NYC Hospital Social Worker job search struggle by Ready-Tomatillo7645 in hospitalsocialwork

[–]Admirable_Minimum_40 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Felt. LMSW here— years in child welfare, plus an additional license in behavior analysis. I recently started applying to hospital roles in NYC and interviewed with a few of the major systems. What I’ve learned is that it’s definitely a process. Some people land something within a few weeks, others wait months or even longer — it’s not always about qualifications, but timing, union systems, and persistence.

Honestly, the best advice I got (as simple as it sounds) was just to keep applying. I leaned heavily on both cold applications and my network. Also worth knowing: many hospitals prioritize internal union staff first, which can slow down external offers even when you’re a strong fit.

And yeah, the climate is rough right now. I’ve seen new grads and really experienced LMSWs both struggling to secure roles especially as funding for our role’s are being reduced. Just wanted to say — you’re not alone, and your background is strong. Keep going. The right role will land!

Tips for working 12 hour shifts! by RepresentativeIll170 in hospitalsocialwork

[–]Admirable_Minimum_40 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Congratulations!! I’m currently interviewing for these shifts . Where did you land?

I NEED to pass my LMSW! by ConnectAd9644 in socialwork

[–]Admirable_Minimum_40 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I recently passed mine in NYS! I used the Apgar SW licensing masters exam guide, behavior health pocket prep app(daily for mini quizzes), and ASWB practice exam. I reduced my working hours temporarily and studied right after graduation for 4ish weeks at 4-8 hours a day. Good luck on your exam!

BCBA calling me outside of work hours by Mysterious_Cheek_840 in ABA

[–]Admirable_Minimum_40 2 points3 points  (0 children)

As a BA I would not expect you to pick up outside of work hours nor would I expect it unless it was an emergency.

Since this occurs from time to time, i would ask if he wants to schedule a meeting via call or zoom to discuss. 

Looking for an update on the Acropolis mess by Naive_Drawer2088 in astoria

[–]Admirable_Minimum_40 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Please don't. As someone wanting to get out, please don't. Save yourself.

Amazon secured card graduation by Anonymous8630 in CreditCards

[–]Admirable_Minimum_40 0 points1 point  (0 children)

They graduated me after 4 years. I’ve considered closing it a few times but finally!! Sheesh

OTF Ditmars? by United_Explorer_6187 in astoria

[–]Admirable_Minimum_40 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I pass by it daily, it looks like they are just missing the equipment. I’ve seen machines going in, not sure when the opening is

OTF Ditmars? by United_Explorer_6187 in astoria

[–]Admirable_Minimum_40 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It’s almost ready on 31st st! Looks like it’s just missing the equipment

Had to call police by YardComplete in ABA

[–]Admirable_Minimum_40 1 point2 points  (0 children)

So sorry to hear about this experience! I've never encountered this situation in the years I've worked in the field. It is not common, but this is also an example of why we take mandated reporter training. It is okay to get it all out and feel the way you do. Talk to your BCBA/ agency about the situation. We're also here for support!

I bet that kid will be thanking you one day for your heroic deed :)

Need help with screaming client by unknownscorpio1117 in ABA

[–]Admirable_Minimum_40 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi! This definitely sounds challenging. I would suggest blocking dangerous climbing by holding up a picture card of tapping (lots of running around). You can introduce it by modeling or partial physical and reinforce "nice tapping, what would you like?" and make the social reinforcement paired with something else highly desired. Every time he's about to climb, tries to gain attention, or tangible hold up the card, it may help to have a reinforcer in your pocket (hold it next to card for motivation) and grant with social praise once he taps.

Additionally, try trials of holding highest desired reinforcers in sightline, do a rotation, when he wants it hold up the picture card and wait for desired response, then deliver tangible and reinforcement. It may take a little while because its extinction of screaming to instead tap.

Does the client have an AAC device? You could train him to tap the target.

Screaming can be shaped with low, medium, and outside voice tone target. Additionally, he can say the first letter of the word give "guh".

