Avantages
Communication Works is a wonderful company and community to work for. Their Clinical Fellowship program is the best in the Bay Area. I spent 6 months interviewing to find the most comprehensive program, and CW's program beats out other programs in so many aspects. Their supervisors do not hold a caseload of clients/students, and their sole job is to ensure that you come out of your CFY knowing what you need to know to be a successful SLP. They follow ASHA and Califonia's state guidelines and aid in making sure all milestones are met. Hillary and Audra take the time to match you with a supervisor who will support you in your interests and help bring you up to speed in areas where you need more clinical experience. Supervisors are easily accessible via phone or email and spend a lot of time on-site. After your clinical fellowship year, the support does not fall away. CW ensures that you have both a network of peer SLPs as well as supervising SLPs who can answer day-to-day questions, or problem-solve on tough cases. They have many specialized SLPs (AAC, SDC, DHH, Bilingual, social-emotional communication, etc.) who love to share their extensive knowledge and are always willing to help. High-profile cases are given extra care and CW backs their SLPs and gives them incredible support in IEPs that have become contentious and/or litigious. CW also does an amazing job advocating for fair caseloads, looking beyond the number of students by breaking down the workload and advocating for you to the districts. CW puts its clinicians and their well-being first and foremost and prioritizes work-life balance. They not only host wonderful continuing education options but also provide clinicians with seminars and resources for self-care. CW also celebrates its employees and all their victories, big or small. CW is a wonderful company to work for and is run by genuine, kind, and brilliant people. A lot of my colleagues and coworkers will be friends for life, and I am so thankful to have been part of the CW community.
Inconvénients
CW only provides school contracts, so unfortunately, if you are interested in providing services in a different setting full-time, such as private practice, they do not have direct employment opportunities.