Checklist for Graduating OTs and SLPs: Evaluating a Role in Private Practice

Entering the world of paediatric therapy—whether you’re a new graduate or a seasoned clinician—can be both exciting and daunting. Between navigating salary details, understanding supervision structures, and ensuring a supportive work environment, there are numerous factors to consider when choosing the right practice.

This checklist is designed to help you pose the right questions and evaluate the critical elements that impact your professional growth and day-to-day satisfaction. From salary inclusions and supervision to team culture and professional development, these considerations will guide you in making an informed decision about your next career step.

If you’re specifically interested in joining our team at BillyLids Therapy, you’ll also find answers to common questions we receive during interviews. We pride ourselves on being a playful, ethical, and empowering practice for children, with kindness and inquisitiveness at the heart of what we do.

Read on to discover the key questions and considerations that will help you find a workplace where you can thrive both personally and professionally.

1. What’s Included in Your Salary?

Considerations:

• Is your salary inclusive or exclusive of superannuation?
• Do you need to pay your own professional indemnity insurance, or is it covered by the employer?
• Is the company WorkCover QLD compliant? Can you see the certificate?
• Are you required to use your private vehicle for community appointments? If so, how are you reimbursed for mileage and wear and tear? At what rate?

Questions to Ask:

• Is my salary inclusive or exclusive of superannuation?
• Do I need to arrange my own professional indemnity insurance, or is this provided?
• Is the clinic WorkCover QLD compliant? Can I see the compliance certificate?
• Will I need to use my private vehicle for work-related travel? How is mileage and wear and tear compensated?
• If there is a bonus structure – what targets do I need to meet to be eligible?

2. Supervision & Mentorship

Considerations:

• • Who are the senior clinicians in the practice?
  • How many years of experience in your sector do they have?

• Is there dedicated direct time for supervision, and how often does it occur?
• Is there indirect time for troubleshooting clinical challenges as they arise?

Questions to Ask:

• Who are the senior clinicians providing supervision, and what is their experience in this field?
• How frequently will I have direct supervision time?
• Will there be time allocated for indirect supervision or troubleshooting on a day-to-day basis? Will my supervisor be working in the same office as me?
• Can I meet my supervisor during the interview process?
• Is there time set aside for session shadowing?

3. Work Environment & Team Culture

Considerations:

• Does the clinic promote a collaborative, supportive team environment?
• Are there opportunities for multidisciplinary collaboration (e.g., OTs working with SLPs)?
• What is the leadership style? Are the managers approachable and open to feedback?

Questions to Ask:

• How does the team collaborate across disciplines?
• What values does the practice prioritise in both clinical work and staff management?
• How is the company fostering a positive work culture?

4. Professional Development

Considerations:

• Does the clinic offer ongoing professional development opportunities?
• Are external training, workshops, or conferences supported financially or logistically?

Questions to Ask:

• What professional development opportunities are available for staff?
• Are there opportunities to pursue special interests or areas of practice within the clinic?
• Is there a budget for attending external courses or workshops?

 

5. Caseload & Clinical Support

Considerations:

• What type of caseload will you be expected to manage (e.g., age range, complexity, conditions)?
• Is there flexibility in caseload management, and can it be adjusted based on your development?

Questions to Ask:

• Can you describe the typical caseload for a new graduate?
• How are new graduates supported when managing more complex cases?
• Is there flexibility in adjusting caseload if needed?

6. Ethical Practice & Workload Management

Considerations:

• Does the clinic emphasise ethical practice over purely meeting client or billing targets?
• Is the work-life balance for therapists actively managed?

Questions to Ask:

• Does the clinic have productivity targets, and how are they managed for new graduates?
• How do you ensure therapists aren’t overloaded or burnt out?
• What is the policy on taking breaks or managing a full day of client sessions?

7. Clientele & Scope of Practice

Considerations:

• What is the clinic’s client demographic (e.g., paediatrics, adults, disability, mental health, mixed)?
• Will you be able to work in your preferred area of practice?

Questions to Ask:

• Can you describe the client demographic the clinic serves?
• What opportunities are there to work with specific populations or practice areas?

8. Resources & Facilities

Considerations:

• Does the clinic provide the necessary tools, resources, and technology to support your work (e.g., therapy tools, assessment materials, clinical software)?
• Is the space conducive to a variety of therapy modalities?

Questions to Ask:

• What types of resources, assessments, and tools will I have access to?
• How are therapy spaces and equipment managed to ensure availability and quality?

9. Work Hours & Flexibility

Considerations:

• Are work hours flexible, or are you expected to meet rigid schedules?
• Is there scope to balance work and personal commitments?

Questions to Ask:

• What are the expected working hours, and is there flexibility?
• Can the clinic accommodate flexible work arrangements, such as part-time or adjusted hours?

10. Career Progression

Considerations:

• Does the clinic offer opportunities for growth and career progression (e.g., leadership roles, specialisation)?
• Are there pathways to explore new areas of interest or move into senior roles?

Questions to Ask:

• • What opportunities exist for career progression within the practice?
  • Are there structured pathways for advancement or specialisation?

 

Considering a role at BillyLids Therapy?

BillyLids Therapy is a playful, ethical, and empowering practice that provides evidence-based therapy to children. Our team is collaborative and supportive, fostering a positive environment for both staff and clients. If you’re interested in joining a team that values kindness and inquisitiveness in clinical work, check out our Q&A for answers to common questions we receive during interviews.