R500-3-9. Certification of an Employee or Volunteer

(1)(a) To be certified to provide ombudsman program services, an employee or volunteer of the office or a local ombudsman entity must: (i) demonstrate the ability to carry out the responsibilities of the ombudsman program; (ii) pass a criminal background check through the Bureau of Criminal Identification, under the Department of Public Safety; (iii) pass a review of the Adult Protective Services database to ensure that the employee or volunteer does not have a supported finding for abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a vulnerable adult; (iv) meet the minimum qualifications for the applicable employee or volunteer position; (v) complete the certification training requirements described in Subsection (2); and (vi) have a general knowledge of: (A) advocacy; (B) dispute resolution; (C) health care; (D) investigation; (E) legal service programs; (F) human service programs; (G) long-term care; (H) long-term care facilities; or (I) mediation. (b) While not required, preference may be given to an applicant who has a bachelor's degree in social work or a related field, three years experience in a related field, or lived experience. (2)(a) An employee or volunteer of the office or a local ombudsman entity shall complete certification training requirements, as established by the office. (b) An employee or volunteer shall complete certification training within six months of beginning employment or volunteer services. (3) If each certification requirement has been satisfied, the office shall send a state-authorized certification badge to the individual or employee within 30 days of completion of the certification requirements. (4) To qualify for recertification, each employee or volunteer must complete: (a) a minimum of 24 hours of annual training, including participation in a two-day mandatory training; (b) a criminal background check through the Bureau of Criminal Identification, under Department of Public Safety, every three years, or at the request of the office; and (c) each employee's or volunteer's annual ombudsman program responsibility.