HSE – ARS Technical Standards

The Social and Human Services program establishes clear technical standards to ensure students are fully prepared for the academic rigor and professional responsibilities of the helping professions. These standards outline the essential abilities including communication, interpersonal, strong critical-thinking abilities, and emotional/behavioral stability that students must demonstrate to succeed in coursework and future practice.

By defining these expectations, the program supports student growth while promoting high-quality, person-centered service to individuals, families, and communities across eastern North Carolina and beyond.

Technical Standard	Definition of Standards	Examples
Communication	Ability to effectively interact with others in verbal and written form.	Demonstrates active listening and appropriate attending behaviors. Produces clear, organized, and written assignments. Communicates respectfully with peers, faculty, and clients using developmentally appropriate and culturally responsive language.
Critical Thinking	Ability to effectively acquire and process information and apply appropriate problem-solving strategies.	Analyzes information and selects appropriate helping strategies. Applies ethical decision-making models. Integrates course content and instructor feedback to inform coursework and online interactions.
Emotional/Behavioral Stability	Ability to effectively manage stressful situations while maintaining composure and sound judgment.	Demonstrates emotional regulation during challenging discussions or interactions. Maintains professionalism when receiving constructive feedback. Responds appropriately to distress while maintaining ethical boundaries.
Self-Awareness	Ability to reflect on personal values, attitudes, behaviors, and beliefs and accept constructive feedback in a positive manner.	Engages in ongoing self-reflection to identify personal strengths, limitations, and biases. Incorporates instructor feedback into future performance. Demonstrates willingness to explore personal reactions that may influence the helping relationship.
Interpersonal Skills	Ability to effectively interact with others in building rapport and managing differences in experience and background.	Demonstrates empathy, warmth, and respect for others. Works collaboratively with others and maintains positive professional relationships. Establishes rapport with others using appropriate interpersonal skills.
Sensory	Ability to effectively and safely interact with others in the environment.	Observes nonverbal cues such as affect, posture, and facial expressions. Able to engage in helping conversations and respond appropriately. Navigates environments safely and effectively.
Respect for Diversity	Ability to respect and effectively engage with culturally diverse populations.	Demonstrates cultural humility and openness when working with individuals from diverse backgrounds. Applies multicultural and social justice principles in classroom discussions and assignments. Aligns communication and helping strategies to meet the needs of culturally diverse populations.

ADA Accommodations Statement

Students enrolled in the Social and Human Services Program at Pitt Community College who have documented disabilities are entitled to reasonable accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and all applicable state and institutional policies. The program is committed to fostering a welcoming learning environment that supports student success while ensuring that all students meet the essential technical standards required for safe, ethical, and effective practice in human services settings.

Students who anticipate the need for accommodation to meet these technical standards are encouraged to contact the Office of Accessibility Services as early as possible. Accommodations are determined through an interactive process between the student and Accessibility Services and must not compromise academic integrity or essential program requirements.

The Social and Human Services Program will make every reasonable effort to support students in meeting these standards through approved accommodations, academic resources, and faculty guidance.