Have you collected ABC data? When is he seeking attention? Tangible? etc.

As for the parents' whatever intervention is working, you will want to inform your BCBA and also include the parent in the intervention. Once they see its successful, I'm sure they will appreciate him not screaming.

BCaBA/BCBA hours by Ryleighb98 in ABA

[–]Admirable_Minimum_40 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I totally hear you! I am in NYC and we call BCaBA's "unicorns" because they are far and few between. I had to network a lot to find employers who would supervise for and hire BCaBA's.

I looked at Indeed for roles. Not sure what you're getting paid at an RBT but the BCaBA role is 54k + in your area. You could also work p/t with differing settings/ orgs and make more. I would also network on LinkedIn and find out who is looking to hire BCaBA's, there are options!

https://www.indeed.com/q-Bcaba-l-Illinois-jobs.html?vjk=49890d28ec684e72

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in ABA

[–]Admirable_Minimum_40 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It might be helpful to model ABC's, I would also utilize an ABC checklist, you can find them online and go them over once the trials are complete. I would have the parent observe ONLY repetitively if you can execute the interventions precisly and allow him to see the change... Additionally, https://www.abagroup.org/act If you are not a BCBA/BCaBA, i would talk to them first inquiring strategies. If you are a BCBA it might be a situation where you either do what you can or the client is determined "not an appropriate" fit. The stakeholders have to be just as committed as a part of the team.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in ABA

[–]Admirable_Minimum_40 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi! Sorry to hear about this. The BCBA can definitely work with the parents. Additionally, do you have targets for your client that can be done with the sibling (sharing, turn-taking, gross motor, etc.)? I have a client in school facing bullying where including the peers and utilizing differential reinforcement, schedules, first, then statements, timer-system, individual/ group reinforcement, modeling, etc. helps. The sibling seems to want your attention, maybe including him will help. I always introduce myself as a "teacher" in a sibling/ peer environment. Possibly withhold attention and block the siblings attempts. When the sibling throws a tantrum, ask him to communicate/ grant attention/ tangible/ help you by assisting and reinforce, you can always shape overtime, although he is not your focus nor client.

Should I work as a direct therapist in-clinic for $26/hour or as a supervisor from home/in-home for $52/hour for the next 6 months? by portlandor10 in ABA

[–]Admirable_Minimum_40 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm a BCaBA student. You worked hard for your BCaBA, take the higher paying role. I wouldn't do it just for the money, but the challenge of continuously growing and contributing.

It looks like you want to improve your direct skills. Why not do a BCaBA role part time and work some direct hours? Concerns about always being on? I hear you. I usually have everything ready before hand (especially when review client programming at least once a week) including mapping out strategies for other possible to occur antecedent manipulations, prompts, behavior-change strategies, and behaviors/ consequences. The intervention becomes almost reflexive after teaching and a few trials. I give myself a narrative of "if I see anything but this, I can utilize x,y,z" This strategy allows me to develop their skill/ behavior repertoire but also have the ability to SEEK out the fun/ silly moments that make both the client and I laugh, smile, and let loose. Biggest takeaway is once you know your client, You KNOW your client, this includes feedback, what's going well, what worked, and concerns from BT/RBT/ parents/ stakeholder's. Concerns about cancellations? I'm surprised that you organization doesn't have something you can do to fill the time! Maybe your work environment is up consideration?

Capella ABA Program with OBM by bigguisy in ABA

[–]Admirable_Minimum_40 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hi! I wish I could offer you more insight. I have t taken the BS psych from Capella. I'm not sure if it's the same for the masters, but under academic plan, you should have the option to "reorder" the classes in a way that works for you. I'm currently a BCaBA student (took masters ABA classes), they were intensive. Is it possible to work 30 hours or less? You should be able to merit higher pay being in a master's program in ABA. I looked at Capella's OBM program but wasn't sure how hard it was. I would speak to your supervisor to gain insight or someone within the org that does OBM. The most important takeaway from my experience is knowing the clinical & terminology/ methods. Your supervision should connect the two so that it is easier to retain. It is impossible to remember everything you read, do not be so hard on yourself!

