OREGON JUVENILE DEPARTMENT DIRECTORS' ASSOCIATION

Certificate Process

The purpose of issuing certificates to juvenile justice professionals is to promote excellence and consistency in achieving the goals of the juvenile justice system. The Oregon Juvenile Department Director's Association seeks to support juvenile departments and Oregon Youth Authority in setting high and consistent standards of employee performance and to provide a framework for staff development and training in accord with accepted best practices and evidence based principles. Obtaining a certificate is a voluntary process and does not constitute a condition of employment unless so established by an individual hiring authority.

This document establishes standards and procedures for the certificate process for juvenile counselors, probation/parole officers and custodial staff. The requirements for obtaining certificates are described in detail. Upon successful completion of training standards the OJDDA will provide written documents certifying attendance and successful completion of training curriculums. 

Requirements for Fundamental Skills Certificates
for Juvenile Counselor/Probation Officer/Parole Officer

A. Education

Applicants must have 4 years of higher education and/or relevant work experience in the behavioral science field or course work with emphasis in sociology, psychology, law enforcement, corrections, counseling, social work or social welfare.

B. Fundamental Skills Training

Applicants must have successful completed the Fundamental Skills Training for juvenile counselor, probation officers and parole officers approved by OJDDA.

C. Current Employment

At the time of request for certificate, the applicant must be currently employed as a juvenile counselor/probation officer/parole officer by an Oregon juvenile department or Oregon Youth Authority.

Requirements for Certification
for Juvenile Custodial Staff

A. Education

Applicant must have a minimum of a high school diploma or a general equivalency diploma, with two years of higher education and/or relevant work experience, preferably in the field of juvenile justice or social service.

B. Basic Facilities Training

Applicant must have successfully completed their local Basic Facilities Detention/Custody Training as approved by OJDDA.

C. Current Employment

At the time of request for certificate, the applicant must be currently employed as a juvenile counselor/custodial staff by an Oregon juvenile department.

Continuing Training/Education Requirements 

To maintain applicant's certificate, a person must successfully complete forty hours of continuing training/education within the 24-month period following the most recent certificate obtained. Custodial staff must successfully complete forty hours of continuing training/education within a 12 month period following the most recent certificate obtained. This training/education must be approved and verified by the juvenile department director or OYA supervisor, where the applicant is currently employed. An application for renewal signed by the juvenile department director or OYA supervisor must be submitted to OJDDA, verifying that the employee has performed at a satisfactory level, demonstrated competency in fundamental skills and met the required training/education standard for continued certification.

Intermediate and Advanced Training Certification 

Certificates for juvenile justice professional employees may be awarded at Intermediate and Advanced levels. Requirements are as follows:

A. Fundamental Skills Certification

Applicant must hold a Certificate in Fundamental Skills.

B. Intermediate and/or Advanced Skills Training

Applicants must complete the required training in Intermediate or Advanced areas as approved by OJDDA Training Committee.

C. Current Employment

At the time of request for certificate, the applicant must be currently employed as a juvenile counselor/probation officer/parole officer/ by an Oregon juvenile department or Oregon Youth Authority.

Note: Training approved for Intermediate or Advanced Certification may also be applied toward the continuation and renewal of the Fundamental Skills Certification.

Renewal of Certificates

Certificates will be renewed under the following circumstances:

1. The applicant is currently employed as a juvenile counselor/probation officer/parole officer by an Oregon juvenile department or Oregon Youth Authority.
   
2. Applicant must show verification of 40 hours of continued education/training within a 2 year period following the date of the last certificate obtained or 40 hours within a 12-month period for detention counselors. A request for renewal must be signed by the juvenile department director or OYA supervisor verifying satisfactory performance and demonstrated competency by the applicant.
   
3. Request for renewal will be submitted to OJDDA.

Grandfather Clause

A person employed as a juvenile counselor, probation officer, parole officer or custodial staff before January 1, 1997 may be granted Fundamental Skills Certification under the following conditions:

1. A letter of application and recommendation for certification must be submitted by the Director of the Juvenile Department employing the applicant.
2. The letter must include verification that the applicant has demonstrated competency in basic knowledge and skills of the job her or she holds.

The purpose of this grandfather clause is to expand and encourage participation in the certification process as an initial step toward advanced certification and with the aim of establishing high standards of competency among juvenile justice professionals.