Who's the Boss?

I was recently asked, 'Should a BCBA adjust their schedule to provide supervision for an RBT, or should the RBT adapt to the BCBA’s availability?'

My answer is simple: it’s similar to the dynamic between other professionals and their paraprofessionals, like lawyers and paralegals, or OTs and OT techs.

While it’s not about being rigid or unaccommodating, the professional dynamic does require flexibility from both sides. Ultimately, the BCBA must provide supervision—it’s essential, as RBTs require supervision for 5 to 10% of their service hours.

Both parties should work together to find a schedule that meets this need without compromising the professional’s responsibilities or the paraprofessional’s ability to perform their role effectively.