks).  If an assignment will be for a shorter or longer period of time we will let you know that information before you interview for the assignment.

How long will I be in one place?
As a traveler, you cannot stay in the same assignment for more than a year. As an SOS contract employee you may stay in one of our assignments for as long as you like. A typical medical assignment lasts for three months (13 weeks) and a typical school assignment lasts for the entire school year.

How many hours a day does an SOS employee work in a school or medical assignment?
Do SOS therapists work a 40-hour work week?
Schools are usually 7.5 - 8 hour days guaranteed. Medical settings are 8 hour days guaranteed.

I am only interested in summer work. Does SOS have summer only assignments?
SOS is dedicated to our current therapist employees. SOS staff who want summer employment will have first selection of our available summer jobs. Any remaining opportunities would then be available for non-SOS therapists to consider.

Miscellaneous Information:

Would SOS have a Speech Assistant position for me?
Yes! SOS has a limited number of SLP-A positions available in selected states. If you have a Bachelor's or Associate's Degree in Speech or Communication Disorders, we may have a position as a speech assistant in a school that might be suitable for you. Call to find out what states would be an option for you.

Does SOS have positions outside the United States?
At this time SOS provides opportunities only within the U.S.