Olivia, A New BCBA, Has Just Begun Working At A Human Servic ✓ Solved

Olivia A New Bcba Has Just Begun Working At A Human Service Organiza

Olivia, a new Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), has recently started working at a human service organization. Shortly after her onboarding process, she begins reviewing and familiarizing herself with her new client’s existing programs. Within two days of employment, her clinical director contacts her and informs her that Olivia will be taking on supervisory responsibilities for a total of 16 staff members, including 10 Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs), 3 BCaBAs, and 3 trainees working towards certification, due to a previous BCBA’s sudden departure. Olivia, aiming to demonstrate a cooperative and team-oriented attitude, agrees to this considerable responsibility despite not having fully caught up on her caseloads and the organization’s operational details.

This situation presents several potential violations of ethical guidelines established by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). Primarily, the BACB Code (2020) emphasizes the importance of competence, which requires professionals to provide behavior-analytic services only within their scope of training and experience. Accepting supervisory duties for a substantial number of staff immediately upon assuming her role without sufficient preparation may compromise her ability to supervise effectively and ethically. Additionally, the BACB’s standards mandate that supervisors ensure their supervisees provide services consistent with the behavior-analytic community’s standards, which could be jeopardized if Olivia lacks familiarity with existing client programs or organizational procedures.

Furthermore, according to the BACB Code (2020), behavior analysts are responsible for the welfare of their clients, and this responsibility includes ensuring that services are provided competently and ethically. Taking on supervisory duties prematurely could result in inadequate oversight, potentially leading to violations of client confidentiality, misimplementation of interventions, or ineffective supervision, all of which undermine ethical standards. The abrupt assumption of a supervisory role without sufficient knowledge and preparation could also pose risks related to informed consent, documentation accuracy, and service integrity. These issues collectively threaten the organization's commitment to ethical practice and the best interests of clients and staff alike.

Recommendations for Ethical Practice and Resolving the Issue

To address these potential ethical violations, Olivia should take proactive steps to ensure her responsibilities are carried out ethically and competently. First, she should communicate with her clinical director about her concerns regarding her readiness to supervise such a large team so immediately after onboarding. Expressing a commitment to ethical standards and client welfare can help the director understand the importance of gradual transition and adequate training.

Olivia should request to review and understand the existing client programs thoroughly before assuming supervisory responsibilities. This review should include understanding treatment plans, documentation, and organizational policies. If necessary, she should seek targeted training or mentorship from experienced supervisors, possibly requesting additional time to prepare before taking full supervisory duties.

Additionally, she should ensure that supervision and oversight are conducted in accordance with BACB ethical guidelines by scheduling regular check-ins with experienced supervisors and engaging in supervision training. If her responsibilities exceed her current level of competence, she should advocate for additional training or support, such as shadowing experienced supervisors until she feels adequately prepared.

In the long term, Olivia should prioritize her ongoing professional development, including staying updated with ethical standards, organizational policies, and relevant clinical knowledge. Implementing a framework for ethical decision-making, such as consulting with colleagues or ethical committees when faced with uncertainties, can help her maintain compliance with BACB codes.

Ensuring ethical supervision is crucial not only for client outcomes but also for maintaining professional integrity and organizational trust. Olivia’s willingness to seek support demonstrates her commitment to ethical practice and her clients. She should view this challenge not as an obstacle but as an opportunity for growth and professional development within her new role.

Conclusion

The situation Olivia faces entails potential ethical violations related to competence, supervision, and client welfare under the BACB Code. Her immediate acceptance of a supervisory role without sufficient familiarity or preparation could compromise service quality and organizational integrity. To resolve these issues, Olivia should communicate her concerns, seek proper training, review existing client programs thoroughly, and progressively assume supervisory responsibilities. Emphasizing ongoing professional development and adherence to ethical guidelines will serve her well in establishing a sound and ethically responsible practice as a BCBA.

References

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