How to Choose Your Perfect Remote BCBA Supervisor

The purpose of this article is to guide trainees in their search for remote Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) supervisors. The supervisor you choose will greatly impact your professional growth and development, so it is important to consider these factors when making your choice:

Qualifications and Experience

Credentials

Does the BCBA supervisor you are considering have additional qualifications? For example, BCBAs can earn their BCBA-D. A BCBA-D stands for Board Certified Behavior Analyst-Doctoral. According to the behavior analyst certification board’s BCBA handbook, this means they have received a doctoral degree from an ABAI-Accredited Program or have a doctoral degree and have obtained behavior analytic mentorship and authored publications to earn the designation. A trainee who is interested in research, publications, or thinking about teaching in higher education would benefit from seeking supervision from a BCBA who has their BCBA-D. The additional academic and practical experience that a BCBA-D brings can be invaluable, particularly if your career goals include contributing to academic research or taking on a leadership role in educational or clinical settings.

Experience

Ask your potential supervisor about their experiences. As you compare BCBAs, you will realize that their experience can vary greatly. For example, some BCBAs specialize in one area, such as early intervention in a clinical setting, while others might work in organizational behavior management at large organizations with adult workers. Let your own goals as a trainee guide you—pick a supervisor who is closely aligned with your interests and future career plans. For instance, if you are passionate about working with children with autism, a supervisor with extensive experience in early intervention would be ideal. On the other hand, if you are interested in applying behavior analysis in corporate settings, a supervisor with a background in organizational behavior management would be more beneficial.

State Regulations

Trainees must research the supervision requirements to become a BCBA in the specific state they are living in. Some states require that trainees gain supervision from a BCBA with state licensure. Trainees should meet with BCBA supervisors prepared to discuss state regulations to ensure that their supervision hours will count towards BACB and state licensing board requirements.

Supervision Style

Approach

When talking to a BCBA supervisor, observe their approach to supervision. Do they encourage you to come to them with questions and allow you to be an active participant in the direction of your supervision? Or do they have a rigid idea of what supervision should consist of without input? Both styles are valid, but you as a trainee might work better with one style over the other. An interactive and collaborative approach may foster a more enriching learning environment, enabling you to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Conversely, a more structured approach might be beneficial if you prefer clear guidelines and a more systematic learning process.

Feedback

Inquire about and consider your potential BCBA supervisor’s feedback style. You should aim to find a constructive supervisor who provides feedback that helps you grow and is relevant to your career. Feedback can be difficult to hear, but if it is given in a positive manner and aims to be constructive, it is an important part of the supervision process. Constructive feedback should highlight your strengths while also addressing areas for improvement in a way that motivates you to enhance your skills. Consider whether the supervisor provides specific examples and actionable suggestions, as these can significantly impact your learning and professional development.

Availability and Communication

Accessibility

Determine how accessible the supervisor will be. While all supervisors should make predetermined supervision meetings, ask about accessibility between meeting times. As a trainee, I had many questions while completing my unrestricted hours, especially when they involved client programming and materials. Remember that most BCBA supervisors also have caseloads of clients they are working with, so they might not be accessible every time you need them, but they should communicate with you regularly between meetings and client observations. Regular accessibility can be crucial when you encounter unexpected challenges or need immediate guidance on critical issues.

Time Zones

For remote supervision, consider the time zones that you and your potential supervisor are in. While you might be off work and ready to attend a supervision meeting on the East Coast, your supervisor might still be working on the West Coast. Ensure that you have availability that fits together for your given time zones and schedules.

Communication

Ask your potential BCBA supervisor how they like to communicate with trainees and see if this aligns with your communication style. For example, I prefer communications in writing so that I can transfer them to a to-do list. However, some people feel that they communicate best in real-time. Discussing communication styles before entering a supervisory relationship can help set expectations. Clear and effective communication is critical to the success of the supervisory relationship. Consider whether the supervisor prefers emails, phone calls, video conferences, or other forms of communication, and ensure that this aligns with your preferences and needs.

Structure of Supervision

Supervision Plan

A good supervisor should provide a clear supervision plan, including goals, expectations, and a schedule. However, this should also be adjustable and individualized based on the trainee’s needs and goals. I recently spoke with a remote BCBA supervisor who uses a comprehensive curriculum with all her trainees, full of unrestricted activities they can choose based on the areas they are interested in and want to learn more about. With my own trainees, I enjoy focusing on ethical dilemmas they might face during their careers as BCBAs to give them ideas on how to work through issues before encountering them in the field. A well-structured plan should balance guided learning with opportunities for the trainee to take initiative and explore areas of personal interest.

Documentation

It’s important to see how the BCBA supervisor handles documentation and progress tracking. Especially if you are receiving remote supervision, it is crucial to stay on top of documentation requirements. Since you might not interact with your supervisor as much as if you were working with them in person, it can be easy to lose out on hours that you don’t record by the monthly deadlines. Consistent and accurate documentation is essential for tracking your progress and ensuring that all supervision requirements are met. A supervisor who maintains meticulous records can help you stay organized and ensure that you are meeting all necessary criteria for certification.

Supervision History

Previous Trainees

Before you select a BCBA supervisor, ask about their past experiences with trainees. Keep in mind that even if a BCBA has never supervised before, they have been through the supervision process themselves and earned their hours. On a personal note, one of the best supervisors I’ve ever worked with was working with her first trainee. So, keep in mind we all must start somewhere, and having a new supervisor who is solely focusing on you could be extremely beneficial to your professional development in the field. Supervisors who are new to supervising may bring fresh perspectives and a high level of enthusiasm to the role. While supervisors who have more experience in the field can give you more insight into their past experiences and how it has shaped them as a behavior analyst.  

Cost

Fees

Understand the fee structure that a BCBA supervisor is charging and ensure it fits within your budget. Often, trainees can receive group supervision for a lesser rate than individual supervision. Also, consider the value you’re getting for the cost. Sometimes a higher fee can be justified by the quality of supervision provided. Consider whether the supervisor offers flexible payment options, such as installment plans or subscriptions, which can make the financial aspect of supervision more manageable.

Overall Compatibility

Think about both professional and personal factors to ensure that your supervisor's style aligns with your learning style and needs. Compatibility is crucial for a productive and positive supervisory relationship. By considering the outlined factors, you can make an informed decision when choosing a remote BCBA supervisor who will support your professional growth and help you achieve your career goals in behavior analysis. The right supervisor can provide invaluable guidance, support, and mentorship, helping you navigate the complexities of the field and develop the skills and knowledge you need to succeed. Taking the time to carefully evaluate potential supervisors and choose one who aligns with your goals and needs is an investment in your future as a behavior analyst that will pay off in the long run.

REFERENCES

Behavior Analyst Certification Board. (2023). Board Certified Behavior Analyst® Handbook. bacb.com. https://www.bacb.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/BCBAHandbook_231227-a.pdf