1. (a) Submission of Applications. All certification applications shall be submitted through the Commission's automated certification information system.

   1. (1) Chief Administrative Officers. The juvenile board or designee shall review the certification documentation and approve in writing the submission of the certification application for a chief administrative officer prior to submission of the application to the Commission.
   2. (2) Facility Administrators. The juvenile board or the chief administrative officer shall review the certification documentation and approve in writing the submission of the certification application for a facility administrator prior to submission of the application to the Commission.
   3. (3) Juvenile Probation Officer. The chief administrative officer or designee shall submit the certification application for a juvenile probation officer.
   4. (4) Juvenile Supervision Officer. The chief administrative officer, facility administrator, or designee shall submit the certification application for a juvenile supervision officer.

2. (b) Timeline for Submission. The certification application shall be submitted to the Commission no more than 180 calendar days from the date of initial employment.

   1. (1) An individual whose application for certification has not been submitted within this time frame:

      1. (A) shall not perform the duties of a certified officer; and
      2. (B) shall not count toward the program's staff to child ratios.
   2. (2) An extension of up to 90 days may be allowed for part time staff who have not completed the required training.
3. (c) Valid Criminal History Searches. Criminal history searches shall have been completed within 180 days prior to submission of the initial certification or certification renewal application. Dates of return shall be included in the application.
4. (d) Approval of Applications. The Commission shall review information contained in an application to determine certification eligibility. The Commission shall reserve the right to request additional information or documentation. The juvenile probation department will be notified of certification decisions through the Commission's automated certification information system. Any officer whose application is denied shall not perform the duties of a certified officer.
5. (e) Training Documentation. The juvenile probation department shall utilize the Commission's training and tracking system or an equivalent automated system to document training and continuing education received by certified officers. Training information shall be included in the certification application and submitted through the Commission's automated certification system.

Source Note:The provisions of this §344.860 adopted to be effective January 1, 2010, 34 TexReg 4191.