By Amanda Buchmeier, M.S., BCBA, LBA

Registered Behavior Technicians are required to be supervised for 5% of the hours spent providing behavior-analytic services per month.
​Here are five strategies for making the most of that time and setting supervision up for success:

Use a Supervision Contract

At the onset of supervision, review and sign a supervision contract outlining the nature of supervision, documentation of hours, and responsibilities of both the supervisor and the RBT. This will set clear expectations right from the start.

Track Hours in a Shared Document

Create an electronic form to track the number of behavior analytic hours worked and the number of supervision hours provided per month. Share the form with the RBT so that both parties can enter information and verify that the supervision requirement for the month has been met.

Identify the RBT’s Preferences and Interests

At the onset of supervision, ask the RBT how they like to receive feedback (e.g., in the moment, after time has passed, in private, in front of other people) and provide feedback in this manner when appropriate. Find out what items on the task list the RBT is most interested in as well as the items with which they feel they need the most help. Take these interests into consideration when setting goals.

Use a Checklist to Evaluate Performance

While observing the RBT working with a client, use a checklist to objectively evaluate if the teaching session is set up effectively and if programs are implemented as written. This will help identify specific areas for positive and corrective feedback and allows for monitoring of the RBT’s performance over time.

Schedule a Time For Feedback

Following direct observation of the RBT, schedule a time away from clients for feedback and discussion. Choose a time and place that is free of interruptions, and consider using a feedback form to document skills performed well, as well as areas for growth.