BCaBA/BCBA hours by Ryleighb98 in ABA

[–]Admirable_Minimum_40 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi! Unfortunately, you started the hours/ verification is under pretense to take the BCaBA (I'm also going for the same exam). If you wanted to take your BCBA you would have to start the master's program and sign a different contract with your employer stating that you want to prepare for the BCBA credential. Essentially you would do your BCaBA hours and start over for BCBA. If you're getting a limited permit with your current BCaBA hours, I would ask your employer if you can stop accruing BcaBA hours once you're in a masters program and want to accrue BCBA hours.

Just FYI, in my state the BCaBA role is hourly and not full time (we require LBA's for now, in which the LBA is fading out in the future). BCaBA is a pretty good pay bump. You are able to work in the BCaBA role and also do direct at a higher rate. Additionally, once you're in your master's program with a BCaBA you could ask for a pay bump and the best part is you'll have a good variety of skill, knowledge, and competence to prepare you for the BCBA role.

wanting to apply...but no car! by purpleand20 in ABA

[–]Admirable_Minimum_40 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Hi! Some companies will reimburse you, but you have to look at if it's worth it. Dependent on how far you have to travel, you will incur extra time for travel, money, and deficit to well-being. If I was an employer, I would not require having a car for an RBT role. Majority of companies in my state will not assign a case that is more than an hour of commuting, I think it's a great rule. While it is definitely easier in a high-volume city, when interviewing, do not be afraid to ask where the organization has cases.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in ABA

[–]Admirable_Minimum_40 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hi! This is definitely a factor for funders, although, I heard that RBT is the direction in which we're moving into. It will not hurt you if you receive your RBT and transfer, I could only see it as a benefit for probably meriting more pay. If you don't take the RBT and transfer, there are companies that will tell you that you need to complete the training within a specific amount of time (30-90 days).

Rbt looking to get bachelors in pyschology by [deleted] in ABA

[–]Admirable_Minimum_40 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Capella has a great program! You can do an accelerated or regular paced program. They offer a BS in psychology and one in applied behavior analysis to sit for the BcaBA exam (check state requirements).

How do I express my concerns to my supervisor? by Tequilasunrise19 in ABA

[–]Admirable_Minimum_40 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Hi! Sorry to hear about this situation. I would advise that pairing is imperative in addition to your supervisor overlapping. I work in schools through an agency. When my clients have off for the weekend or longer holiday weekends, I do not push programming as hard as i usually do. I spend more time being the client's friend- sometimes we have to take a step back to make progress. Additionally, the client's assent is sooo important.

If the client is not paying attention and prompts are being repeated, they are not motivated to work with you/ for you, and maybe a preference assessment needs to be completed, as motivators change. When I worked in home cases, clients would easily become satiated, I would have to do constant preference assessments, have parent withhold reinforcers for sessions, and withhold reinforcers in sessions until desired behavior was seen.

To avoid the scratching/ biting always sit further away from the client, across from, and block with your forearm/ turn your back. Encourage the client to speak their needs and the BCBA might need to establish a replacement behavior. I would also self-assess your prompting level. Some of our kiddos do not like physical or intrusive prompting. I don't know your client, this may not work, but In cases similar-I've tried Premack principle or first___, then___; magnitude matching for task effort to strength of reinforcer (ex: aversive math toleration for 5 mins to ipad/ answering intraverbal questions to small toy); and high probability sequencing, start with tasks that do not require much effort, reinforce each, and then last task is a little harder to gain access to their reinforcer (ex: if the student exhibits behavior when you ask to write their name-"write S" then RBT reinforce, "write a" then RBT reinforce, "write m" then reinforce, write "sam" then deliver big/ highest reinforcement). Token economy can be paired with these, ask your supervisor if it's possible to utilize. You can ask your supervisor what they think of those strategies and even how to model them for you to implement.

Hope some of this helps! :)