PTS’s MTSS Model & Cross-Disciplinary Approach to School Counseling
At PTS, we take a Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) Approach to special education and related services that allows students to access the appropriate level of support through tiered interventions, including:
- Tier 1: Classroom-level interventions to address common concerns
- Tier 2: Small group, short-term interventions for students who need a boost
- Tier 3: Eligible students receive individualized services on a therapy caseload
As each student’s needs change, they move along a continuum of support that helps them build capacity rather than dependency. For example, students receive more comprehensive, individualized support during crises and transitional periods.
PTS’s multi-disciplinary, integrated approach not only benefits students but therapists as well. Our School Counselors incorporate concepts from other disciplines and lead in-service trainings for fellow clinicians and teachers on how best to support the social and emotional needs of every student.
Engaging With PTS as a School Counselor
The School Counselors who engage with PTS collaborate with a passionate, interdisciplinary team of service providers to support the unique, multi-faceted needs of each child. We begin the placement process by getting to know you, so we can match you with a school and student population that suits your skills, backgrounds, and interests.
Access to Support From a PTS Clinical Director
Once we place you in a school, we don’t just depart, we go with you. A PTS Clinical Director will be available to provide access to support when you need it. They will also act as a bridge of communication between all clinicians, staff, and administrators to ensure everyone is on the same page.
Networking Opportunities & Free Resource Library
We have optional networking and career advancement opportunities throughout the year as well as a community Facebook group where you can connect with fellow counselors and service providers. Along with that, you will have access to our free library of clinician-developed resources, activities, and interventions that you can use in your counseling sessions.
Optional School-Based Academy Orientation
If you’re just starting out as a School Counselor, you have the option to attend our annual School-Based Academy that begins every August. During this optional orientation, you will learn how to navigate the school environment with confidence and develop key skills like the following and more:
- Managing your therapy caseload
- Tracking and billing productive hours
- Writing an IEP and serving on an IEP team
- Remaining compliant and following all requirements
- Leading classroom-wide interventions to address common concerns
Working as a School-Based Independent Contractor
Our network of school-based clinicians are all independent contractors. This means, if you engage with us, you will find your own health insurance and have the opportunity to write off work-related expenses on your taxes (which PTS always recommends doing with the help of a professional).
Many school-based counselors find working as a school-based independent contractor enables them to achieve the work-life balance that suits them best. In fact, nearly half of all our incoming applicants have been referred to us by a current clinician.
She also traveled to the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, and Belize to conduct in-person teacher conferences about how to best support students with special needs.
Find Your Perfect School Counseling Position: Partner With PTS Today
At Pediatric Therapeutic Services (PTS), we know your training and skills have never been needed more. If you feel ready to explore your options working alongside PTS, begin by browsing through open School Counselor jobs in our partnering districts.
We’ll place you in a school, so you can help students access their education and reach their goals. Contact PTS to continue your career as a School Counselor today!