Do the IACS Standards require a specific ratio of professional staff to trainees?
While keeping in mind that IACS accredits centers/services and not training programs, the Standards do address a number of issues regarding the role, duties and responsibilities of trainees. IACS is more concerned about the overall role of training in Center operations. The Standards note that “While training and supervision are legitimate functions, they should not supersede the primary service role of the agency.” While no specific ratio of staff to trainees is cited, if trainees deliver the majority of the client contact hours, questions arise as to whether or not this unit is a Training Center rather than a Counseling Center.
Related Questions
- The Draft Standards require that members of the PROS staff are credentialed by the International Association of Psychosocial Rehabilitation Services (IAPSRS). Will funds be available for programs to conform to this requirement?
- Since Academic Staff Professional Development grants require matching funds by my unit, how can I be assured that there are funds available to support the grant?
- If a counseling center does not meet the IACS Standard regarding the ratio of staff to students, should the service still seek accreditation?
