Why I Think it Matters

In the field of applied behavior analysis, where clinicians often work independently and provide highly individualized, sensitive care to diverse families, maintaining connection, support, and psychological safety is essential. Pulse checks—brief, recurring opportunities for staff to provide feedback— offer a powerful tool for identifying emerging concerns before they escalate into burnout or turnover. This is an antecedent modfication that is not just helpful, it is necessary.

Given the isolating nature of remote work and the emotional demands of supporting clients with complex needs, BCBAs and RBTs benefit greatly from structured, proactive communication channels that promote the type of collaboration that is often sytymied by our unique model. Research in healthcare and education settings shows that frequent, low-burden check-ins enhance engagement, reduce stress, and increase retention—especially when staff see meaningful follow-through from leadership (Saks, 2019; Harvey, 2023).

The Clinical Collaboration and Training Lead would pioneer this process— not only by designing and administering BCBA and RBT pulse checks, but by analyzing trends, initiating targeted follow-up, and coordinating systemic responses across teams. This role ensures that staff are not only heard, but actively supported— creating a culture of responsiveness that enhances both job satisfaction and quality of care.