Pros
The work of the company is admirable - providing daily 30 minute one on one sessions with kids in schools is huge. Can you imagine if you had a confidant while being confined in a school building for 9/10 months out of the year? I saw first hand how powerful it was for students to have that access.
Cons
No employer support for materials, contractors are expected to have (or buy) their own laptops/tablets to perform daily documentation of notes, treatment tactics, email communication, and exit plans. You're expected to download and share your location via phone app, and be in charge of clocking in/out, despite your pre-agreed on schedule. Any fidgets, games, snacks, office decor and supplies, are all out of pocket. Hourly wage translates to ~$15/$17 per hour, as you're responsible for paying your own taxes, and receive a 1099. This wound up costing me about $1200 Federally, and $300 State. As with a lot of school based positions, the compensation doesn't match the effort and demands of the company, school districts, and individual children's needs. The company holds a contract with different districts and counties, and as such is contractually obligated to justify their independent contractors in the schools. Meaning, even if children aren't exhibiting symptoms of anxiety (which is highly subjective in and of itself), they can be entered into the We R HOPE program, with parental consent. This translated to different kids looking to escape from class time by vocalizing certain buzzwords. Moral of the story, even if you're desperate for a job, read your contract. Re-read it. Scrutinize it. Ask if the offer is the top of the budget for that position. Know that with a 1099 position, that hourly offer is knocked down about five dollars based off how much in taxes we have to pay. Feels like the company owners are trying to maximize their own profits by not financially supporting their independent contractors, or making them actual employees. High turnover in every district, makes you wonder when they'll either look in the mirror, or hear and understand feedback that they're not offering enough compensation.