KeepUp_RBT3

Joseph admitted that he has been baking to try to win favor with them but has so far been unsuccessful.

Action Plan, Modeling professional

avoide multiple relationships, gift giving,

training, discussion, clear rules and boundaries

Concerns are that Joseph did not report these concerns to his supervisor in a timely manner. In addition, the baking and bringing items to the family conflicts with professional boundaries.

I would discuss issues or concerns with the family during a meeting. I would provide additional training to the RBT regarding the ethics code and maintaining professional boundaries.

gifting

establish rapport between RBT and family

This is an ethical concern, he is not safe in his environment and neither is the client.

Take him off the case.

Giving gifts in order to gain something - favor.

Tell Joseph to stop baking. Check out his concerns and come up with a solution.

Give feedback

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Gift giving

Provide support and supervision to the RBT, attend sessions and model how to redirect the client rather than trying to give gifts - even if homemade

1.11 Because the exchange of gifts can lead to conflicts of interest and multiple relationships, RBTs do not give gifts to or
accept gifts from clients, stakeholders, or supervisors with a monetary value of more than $10 US dollars (or the equivalent
purchasing power in another currency). A gift is acceptable if it functions as an occasional expression of gratitude and does
not result in financial benefit to the recipient. Instances of giving or accepting ongoing or cumulative gifts may rise to the
level of a violation of this standard if the gifts become a regularly expected source of income or value to the recipient. If an
employer has a stricter policy regarding gift exchange (e.g., prohibiting gift exchange), RBTs follow that policy.

Open and honest conversation with all parties in accordance the BACB about agreed upon goals and comfortable work environment

Joseph's behavior raise significant ethical concerns. This behavior creates a multiple relationship, blurring professional boundaries and potentially compromising his objectivity (1.10, 1.11). His discomfort with the family's setting and his focus on gaining their approval may distract him from his primary responsibility to provide effective behavior-technician services and protect the client's well-being (2.01, 2.07). The family's arguments and yelling at the client suggest potential client mistreatment, which Joseph is obligated to report. Furthermore, Joseph's personal discomfort with the family behavior is impacting his ability to provide services (1.09).

As Joseph's supervisor, I would plan a meeting to address the ethical concerns. I would clearly explain the issues surrounding gift-giving and multiple relationships, referencing the RBT Ethics Code, and emphasize the importance of maintaining professional boundaries. I would talk to Joseph about the concerns about the family's behavior and mandated reporting when client safety is potentially compromised.

Joseph’s intentions are positive, but his approach raises multiple ethical concerns related to professional boundaries, dual relationships, and maintaining objectivity in service delivery.

1. Gift-Giving Violates the Ethics Code (RBT Ethics Code 1.14 – Giving and Receiving Gifts)
• Joseph baking for the client’s family in an attempt to gain favor violates the BACB’s ethical rule against gift-giving.
• Even though his actions are well-intentioned, they could create a perceived obligation for the family, leading to conflicts of interest.

2. Boundary Issues (RBT Ethics Code 1.06 – Avoiding Multiple Relationships)
• Joseph is blurring professional lines by trying to build a personal relationship with the client’s family instead of maintaining a professional and objective role.
• His emotional investment in their approval suggests that his judgment in service delivery may be compromised.

3. Professional Discomfort and Emotional Distress (RBT Ethics Code 1.07 – Maintaining Professional Relationships)
• Joseph feels uncomfortable due to the family’s conflictual and potentially inappropriate behavior (e.g., arguing and yelling in front of him).
• He may be experiencing workplace stress or boundary fatigue, leading him to seek their approval rather than maintaining a professional stance.

4. Potential Client Welfare Concerns (RBT Ethics Code 2.01 – Responsibility to Clients)
• The family’s yelling and arguing in front of the client could be detrimental to the client’s emotional well-being.
• If this negatively affects the client’s progress, Joseph may have a responsibility to report this concern to his supervisor for further action.

How to Approach This as a Supervisor

1. Have a Private Conversation with Joseph
• Acknowledge his good intentions but explain the ethical concerns of gift-giving and maintaining professional boundaries.
• Example:
✅ “Joseph, I appreciate that you want to create a positive environment, but giving baked goods to the family could blur professional boundaries. Our ethics code prevents giving or receiving gifts, even small ones, because it could impact our objectivity in service delivery. Instead, let’s discuss professional strategies for building rapport.”

2. Offer Alternative Strategies for Rapport-Building
• Teach Joseph ethically appropriate ways to develop positive working relationships, such as:
• Active listening and professional communication techniques.
• Finding shared goals with the family regarding client progress.
• Using positive reinforcement with the family, such as praising their involvement when appropriate.

3. Address His Discomfort with the Family’s Behavior
• Validate Joseph’s concerns about the family’s arguing and yelling.
• Ask him to document any concerning interactions and report them to the supervisor if necessary.
• Example:
✅ “If you’re uncomfortable with how the family interacts, document specific instances and bring them to me. If their actions negatively affect the client, we may need to discuss intervention strategies.”

4. Reinforce the Importance of Professional Boundaries
• Explain that seeking approval from families is not the goal—providing effective, ethical services is.
• Help Joseph separate his personal emotions from his professional role.

5. Follow Up with Joseph Regularly
• Monitor whether Joseph is implementing more appropriate professional behaviors.
• Check in to see if he still feels uncomfortable with the family’s interactions and provide further guidance if needed.