Join us on a journey as we follow Amber’s experience of finding a remote BCBA supervisor. Amber is a fictional character created to represent individuals in her situation.
Amber sat in her apartment at her desk, surrounded by notebooks and textbooks. As she flipped through the pages of her third edition Cooper, Heron, Heward Applied Behavior Analysis textbook, she felt a mix of excitement and overwhelming anxiety. She had just been accepted into her master’s program, and she was eager to start her coursework. However, the process of knowing where to begin was daunting. To make matters worse, she didn’t have a network of certified people around her to guide her, but she knew she needed to accumulate her BACB fieldwork hours.
Amber was terrified by the idea of a remote BCBA supervisor. She had no way of knowing if the experience would be as supportive as an in-person BCBA supervisor. She wondered if they would be as reliable, helpful, or knowledgeable. The idea felt like a risk, and she wasn’t sure she was ready for it. Despite her fears, she tried to push them aside and focus on her master’s program. However, the idea of BCBA supervision hours continued to loom over her.
To face her concerns head on, Amber began to research countless remote BCBA supervisors while comparing and contrasting their qualifications and experience. She didn't want to make a mistake and end up with a supervisor who wasn’t a good fit, wasting time and money. Afterall, this was a person she would be spending nearly 100 hours with, and she wanted to know upfront if it would work out.
As Amber began her journey in the field of applied behavior analysis, she learned that the process of finding the right supervisor was crucial. She eventually found a remote BCBA supervisor who was a great fit and provided her with the support and guidance she needed.
Amber found the following questions were helpful when searching for a remote BCBA supervisor who was a good fit for her:
Do you meet the minimum standards to supervise trainees? (you can check the BACB registry for this information)
What HIPPA or FERPA software do you use?
How is work evaluated?
What settings have you practiced in?
What diagnoses have you worked with?
What professional associations do you belong to?
Can I see your resume?
How do you handle conflict management?
What is your availability and responsiveness when it comes to providing feedback?
How do you tailor a supervision experience to meet the individual needs and goals of each trainee?
What is your track record of helping trainees pass the BCBA exam and become successful behavior analysts?
What is your approach to ethical and professional conduct?
By asking these questions, Amber was able to find a remote BCBA supervisor who was a good fit for her.
Deciding if remote supervision in applied behavior analysis is a good fit for you depends on several factors that are specific to your individual needs and circumstances. Here are some factors to consider:
Accessibility: one of the main advantages of remote supervision is that it can be done from anywhere, which means that you have access to a wider pool of potential supervisors. Consider whether you have access to a local supervisor and whether remote supervision is a better option for you.
Comfort with Technology: remote supervision requires the use of technology, such as video conferencing, email, and messaging apps. Consider whether you are comfortable with technology and whether you have the necessary equipment and Internet connection to participate in remote supervision.
Supervisor Availability: when considering remote supervision, it’s important to ensure that the supervisor you choose is available and responsive to your needs. Consider their availability and communication style to ensure that they can provide you with the support you need. You also can have multiple supervisors to support your experience, if you need additional support beyond one supervisor.
Accountability: remote supervision requires a higher degree of accountability and self-direction. Consider whether you are able to hold yourself accountable and complete tasks independently until your next “in-person” meeting.
Ultimately, the decision to pursue remote supervision should be based on your individual needs, preferences, and circumstances. It’s important to do your research, ask questions, and carefully consider all factors before making a decision.