The aim of continuing education for sex offender treatment therapists is to ensure that professionals practicing in this specialty field are knowledgeable of current scientific and practice principles that affect the supervision and treatment of sex offenders in community-based treatment.

 

Since the treatment of sex offenders in communities raises significant public safety concerns, continuing education is required to help sex offender treatment therapists deliver the highest quality of professional service by being familiar with current developments in a rapidly changing profession.

Continuing education requirements apply whether the therapist renewing a certificate is living or working within Oregon or outside of the state while Oregon certification is maintained.

 

OHLA may grant exemptions in whole or in part from continuing education requirements, including extension of deadlines, in documented hardship cases.

(a) Assessment and diagnosis

(b) Cognitive therapy

(c) Counseling and psychotherapy

(d) Cultural/ethnic issues

(e) Ethics applicable to working with a forensic population

(f) Human development with special attention to sexual development and healthy sexuality

(g) Interviewing skills

(h) Knowledge of family dynamics as related to sex offending

(i) Psychometric and psycho-physiological testing

(j) Psychopathology

(k) Relapse prevention

(l) Relationship and social skills training

(m) Risk assessment

(n) Sexual arousal control

(o) Social support networks

(p) Victim awareness and empathy

(q) Supervision

(r) Assessment and treatment of mental illness including neuropsychological disorders

(s) Couples and family therapy

(t) Family reunification

(u) Pharmacological therapy

(v) Substance abuse treatment

OHLA selects a percentage of certification records for audit to verify compliance with continuing education requirements.

 

Licensees notified of selection for audit of continuing education attestation shall submit to the agency, within 30 calendar days from the date of issuance of the notification, satisfactory evidence of participation in required continuing education.

 

Documentation of a certificate of completion of attendance at a program or course provided by the sponsor shall include:

If documentation of continuing education is invalid or incomplete, the certificate holder shall correct the deficiency within 30 calendar days from the date of notice. Failure to correct the deficiency within the prescribed time shall constitute grounds for disciplinary action.

 

Misrepresentation of continuing education or failing to meet continuing education requirements or documentation may result in disciplinary action, which may include but is not limited to assessment of a civil penalty and suspension or revocation of the certification.