| Problem-solving step | Your response | Response example |
|---|---|---|
| Identify the problem |
RBT is not meeting the guidelines of supervision |
The supervisee’s unresponsiveness has halted the progression of an effective supervision program. |
| Relevant ethical standard(s) |
4.04, 4.12 |
4.08 Performance Monitoring and Feedback |
| Consider dimensions of the problem |
RBT is not meeting the guidelines of supervision |
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 |
1. Terminate supervision regardless of what your employer says. |
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 |
2. Meet with the RBT and stress the consequences of failing to meet the standards of supervision, loop in the employer so that these consequences can be backed up and followed through on if necessary |
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 |
Set a timeline for RBT to correct their behavior and a method to track their progress and improvement. |
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. |
