Exciting Highlights from 2022 Supervised Fieldwork

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Importance of Supervised Fieldwork for Certification
3. Accruing Supervised Fieldwork Hours
   • Multiple Settings and Qualified Supervisors
   • Application of Behavior Analytics Services
   • Developing Professional Skills
   • Strengthening Ethical Repertoire
   • Providing High-Quality Services
4. Creating and Maintaining a Supervision Contract
   • The Significance of a Written Contract
   • Elements to Include in a Supervision Contract
   • BACB Sample Supervision Contract
   • Updates and Amendments to the Contract
5. Documenting Fieldwork Hours
   • Developing a Documentation System
   • Customizing the System to Your Settings and Goals
   • Required Documentation for Fieldwork Hours
6. Monthly and Final Fieldwork Verification Forms
   • Importance of Open Communication with Supervisor
   • Monthly Verification Forms
   • Final Verification Form and Certification Application
7. Consulting Supervisor Documentation Form
   • New Requirement for First-Year BCBAs Providing Supervision
   • Impact on Trainees and Supervisors
8. Practicing Supervised Fieldwork
   • Working Directly with Clients
   • Documenting Fieldwork Sessions
   • Monthly Meetings with Supervisor
   • Reviewing Independent Hours and Activities
9. Fieldwork Audits
   • What to Expect During an Audit
   • Retaining Documentation for Audit Purposes
   • Ensuring Compliance with Requirements
   • Possible Disqualification and Alleged Violation
10. Conclusion

Importance of Supervised Fieldwork for Certification

Congratulations on pursuing your BCaBA or BCBA certification! One of the most critical aspects of your certification Journey is supervised fieldwork. To meet the eligibility requirements, you must accrue a specific number of supervised fieldwork hours under the guidance of qualified supervisors. This supervised fieldwork experience will not only help you develop professional skills but also strengthen your ethical repertoire and provide you with a deep understanding of providing high-quality behavior analytic services.

To ensure that You fulfill all the Relevant requirements, proper documentation of your fieldwork hours and the maintenance of a supervision contract are essential. In this article, we will guide you through the process of documenting your fieldwork and explain the significance of a supervision contract. We will also provide tips on creating an effective documentation system and navigating fieldwork audits.

Accruing Supervised Fieldwork Hours

To begin with, accruing the required supervised fieldwork hours is a crucial step on your path to certification. It is recommended to gain experience in multiple settings under the supervision of qualified professionals. This diverse experience will allow you to Apply behavior analytics services effectively and broaden your understanding of the field.

During your supervised fieldwork, you will engage in various activities, such as delivering therapeutic procedures, conducting assessments, training caregivers, and developing behavior analytic programs. Your supervisors will closely observe your sessions, provide feedback, and help you enhance your skills. This hands-on experience is invaluable in preparing you for your BCaBA or BCBA certification.

Creating and Maintaining a Supervision Contract

Before you start accruing fieldwork hours with a supervisor, it is essential to develop and sign a supervision contract. This written contract sets the foundation for your supervisory relationship and ensures that both you and your supervisor are aware of your roles, responsibilities, and expectations. The Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) provides guidelines on the essential elements to include in a supervision contract.

Some of the elements to consider include specifying the types of activities that will count towards fieldwork requirements, clearly defining roles and responsibilities, and establishing the expectations for both you and your supervisors. It is crucial to adhere to the applicable ethics code and set up a system for monthly and final fieldwork verification forms.

It is important to note that while the BACB provides a sample supervision contract, it is recommended to tailor the contract specifically to your settings and goals. Many supervisors and trainees go beyond the minimum requirements and include additional elements that enhance the supervisory relationship. Regularly reviewing and updating your supervision contract is encouraged to accommodate any changes in your fieldwork activities or address disputes that may arise.

Documenting Fieldwork Hours

Accurate and detailed documentation of your fieldwork hours is vital for meeting the BACB's requirements and preparing for potential audits in the future. The BACB allows flexibility in developing your documentation system, which can be tailored to suit your specific situation.

Before you start accruing fieldwork hours, you should discuss options with your supervisor and determine a documentation system that works best for both of you. This can include using fillable PDF forms or software programs designed to manage your fieldwork activities effectively.

