How Much Should a Hawaii Counseling Resident Be Paid?

How Much Should a Hawaii Counseling Resident Be Paid?

Question:

Aloha Anthony,

I currently hold an LCSW license in the State of HI. I am a resident. I have lived here for over 20 years. A local nonprofit organization here on Oahu is currently looking to recruit me as a part-time counseling employee. I would not be on contract but would be a part-time or per-diem basis hire. The agency gets third-party contract’s as well as handling their normal case load.

As a consequence, they currently have too many client’s. Their full-time employee’s case-loads are higher than the agency can handle and so they are looking to hire me as a per-deim Counselor to handle the overflow. Because I am am par, I know how much insurance companies pay out for someone with my license. However, I do not know what would be an equitable monitory exchange. Do you know what would be a fair price for me to ask for when they ask how much I am expecting to earn on an hourly or per client basis?

I would be so grateful if you have any good advice for me.

Thank You.

Sincerely,
Hawaii Counselor, LCSW

Answer:

Hi Hawaii Counselor,

Congrats on the new opportunity! While I’d like to be able to answer this question with firm numbers, in truth I can’t because I don’t know what the market is like for counselors in your area (there were no numbers in your questions background info).

I think a fair price is a price that makes sense for both you and your employer — perhaps based on how much the agency will receive in reimbursements from your work. A 50 to 60 percent split, in the counselor’s favor, is often typical (usually, see the link below for more information on this) for a fully licensed clinician, but resident-level counselors are often paid less, due to their limited scope of abilities and necessary supervision costs. Additionally, If you have other employment options, perhaps a fair price would be reflect what your other options are willing to pay.

I received a question somewhat similar to yours a little while ago, are responded here.

I hope this helps!

Sincerely,
Anthony

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