(A) Candidates shall complete
the
their
professional development
required under rule
173-14-04 of the Administrative Code within
before the following
time
frames
deadlines:
(1) Ombudsman associates: three months after
the first day of professional development.
(2) Ombudsman specialists and ombudsman
program directors: as soon as practicable
and
, but no later
than fifteen months after the date of employment.
(B) A candidate may apply for an
extension of time to complete the required professional
development.
For an extension of time to complete
professional development, the candidate shall apply through the regional
program director or, if the candidate is the program director or staff or
volunteer of the state office, directly to the SLTCO. The application must be
received at least thirty days before the end of the period allotted for
professional development, or as soon as is practicable given the occurrence of
extenuating circumstances, and must state the applicant's reasons for
requesting an extension of time to complete the required professional
development.
The SLTCO shall approve an
application if the candidate demonstrates an acceptable reason for extending
the time for professional development and the candidate shows probable success
for becoming certified. Acceptable reasons include, but are not limited to,
illness in the immediate family, unexpected changes in the candidate's living
circumstances, employment conflicting with the professional development
program, and time constraints. The SLTCO shall approve or disapprove an
application as soon as practicable.
(B)
The SLTCO may
grant a deadline extension to a candidate if all the following occur:
(1)
The candidate
applies to the regional program director for the extension or applies to the
SLTCO for the extension if the candidate is a program director or staff or
volunteer of the state office.
(2)
The candidate
applies at least thirty days before their professional development deadline or
as soon as practicable if extenuating circumstances occur, such as an illness
in the immediate family, unexpected changes in the candidate's living
circumstances, employment conflicting with the professional development
program, and time constraints.
(3)
The candidate's
application states the applicant's reasons for requesting an
extension.
(4)
The candidate shows probable success for becoming
certified.
(C)
Except as provided in paragraph (B) of this rule,
a
A candidate's failure to complete
the required professional development, to
take an examination in a timely manner, or to present an acceptable request for
an extension is cause for removal as a candidate. For paid candidates, the
SLTCO shall provide a notice and hearing process in accordance with
the requirements found in rule
173-14-27 of the Administrative
Code before removing a candidate for failure to
successfully complete
the
required professional development or to take an examination in a
timely manner.
