Working at HoomHouse, I have met so many talented, passionate BCBAs who are using remote supervision to disseminate their knowledge and love of the field to the next generation of behavior analysts. I have been able to speak with BCBAs who have been in the field for decades- presenting at conferences, teaching graduate level courses, adding research to our best practice guidelines, and expanding the application of applied behavior analysis (ABA). It’s been an amazing experience- and the growth of our platform is exciting. The supervisors I meet who are focusing their efforts on supervision create quality, individualized supervision experiences for their trainees. Another bonus of taking on additional trainees is they earn extra income every month in a flexible way, but for most- it's the impact they have on the field that motivates them to continue to attract trainees and establish continuing supervisory relationships.
This next blog is tailored specifically to Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) supervisors who would like to acquire more trainees. The following practical tips are useful for HoomHouse supervisors, but can also be applied to BCBAs who want to attract trainees for in-person opportunities as well. Here are some effective approaches:
Lower Base Price for Individual Supervision
Consider starting with a lower base price for individual supervision to attract more interest. Many trainees are drawn to BCBAs who offer affordable options. You can gradually increase your rates as you build your reputation and gain more trainee hours. On HoomHouse’s marketplace- the number of supervision meetings that a BCBA supervisor has completed is displayed. It’s no secret that BCBAs who have higher numbers are more likely to get interest from a trainee.
Group Supervision Options
Group supervision can be a highly effective and profitable method. For instance, offering group supervision at $25 per hour might not seem like much, but with a group of 5 trainees, it adds up to a substantial hourly rate. Many BCBA supervisors have found great success with this approach and built a network of trainees who utilize them for group supervision options.
Promote your services by sharing that you are an option for remote or in-person supervision for BCBA supervised fieldwork. Use social media platforms such as Facebook pages dedicated to trainees looking for supervision to market yourself. Be sure to highlight your interests, passions, and experience. If you are using HoomHouse, it can be really helpful to link to your profile on the marketplace using your URL. This way, trainees can directly view your profile and request to connect with you once they sign up.
This one is for HoomHouse users specifically. On the HoomHouse marketplace, emphasize any unique experiences, extra credentials, or specialized training you have. Be sure to add your specific state licensure, if you have one. Trainees are often looking for supervisors with specific expertise that aligns with their interests or career goals. Highlighting these aspects can set you apart from other supervisors and attract more trainees.
You can ensure your skills and knowledge are well-recognized within the ABA community by presenting at conferences, publishing articles, and contributing to relevant forums and groups. Think about ways you can spread positive updates and contribute to the field of ABA while also building yourself up as a professional mentor. This visibility not only enhances your reputation but also showcases your commitment to the field, making you a desirable mentor for aspiring behavior analysts.
Get involved in local and national behavior analysis organizations to connect with potential trainees. Especially now that state licensure is taking effect in so many different areas- be sure to advocate for the state you are licensed in! Your voice in the community can impassion trainees who want to learn from you. Participating in community events, workshops, and networking sessions can help you establish a strong presence and attract trainees who value community involvement and professional advocacy.
Online Presence
Maintain an active online presence. Think about ways to attract attention online such as hosting study groups or breaking down exam questions on a live-video or webinar. Writing blogs and posting quality content on social media platforms can allow you to reach a wide audience of trainees and students. Engaging with your audience through regular posts, updates, and interactive content can help you build a loyal following and position yourself as a go-to supervisor in the field.
Remote Supervision
This one has already been mastered by HoomHouse supervisors, but BCBA supervisors can offer virtual supervision options to reach a wider audience and accommodate trainees who may not be local. Before taking a trainee on- be sure that you understand the state licensing requirements for the state they are located in. Once you are sure that you can provide them supervision, remote options make supervision easier to access than ever before. Additionally, using various digital tools and platforms can streamline the supervision process, making it more efficient and appealing to trainees and supervisors alike.
Flexibility
Offer flexible scheduling and emphasize the importance of work-life balance. Trainees often juggle multiple responsibilities such as graduate school, accuring supervision hours, studying for the big exam, attending to personal and professional commitments! A supervisor who understands and accommodates their needs will be highly valued. Providing options for evening or weekend sessions, and being open to adjusting schedules as needed, can make your supervision program more attractive to a diverse range of trainees going through different challenges while collecting their supervised fieldwork hours.
Well-being
Support the overall well-being of your trainees through wellness programs and mental health resources. Recognize the stresses and challenges that come with BCBA training and offer resources and support to help trainees manage their workload and maintain their mental health. Even just sharing information about stress management or regular check-ins to discuss their well-being can greatly improve your trainees' outcomes.
Conclusion
Whether you are a BCBA supervisor utilizing the HoomHouse platform or working independently, these tips can significantly enhance your ability to attract and retain trainees. In my experience, leveraging technology to offer flexible, remote supervision options can be particularly beneficial in reaching a broader audience. Additionally, building a strong professional reputation and engaging actively with the ABA community can position you as a leader and mentor that trainees aspire to work with.
By focusing on the well-being and professional development of your trainees, you not only enhance their learning experience but also contribute positively to the field of ABA. Remember, the impact you have as a supervisor goes beyond just providing supervision hours; it extends to shaping the future of behavior analysis through your mentorship and guidance. I hope you can use these tips and implement them in your practice to attract more trainees and foster a thriving professional journey for both you and your trainees.