Section 501.290  Staff Competency

a)         PAIP staff must be competent in general communication skills and those specific skills required to challenge and facilitate change in attitudes, beliefs and behaviors. They must have a general knowledge of human behavior and specific knowledge about intimate partner violence, and they must have attitudes and behavior consistent with this Part.

b)         All PAIP direct service staff and supervisors must have completed 40 hours of training consistent with the requirements of the Illinois Domestic Violence Act [750 ILCS 60], and an additional 20 hours of Department approved training in abuser services.  Facilitators who are unable to complete the Department approved 20 hour training within the first three months of employment must submit a training plan to the Department for approval.  The 20 hours must consist of formal training or conference attendance in abuser intervention and/or experience in facilitating partner abuse intervention groups.  In order for experience to count as part of the training plan, it must be gained through a protocol approved PAIP and under the direction of a supervisor meeting the protocol requirements.  The training must be documented and sent to the Department within 30 days after completion.

c)         All PAIP staff must receive ongoing training as a part of their professional development.  At a minimum, six hours of continuing education that supports the work of intimate partner violence services must be obtained annually. Continuing education hours shall:

1)         Be earned by verified attendance (e.g., certificate of attendance or certificate of completion) at or participation in a program or course (program) that is offered or sponsored by a continuing education sponsor approved by the Department. Those programs shall contribute to the advancement, extension and enhancement of the professional skills and scientific knowledge of PAIP staff;

2)         Foster the enhancement of general or specialized work in the practice of partner abuse intervention;

3)         Be developed and presented by persons with education and/or experience in the subject matter of the program; and

4)         Specify the course objectives, course content and teaching methods to be used.