2 - Competency-Based Staff Training

Abstract

Training staff in human service and other organizations is a common job requirement of many behavior analysts and related practitioners. This paper describes an evidence-based approach practitioners can use to effectively train staff. Initially, an historical overview is provided regarding how behavioral practitioners have been prepared to conduct staff training. Next, a summary of applied behavior analysis research is presented that has developed an evidence-based means of training staff. That research has resulted in a competency- and performance-based protocol for training staff, currently referred to as behavior skills training or BST. The steps of BST are then described with a focus on practical considerations for successful application by behavioral practitioners. One particular consideration emphasized is recent research on how to reduce the time requirements for practitioners to effectively train staff with BST.