| Problem-solving step | Your response | Response example |
|---|---|---|
| Identify the problem |
The supervisee is not following along with the contracted requirements for supervision. |
The supervisee’s unresponsiveness has halted the progression of an effective supervision program. |
| Relevant ethical standard(s) |
Ethical standards pertaining to compliance with supervision requirements |
4.08 Performance Monitoring and Feedback |
| Consider dimensions of the problem |
Employers do not care as they are short staffed; Supervisor approached situation and it was brushed off. |
Christine has a responsibility to create a supervision program that engages supervisees in progress toward goals and identify barriers to effective supervision. The supervisee also has a responsibility to respond to feedback and actively participate. These responsibilities and standards for communication and responding to feedback are stated in the contract for trainees and BCaBA supervisees, but there is no contract for RBT supervision. The supervisee cannot continue to work if Christine refuses to continue with supervision, which might cause conflict with her employer. |
| Consider courses of action & potential consequences |
Documentation needs to be done of the supervisor’s actions and be presented to the BACB since the company will do nothing. Termination of supervision with trainee. |
Christine can deliver a written warning and plan for remediation with consequences outlined, but she does not have the authority to terminate the RBT’s employment. Christine also fears for her own employment if she pursues the matter further. If she continues with supervision, Christine is certain she will be violating the ethics code by signing off on supervision hours that have no effect on the supervisee’s service delivery. |
| Select a course of action |
All courses of action need to be done |
Christine decides that her BCBA certification is the most important thing and that continuing with an unethical situation will jeopardize her credentials. She writes a memo to her employer, citing the relevant codes from the BACB, attached a copy of the code, and then proceeds with a plan for remediation. She cannot fire the RBT but she can refuse to provide his supervision. |
| Implement and evaluate course of action |
Although it was done, the supervisor is at risk of losing their job. |
Christine’s course of action was not the easiest option but it was the only option for her to continue to work as a behavior analyst in the future. Also, putting her foot down will send the message to her employer that she answers to the ethics codes first. |
