Shared Client, Shared Purpose: A Collaborative Approach to RBT Supervision

Supervision models that position the BCBA as evaluator and the RBT as technician underutilize the supervisory relationship and contribute to staff burnout and turnover. This session presents a collaborative supervision framework in which the RBT is treated as a professional partner with shared investment in client outcomes. Attendees will examine practical strategies for soliciting supervisee input on clinical decisions, integrating supervisee professional goals into supervision, and advocating for supervisee compensation and working conditions. The session addresses how this approach aligns with current BACB Ethics Code requirements related to supervisory responsibility and staff well-being.

1. 1Following this session, attendees will be able to: (1) describe at least two supervision practices that support a collaborative rather than hierarchical supervisory relationship; (2) identify opportunities within existing supervision structures to incorporate supervisee input into protocol development and clinical decision-making; (3) apply at least one strategy for advocating for supervisee professional needs within an agency context.