What is the primary role of a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT)?

The primary role of a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) is to implement behavior-analytic services under the supervision of a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) or a qualified supervisor. This involves carrying out the specific interventions and strategies that have been developed by the supervising BCBA, as well as collecting data on the effectiveness of these interventions. The RBT is trained to follow the procedures laid out in the treatment plan and to support clients in reaching their goals while ensuring adherence to ethical standards and best practices in behavior analysis.

In contrast, conducting assessments independently is not part of an RBT's scope of practice, as assessments require the expertise of a BCBA. Creating behavior intervention plans is also the responsibility of the supervisor rather than the RBT, who enacts the plans rather than devising them. Similarly, while RBTs may provide some parent training as directed by their supervisors, full training on behavior modification techniques typically falls under the scope of more advanced practitioners, such as BCBAs. Therefore, the focus of the RBT's role is primarily on the implementation of established behavior plans rather than on the development or independent conduct of assessments and training.