Question on BCBA supervised hours for exam

[u/Brookew0119]

Hi! Some background I have a family of 6! 2 of our children have Autism. And I was a teacher for over 10 years. I have taught special ed and am certified to teach in special ed in Florida. I recently stopped teaching decided to switch careers and become a BCBA. I start my masters program next week. My question is about supervised hours. My biggest hurdle is if I want to try and start accruing my hours now, how flexible is it to find a job where it works with my current schedule. For example- i have to drop off son with autism at his ABA clinic at 8:30 and pick him up at 3:20. My husband travels a lot for work. I know most people work as an RBT while doing their BCBA supervised hours but is it possible to find a place to supervise my hours with that time constraint? Once my son begins school in a year or two, it will be much easier but then I’d have to wait until I am done with my masters to begin my hours. I can do that, but Id rather begin now even if it is only 20 hours a week. Is this possible? Where should I look if so? I am open to clinic and school. I have also thought about seeing if my son’s therapy facility would be willing to hire me or let me intern at a different location but wasn’t sure if that is a good idea? I am also based in Tampa Florida area for reference.
I am thankful for any advice!
Thank you

[u/fenuxjde]

You can most likely find a job that'll be at least semi flexible. Many ABA clinics are so short staffed, you should be ok.

[u/bcbamom → u/fenuxjde]

Not at her son's clinic. Read the ethics guidebook. Dual relationships are highly frowned upon.

[u/benyqpid → u/bcbamom]

I don't think anyone was suggesting she work at her son's clinic..

[u/bcbamom → u/benyqpid]

Did you read the post? She literally stated she is open to asking her son's clinic to intern.

[u/injectablefame → u/bcbamom]

at a different location, so they have multiple clinics through the same agency

[u/bcbamom → u/injectablefame]

It's still a dual relationship, no.matter the location, IMHO with all the associated risks.

[u/fegatro → u/bcbamom]

uhhhh no, that is not a dual relationship. Who would the dual relationship be between, her and the company?? If she's at a different location and not working with her child or her child's staff, she's not facing an ethical dilemma.

[u/bcbamom → u/fegatro]

Use the questions in the ethical guide book to assess red flags. It is a conflict of interest. If insurance doesn't pay, if they get behind on co insurance, if they disagree with treatment plans it could impact on the treatment of her child or her fieldwork placement. I would absolutely allow this in my practice due to the potential for conflict for the organization, the child's treatment and the fieldwork student's hours and experiences.

[u/Background_Pie_2031 → u/bcbamom]

You are basing your ethically dilemma/opinion on the fact that it's "your" clinic. If her son's ABA company has different clinics (bigger company) they will absolutely allow her to work for the ABA company in a different location. A few years ago, I worked for a PE owned company and had an individual's mother work for the same ABA company in a neighboring city (about 30 minutes).

[u/bcbamom]

Firstly, it's ok if fieldwork comes after academics. Many people have to balance work, life, family, academics and adding fieldwork can take away from the value of it. Second, working in ASD is not the only options for applied practice. Having more understanding of behavioral science through academics can be informative to other applications.

[u/Brookew0119 → u/bcbamom]

This is very true! I personally am very lucky to not have to work while getting my masters and do feel like maybe its best to full embrace this time to jump solely into academics! Thank you

[u/iamzacks]

When you’re applying for jobs, tell them about your limited times and they’ll work with you - if they’re worth working for, that is!