Your documentation system should include essential information such as the Type of fieldwork, the setting in which it was conducted, the name of the supervisor, and the activity category. It should also Record your accrued independent and supervised hours per session, including details about the supervision type and whether the supervisor observed you with clients.

By maintaining a well-organized documentation system, you ensure that you have proof of your hours in case of an audit. This information will be crucial for validating your eligibility for certification.

Monthly and Final Fieldwork Verification Forms

Maintaining open communication with your supervisor is essential throughout your fieldwork experience. To facilitate this communication, the BACB requires the completion of monthly and final fieldwork verification forms.

The monthly fieldwork verification forms serve as a record of your supervisory and fieldwork hours for each month. These forms should be completed and signed by your supervisor within one calendar month of the hours being accrued. They are a way for your supervisor to formally attest that you have completed the required hours and that they have met the BACB's fieldwork requirements.

The final fieldwork verification form, on the other HAND, is completed and signed by your supervisor at the end of your supervisory experience. This form must be submitted with your application when you apply for your BCaBA or BCBA certification.

You can find these verification forms on the BACB Website. It is crucial to ensure that your supervisor completes and signs these forms promptly and that you retain copies for your records.

Consulting Supervisor Documentation Form

Beginning January 1, 2022, first-year BCBAs who provide supervision to trainees accruing fieldwork must meet with a qualified consulting supervisor every month. This requirement aims to ensure effective supervision practices and enhance the quality of the supervisory experience.

The consulting supervisor documentation form should be completed by the consulting supervisor at each monthly meeting. It is essential for first-year BCBAs providing supervision to BCaBA or BCBA trainees. However, the requirement does not apply to supervisors who have been certified as BCBAs for more than one year or BCBAs in their first year who are not providing supervision to trainees accruing fieldwork.

This new requirement emphasizes the importance of ongoing support and guidance for both trainees and supervisors to foster a fruitful and effective supervisory experience.

Practicing Supervised Fieldwork

While the specifics of your fieldwork experience may vary, it typically involves working directly with clients and applying behavior analytic procedures under the supervision of your qualified supervisor. Throughout your fieldwork sessions, it is crucial to document important details such as the date, start time, end time, fieldwork type, setting name, supervisor name, and whether the hours were restricted or unrestricted.

These details can be documented on forms provided by your supervisor or through specialized software designed to retain this information securely. Regular meetings with your supervisor are also essential to review your client's progress, receive feedback on behavior plans, discuss observations, provide training, and address any challenges.

Individual meetings with your supervisor must take place on a monthly basis, even if some of your supervision occurs in a group format. During these individual sessions, your supervisor will review your independent hours and activities and determine how many of them count toward your fieldwork requirements.

By consistently documenting your fieldwork activities and maintaining open communication with your supervisor, you can ensure that you are on track to meet the necessary fieldwork requirements for certification.

Fieldwork Audits

Fieldwork audits are a possibility even after completing your fieldwork hours. If you are selected for an audit, the BACB will contact you and potentially your supervisor via the email addresses listed in your BACB account. It is crucial to keep your personal information up to date to avoid missing any important communication.

During an audit, you will be required to provide documentation to support the entries in your audit log. This includes your supervision contract, fieldwork verification forms, and consulting supervisor documentation forms (if applicable). It is essential to retain all documentation for at least seven years, as audits can take place up to seven years after the dates in question.

The BACB will review the submitted documentation and determine if your hours meet the requirements. If any errors or discrepancies are identified, some or all of your hours may be disqualified. In such cases, the relevant supervisor may be subjected to a Notice of alleged violation.

However, if you have met all the relevant requirements and maintained thorough and up-to-date documentation, you are likely to pass the audit successfully. It is crucial to pay Attention to Detail and ensure compliance with the BACB's requirements throughout your supervised fieldwork.

Conclusion

Congratulations once again on your commitment to pursuing BCaBA or BCBA certification! The supervised fieldwork component is a crucial element on your path to becoming certified. By carefully documenting your fieldwork hours and adhering to the requirements set by the BACB, you will position yourself for success.

Remember to establish a supervision contract, maintain an organized documentation system, and promptly complete monthly and final fieldwork verification forms. Keep your communication open with your supervisor and discuss any updates or changes to your fieldwork activities. By following these steps, you will be well-prepared for potential fieldwork audits and closer to achieving your certification goals.