Social and Human Services Technical Standards

Purpose Statement

All students in the Social and Human Services program are expected to meet certain technical standards which are essential for the successful completion of all phases of the program, and which reflect industry requirements and standards. To verify the student’s ability to perform these essential functions, students may be required to demonstrate the technical standards below.

Meeting these technical standards does not guarantee employment in this field upon graduation. The ability to meet the program’s technical standards does not guarantee a student’s eligibility for any certification exams or successful completion of the program.

 

Technical StandardDefinition of StandardsExamples
Critical Thinking/Problem-Solving SkillsAbility sufficient for the classroom, lab, and work in industry situations.
  • Receive, interpret, and correctly complete assignments (ie: reading, research, writing, and presentations).
  • Assess case studies and identify the appropriate approach to assist clients.
  • Identify cause-and-effect relationships in counseling situations.
Interpersonal SkillsAbilities are sufficient to interact with individuals and groups from a variety of social, emotional, cultural, and intellectual backgrounds.
  • Establish rapport with the clients, families, and colleagues.
  • Respect and care for clients whose appearance, condition, beliefs, and values may conflict with your own.
  • Demonstrate sufficient emotional health to perform under stress, exercise good judgment, and promptly complete all academic and work-based learning responsibilities.
Communication SkillsAbilities are sufficient for interaction with others in verbal and written form.
  • Communicate clearly and distinctly.
  • Provide and follow directions from other members of the class or instructors.
  • Demonstrate active listening skills.
Coping SkillsAbility to maintain a state of harmony.
  • Solve personal and interpersonal problems.
  • Minimize stress and conflict.
  • Balance internal needs and external demands.
Mobility/Motor SkillsPhysical abilities are sufficient to move in one’s environment with ease and without restriction.
  • Some courses require motor skills to observe scenarios and document observations.
  • Position chairside in close proximity to the client.
Auditory SkillsAuditory abilities are sufficient to work effectively and safely.
  • Discern the instructor’s direction in a classroom, online, and lab environment.
  • Review videos in the classroom, online, and in the lab environment.
Visual SkillsVisual ability is sufficient for observation and assessment necessary in the classroom, lab, and other locations on the campus.
  • Observe client responses (ie: change in tone, facial expression, body language).
  • Review course text, case files, notes, police reports, and the DSM-5.
Tactile SkillsTactile ability is sufficient for interaction with clients.
  • Not required.
EnvironmentalPossess the ability to tolerate environmental stressors.
  • Practice standard safety precautions in the field.
  • Work in areas that are close, crowded, and/or noisy.
  • Anticipate exposure to communicable diseases, body fluids, and toxic substances.
Emotional/BehavioralPossess emotional stability sufficient to maintain composure in stressful situations and assume responsibility/accountability for actions.
  • Adapt rapidly to changing environments and/or stress.
  • Calmly receive feedback.
  • Demonstrate honesty and integrity beyond reproach.

 

In the case of an otherwise qualified individual with a documented disability, appropriate and reasonable accommodations will be made unless to do so would fundamentally alter the essential training elements, cause undue hardship, or produce a direct threat to the safety of the children or student with the understanding that for future employment some technical standards are related to child care rules and regulations from NC General Statutes.

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College is invested in full compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Support Services is part of Student Services and is located in the K. Ray Bailey Student Services Center. For detailed information or to request accommodations visit Support Services. An appointment is recommended prior to enrollment in order to discuss any special concerns.