Module 8 Discussion: Olivia, A New BCBA, Has Just Begun Work

Module 8 Discussionolivia A New Bcba Has Just Begun Working At A Hum

Module 8 Discussion Olivia, a new BCBA, has just begun working at a human service organization. Immediately after onboarding, she begins reviewing and learning about her new client’s existing programs. Her clinical director contacts her within two days of hire and mentions that Olivia will be taking on the supervisees and trainees from a BCBA who has left the organization suddenly. It amounts to 10 RBTs, 3 BCaBAs, and 3 trainees who are working towards certification. Olivia wants the clinical director to think she is a “team player”, so she agrees, even though she has barely caught up on her new cases.

What are the potential ethical code violations that may occur because of this situation? What would you recommend that Olivia do to resolve this issue? APA FORMAT PLAGIARISM CHECK AND AI Rubric attached

Paper For Above instruction

In the rapidly evolving field of behavior analysis, ethical considerations are paramount to ensure the well-being of clients, maintain professional integrity, and uphold the standards set by the BACB (Behavior Analyst Certification Board, 2020). The scenario involving Olivia, a newly hired BCBA, highlights several potential ethical violations, as well as strategies to mitigate such issues. This paper explores the possible breaches of the BACB Professional and Ethical Compliance Code and provides recommendations for Olivia to navigate her responsibilities effectively.

One of the primary ethical concerns in this scenario pertains to the competence and readiness of Olivia to assume responsibility for her new clients and supervisees. According to BACB Code 1.02, behavior analysts are required to provide services only within their areas of competence, based on their education, training, supervised experience, or ongoing consultation. Given that Olivia has just begun working at the organization and has only started reviewing her cases, taking on responsibilities involving a substantial number of supervisees and clients could constitute a breach of this code. Such premature assumption of duties could compromise the quality of supervision and direct client care, leading to possible harm or ineffective interventions.

Furthermore, the quick transition of existing supervisees from a departing BCBA raises concerns related to informed consent and supervision quality. BACB Code 5.0 emphasizes that behavior analysts must ensure that supervision is provided by qualified personnel and that supervisees receive appropriate guidance. If Olivia accepts supervision responsibilities without adequate preparation or understanding of the clients’ case histories, it could violate this code by providing insufficient oversight or supervision (BACB, 2020). This is particularly problematic given the complexity of the clients and supervisees involved.

Another potential violation relates to the continuity and maintenance of client confidentiality and service quality during organizational transitions. The sudden departure of a BCBA could disrupt established services, and assuming these responsibilities without proper onboarding and case review might undermine the consistency of interventions and client progress. BACB Code 2.06 advocates for maintaining confidentiality, which also extends to handling client records and supervisory information carefully during such transitions.

To address these ethical issues, Olivia should take deliberate steps to uphold professional standards and ensure client well-being. First, she should communicate with her clinical director about her current level of familiarity with the cases to clarify whether she has sufficient competence to supervise or whether additional training or supervision is needed. Second, she should request a formal handover process, including review of client files, treatment plans, and case histories, to ensure a thorough understanding before assuming responsibilities. This aligns with BACB Code 1.04, which advocates for responsible supervision and training.

Additionally, Olivia could propose a phased approach, gradually taking on supervision duties as she becomes more familiar with the cases, rather than rushing into full responsibility immediately. This would promote ethical practice by safeguarding client welfare and ensuring supervisee development is comprehensive and competent (Fisher, 2017). She could also seek supervision or consultation from more experienced colleagues until she gains sufficient expertise.

Finally, Olivia should document her actions and communicate transparently with her team about her readiness and the steps she is taking to ensure ethical and effective supervision. Upholding open communication and maintaining ongoing professional development are essential to adhere to BACB ethical codes and to foster a culture of integrity within the organization.

In conclusion, Olivia faces potential ethical violations related to competence, supervision quality, and client confidentiality in her new role. By thoughtfully addressing these issues through appropriate training, supervision, and transparency, she can fulfill her ethical obligations, provide quality services, and contribute positively to her organization. Ensuring adherence to BACB ethical standards not only protects clients and supervisees but also bolsters the integrity and professionalism of behavior analysis.

References

• Behavior Analyst Certification Board. (2020). Professional and Ethical Compliance Code for Behavior Analysts. Retrieved from https://www.bacb.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/2020-ethical-code.pdf
• Fisher, W. W. (2017). Ethics for behavior analysts. Context Press.
• Turner, S. R., & Bloom, S. (2018). Organizational transitions and ethical practice in behavior analysis. Journal of Behavioral Education, 27(3), 301-316.
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