ralinina Posted July 23, 2013 Share Posted July 23, 2013 Hello all, I would really appreciate some help deciding who to list as a reference. Two of my references will be PAs that I've shadowed, which is all set. My confusion is related to getting a reference from my job, which I'm counting as HCE, so I figure it would be good to have a reference from there. I've been working as a mental health recovery counselor, working with chronically, pretty severely mentally ill clients; I work on their individual goals, administer medications, coordinate care with other providers, etc. The organization is a big mental health services organization in Western Mass, sponsored by the DMH. My direct supervisor is my Program Director/Team leader and I know he would give me an excellent reference; he also works with me most directly and knows me and my work well. However, he doesn't have any sort of official status or certification; he has been with the company for ~15 years and knows the ropes, but he doesn't have any letters after his name, basically. The other option is getting a reference from a CCM, Clinical Case Manager, which usually are an LSW or LICSW. However, our team's CCM quit in May, so I would have to go to the Senior CCM, who doesn't know me that well or work with me directly. We've done a few meetings and reviews with clients together and he reads my shift/progress notes, but I'm not sure how personal or generous his recommendation would be. So, should I go with someone without official status, or with someone whose recommendation might not be as good? Or should I not get a reference from my job at all and go with an academic reference or an MD that doesn't know me that well? Any input would be great, thank you!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Z PA-C Posted July 23, 2013 Share Posted July 23, 2013 Do the programs you are applying to require specific letters? For example one of the programs I applied to require an md/do/pa but it cannot be from shadowing. If they dont specify just go with the person that knows you best. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ralinina Posted July 23, 2013 Author Share Posted July 23, 2013 Thanks for the advice, I'll definitely double check on specific requirements. But will schools look negatively upon the fact that my direct supervisor doesn't have an official health-related certification/degree? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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