« Back to Blog

As an Occupational Therapist (OT), Physical Therapist (PT), or Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP), your job search should lead to a role that not only matches your skills, but also supports your growth, well-being, and long-term career goals. But not all job listings are created equal—and some include subtle warning signs that can easily go unnoticed.

At Therapeutic Resources, we’ve spent the past 40 years helping therapy professionals find trustworthy, supportive, and rewarding positions in schools, skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), early intervention (EI) programs, and outpatient clinics across New York City. We’ve seen the good, the bad, and the misleading in job postings—and we’re here to help you spot the red flags before you apply.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the most common red flags in therapy job descriptions and how to read between the lines to ensure your next move is the right one.

�� 1. “Fast-Paced Environment” Without Mention of Support
What it might mean: You’ll be juggling a heavy caseload, with little administrative or clinical support.
What to look for instead:
 ✅ Mentions of team collaboration, clinical supervision, or support staff.
 ✅ Clear caseload expectations and tools to manage workflow.
Therapist Tip: If you're applying to a school-based or SNF setting, the support system is everything. Ask how many therapists are on the team and what resources are available.

�� 2. “Must Be Flexible with Hours” or “Weekend Availability Required”
What it might mean: You could be expected to work evenings, weekends, or irregular hours—often with little notice.
What to look for instead:
 ✅ Specific shift times, caseload hours, or flexible scheduling that works for you, not just the facility.
 ✅ Clear expectations around work-life balance or part-time/full-time distinctions.
Therapist Tip: A role in early intervention or home-based care may naturally involve some flexibility, but that doesn’t mean it should be unpredictable or unmanageable.

�� 3. “Entry-Level Salary” or No Mention of Pay at All
What it might mean: Compensation may be below market standards, especially in high-demand areas like NYC.
What to look for instead:
 ✅ Transparent pay ranges based on experience and setting.
 ✅ Information on benefits, continuing education reimbursement, and room for growth.
Therapist Tip: Partnering with a staffing agency like Therapeutic Resources ensures that you’re only shown opportunities with fair, competitive compensation aligned with your experience and credentials.

�� 4. Vague Language Like “Duties May Vary” or “All Other Tasks as Assigned”
What it might mean: You could be responsible for non-clinical duties well beyond your job description, such as administrative tasks, coverage in unrelated departments, or excessive paperwork.
What to look for instead:
 ✅ A clear list of clinical responsibilities tied to your discipline (OT, PT, SLP).
 ✅ A defined patient population or service delivery setting.
Therapist Tip: If the role involves split responsibilities across settings (like school + home-based), make sure it's explicitly stated and that resources are available to support the transition.

�� 5. “Ideal for Self-Starters” or “Must Work Independently”
What it might mean: Minimal orientation, limited mentorship, and an expectation that you’ll figure it all out on your own—even if you're new to the setting.
What to look for instead:
 ✅ Mentions of training, mentorship, or team collaboration.
 ✅ Structured onboarding programs, especially for new grads.
Therapist Tip: In SNFs and school-based positions, solo assignments can quickly become overwhelming without proper support. A solid clinical team should never leave you in the dark.

�� 6. “Immediate Start” or “Urgent Need”
What it might mean: High turnover. The facility may be desperate to fill a position that many others have left for a reason.
What to look for instead:
 ✅ Some urgency is normal, especially at the start of the school year—but beware of pressure to start without asking questions or negotiating terms.
 ✅ Listings that include timelines for interviews, start dates, and licensing requirements tend to be more professional and transparent.
Therapist Tip: Ask why the position is open, and how long the previous therapist was in the role. That will often tell you what you need to know.

�� 7. “Multidisciplinary Environment” with No Detail
What it might mean: The facility is understaffed or lacks true collaboration, and you may not get the team support implied.
What to look for instead:
 ✅ Information on interdisciplinary team meetings, shared documentation systems, or collaborative goal setting.
 ✅ Actual examples of the team makeup—OTs, PTs, SLPs, educators, case managers, etc.
Therapist Tip: A genuinely collaborative environment can make a big difference in your ability to grow and deliver effective care. Be sure the job description (or your interviewer) confirms this.

✅ How Therapeutic Resources Helps You Avoid the Red Flags
With four decades of success placing therapy professionals in New York City’s most respected schools, SNFs, and early intervention programs, Therapeutic Resources takes the guesswork out of your job search.
Here’s how we protect your best interests:

• We vet every opportunity before you see it.
• We provide clear, honest details about caseloads, hours, and compensation.
• We match you with roles that fit your strengths, experience, and lifestyle.
• We offer interview prep, resume guidance, and career coaching to ensure you feel confident and informed.
• When you work with Therapeutic Resources, you don’t just get a job—you get a trusted partner who advocates for you every step of the way.

Send us your information here to learn about the newest positions available!

---

Comments

Commenting is not available in this channel entry.