Part-Time Job Options That Align with BCBA Fieldwork Hours

In a recent blog article, I discussed several job roles that can help provide relevant supervised fieldwork experiences for trainees accruing hours for their board certified behavior analyst (BCBA) certification. This article also highlighted how full-time jobs within the field of applied behavior analysis (ABA) can allow trainees to fully engage themselves into the tasks and roles required of BCBAs. This blog can be found at https://hoomhouse.com/blog/fieldwork-friendly-job-roles-top-jobs-to-gain-bcba-fieldwork-experience. Even if this is an ideal strategy to complete supervised fieldwork hours- it isn’t always possible for trainees currently working in a different field. It may be impossible, or at least not practical, for a trainee to pivot into one of the full-time job roles discussed previously. So, this week we will discuss balancing part-time jobs while accruing BCBA fieldwork hours. 

Part-Time Job Options That Align with BCBA Fieldwork Hours

Fortunately, there are part-time job options that are both flexible and align with BCBA fieldwork requirements. These include:

Respite Care Provider

In my experience as a BCBA for almost 7 years, I have worked alongside several respite care providers. These trained professionals “take over” for parents or caregivers and allow them to have a break from the day-to-day care required for individuals with developmental disabilities. A great thing about working as a part-time respite provider is you are usually able to create your own schedule or only pick up providing care for clients on days you are available. You may be expected to respond to behaviors following a behavior intervention plan to ensure generalization of the plan and behavior analytic services. If you are able to receive supervision from a BCBA while working as a respite care provider- this is a flexible way to earn some fieldwork experience on a part-time basis. 

After-School Program Staff or Volunteer

Working in an afterschool program can allow for trainees to have a very minimal schedule while also collecting supervised fieldwork hours. These often take place for 2-3 hours in the afternoon and can help trainees focus on working with children who have maladaptive behaviors. These programs can be really great practice implementing group contingencies and offer many opportunities to train other staff on behavior-analytic techniques. Thinking outside of the box can allow trainees to find these programs- a local church that I volunteered with has an exceptional program one night a week that allows children with various disabilities to take part in crafts, learning, and socialization. A trainee could commit to a program like this under the supervision of a BCBA and also be able to work a full-time job in a different field. For this option, it is important to ensure that as a trainee you are engaged in behavior-analytic activities while working with clients. 

Research Assistant or Teaching Assistant in ABA Coursework

College students who are attending graduate-level coursework in person may be interested in finding opportunities related to ABA-based research. Additionally, teaching assistants (TAs) may also be involved in tasks that are able to count towards supervised fieldwork hours if they are behavior-analytic in nature and under the supervision of a BCBA (like their course instructors!). This would be a great opportunity for trainees who are interested in research and experimental design. Trainees should remember that they must have a contract with their supervising BCBA before the onset of their supervised fieldwork- even if they are attending classes under that BCBA.

Registered Behavior Technician (RBT)

Registered Behavior Technicians are usually in very high demand- meaning that they can negotiate scheduling options. Registered behavior technicians work under the supervision of a BCBA to provide behavior analytic services directly to clients. In my experience, afternoon ABA sessions always need to be staffed because they are perfect for our school-aged clients. An RBT might be able to accept a position where they are strictly working with afternoon sessions for a few hours. For example, at my former clinic we had an afterschool shift from 3:30 - 5:30 P.M. for sessions either Monday, Wednesday, and Friday OR Tuesday and Thursday. Other clinics sometimes offer weekend sessions or social skills groups. This would be a great way for trainees to get some part-time experience under a BCBA supervisor and still have time to commit to another job, coursework, or other commitments.

Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Direct Support Professionals (DSP) assist individuals with disabilities to allow them to live as independently as possible. These professionals may also assist their clients in the community during outings, through daily living skills, and may be involved in job training. DSP positions offer part-time hours and can also offer flexible scheduling options such as night and weekend shifts. I have experience working with DSPs who helped an adult client with autism live in a supported home. These professionals took data on behaviors and interventions, and worked closely with the BCBAs on staff to ensure that their client was able to independently communicate, venture out into the community, and complete daily living skills such as showering and doing laundry. The weekend shifts and late-night shifts offered in this position would make it ideal for picking up part-time hours to gain supervised fieldwork for the behavior analyst certification board.

Part-Time Employment Isn’t an Option

Maybe you don’t have enough hours in the day to devote to part-time work- no matter how flexible the job is. All jobs, even part-time ones, are a commitment. So, if you are currently working in another field not related to ABA and can’t commit to a full- or part- time position to obtain fieldwork hours. Don’t worry- you still have options! 

Remote Supervised Fieldwork

Finding a remote BCBA supervisor can allow you to work, go to school, uphold personal commitments, and gain supervised fieldwork hours without having to obtain employment in the field of ABA. One convenient feature of remote supervision is that you can find a supervisor anywhere in the world. Meaning, if you are on the East Coast and want to get an early morning supervision meeting in before work- a BCBA in California is already awake! 

Remote options can allow you to save time by enabling you to efficiently track your fieldwork hours, supervision meetings, and observations with the click of a button. Remote supervision platforms often offer tools to allow for monthly verification forms to be automatically filled out and signed online. Also, unrestricted hour assignments can be accessed at any time through shared files and documents. Trainees do not incur travel costs or use time traveling to meet their supervisors every month. Finally, trainees who use remote fieldwork options can obtain additional unrestricted fieldwork hours as needed by their BCBA supervisors- as fast or as slowly as they need them.

To conclude, while full-time roles within applied behavior analysis (ABA) offer immersive experiences, they aren't always feasible for individuals already employed in other fields. Trainees should not discount part-time options that can allow them to gain experience and supervised fieldwork hours for their BCBA credential. If part-time employment isn’t an option, remote supervised fieldwork is an alternative that can offer convenience while still maintaining a quality supervision experience for trainees pursuing their BCBA credential.