As the Assistant Director of Clinical Services at Lighthouse, one of the most common questions I receive is about caseload management. Let me break down how we handle caseload assignments and what you can expect as a teletherapist with us.
Starting with the Basics: The Minimum Caseload
At Lighthouse, we begin with a minimum caseload of 20 students. Each student receives a 30-minute therapy session, which translates to approximately 10 hours of direct service time. However, it's important to note that this doesn't account for the complete workload – you'll need to factor in additional time for IEP writing, planning, and documentation.
Building Your Ideal Caseload
What makes our approach unique is the flexibility we offer once you've met the minimum requirement. After reaching your initial 20 students, you get to shape your caseload according to your preferences and capacity. You might choose to:
- Add another 5 students
- Take on 15-20 more students
- Set any other comfortable number that works for you
The Growth Process
We follow a thoughtful, student-centered approach to caseload expansion. As students become available, we'll gradually add them to your caseload until we reach your specified target. For instance, if you've indicated a preference for 35 students, we'll work toward that goal at a pace that works for both you and the students.
Flexibility in Adjusting Your Numbers
One of the benefits of working with Lighthouse is the ability to reassess and adjust your caseload. If you reach your initial target and feel comfortable taking on more students, you can let us know. Maybe after a few weeks, you discover you can accommodate an additional five students – that's perfectly fine.
A Word of Caution
While we encourage growth, we also emphasize responsible caseload management. It's crucial to avoid taking on too many students only to return them later due to an overwhelming workload. This can be disruptive to student progress and therapy continuity. We recommend starting conservatively and gradually increasing your numbers as you become more comfortable with your schedule.
The key to success at Lighthouse is finding that sweet spot where you can provide quality therapy while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. We're here to support you in achieving that balance, one student at a time.
Remember, you're in the driver's seat when it comes to determining your ideal caseload size. We're here to support your decision and help you maintain a sustainable and fulfilling practice.
