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HomeMy WebLinkAbout972611.tiffRESOLUTION RE: APPROVE SECTION 7000 OF DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES OPERATIONS MANUAL, AS A SUPPLEMENT TO THE WELD COUNTY PERSONNEL POLICY, ORDINANCE #118-M WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners of Weld County, Colorado, pursuant to Colorado statute and the Weld County Home Rule Charter, is vested with the authority of administering the affairs of Weld County, Colorado, and WHEREAS, the Board has been presented with Section 7000 of Department of Social Services Operations Manual, as a supplement to the Weld County Personnel Policy, Ordinance #118-M, for the County of Weld, State of Colorado, by and through the Board of County Commissioners of Weld County, on behalf of the Department of Social Services, and WHEREAS, after review, the Board deems it advisable to approve said supplement, a copy of which is attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of Weld County, Colorado, ex -officio Board of Social Services, that Section 7000 of Department of Social Services Operations Manual, as a supplement to the Weld County Personnel Policy, Ordinance #118-M, for the County of Weld, State of Colorado, by and through the Board of County Commissioners of Weld County, on behalf of the Department of Social Services be, and hereby is, approved. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED by the Board that the Chair be, and hereby is, authorized to sign said supplement. The above and foregoing Resolution was, on motion duly made and seconded, adopted by the following vote on the 15th day of December, A.D., 1997. ATTEST: Weld County BY - Deputy Cler APP ee; ss,�� BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WELD COUNTY, COLORADO eorge E Baxter, Chair stance L. Harbert, ro-Tem Dale K. Hall EXCUSED Barbara J. Kirkmeyer W. H. Webster 972611 SS0023 Table of Contents SECTION: TITLE: 7.000 Overall Personnel Policy (Supplement to Weld County Employee Personnel Policy Hanbook, Ordinance 118-M) 7.001 Communication/Liaison with County Personnel 7.002 Department Internal Advisory 7.003 Induction Procedures for New Employees 7.003.1 Social Service Personnel Officer 7.003.2 Weld County Personnel Office 7.003.3 Supervisory Responsibility 7.004 Employee Appearance, Behavior, and Conduct 7.005 Personal Relationships 7.005.1 Procedures for "Conflict" Evaluation Direction 7.006 Off Standard Work Days - Exempt and Non -Exempt Employees 7.006.1 Regular (Seasonal or Permanent) Off Standard Work Days 7.006.2 Flex Time 7.007 Overtime/Compensatory Time Policy 7.007.1 Fair Labor Standards Act - Exempt/Non-Exempt Employees 7.007.2 Accountability - Record Keeping 7.008 Rest for Exempt Employees 7.008.2 Exceptions to "Hour for Hour" Rest Time 7.009 After Hours Time Sheet - Exempt Staff 7.010 Attendance 7.010.1 Breaks 7.010.2 Lunch Breaks 7.011 Weld County Department of Social Services Compensation Policy SECTION: TITLE: 7.011.1 County Pay Plan - WCDSS Seven Steps 7.011.2 Department Internal transfer and Promotional Policy 7.012 Performance Evaluations 7.012.1 Frequency 7.012.2 Process 7.012.3 Factors 7.012.4 Overall Rating 7.012.5 Internal Disputed Evaluation Procedures 7.012.6 Employee Input into Immediate Supervisor's Rating 972r11 j. 7.000 Overall Personnel Policy The Weld County Department of Social Services abides by policies and procedures set forth in the Weld County Government Personnel Policy Handbook. The following policies and procedures are in addition to, or to clarify County policies as they relate to the Weld County Department of Social Services. 7.001 Communication/Liaison with County Personnel To prevent confusion and ensure adequate coordination, all communication (phone and correspondence) involving the County Personnel office is conducted through the County Director or the Department's Personnel Officer, unless referred to County Personnel through the Director's office. This communication includes questions about job classifications, policy interpretation, grievance and appeal procedures, etc. The Department endeavors to provide clear and timely answers to employee questions and will give them high priority. 7.002 Department Internal Advisory Committees The Department recognizes the value of staff suggestions and advice related to many matters affecting the Department's services and mission. This advice is particularly important to easing the implementation of new or revised programs and policies. In addition to new programs, suggestions may cover staff training needs, working relationships and the work environment. Suggestions may be given to supervisors, division heads, or administration. Department Advisory Committees are appointed by the Director. Advisory Committees may be "standing" (appointed to serve indefinitely and meet regularly) or Ad Hoc. Staff surveys may be made from time to time to solicit information. 7.003 Induction Procedures for New Employees The purpose of these procedures is to provide new employees with information to give them a good start. It also designates certain staff to obtain information from new employees for department records. The employees' inunediate supervisors have the basic responsibility to see that the employees are provided with information about their assignment, the Department, and community resources. 7.003.1 Social Service Personnel Officer New employees are to report to the Personnel Officer at the beginning of the first work day. The Social Service Personnel Officer will: 1. Gather data for County Personnel records. This data will include home address, telephone number, name and phone number of person to be contacted in case of an emergency, and name of family physician (family physician optional). The Personnel Officer will input data into the County Personnel system immediately. 2. Provide new employees with an Department of Social Services Orientation Manual that should assist in getting acquainted with the Department. This manual will include forms (Employee Personal Information, Confidentiality Form, Non -Exempt Compensatory Agreement) to be completed by new employees; information regarding employees' clasification, salary, etc.; organization chart; telephone extension list; Organization/Referrals for Service and Information; Overall Personnel Policy; and insurance offered to part time employees. 7.003.2 Weld County Personnel Office The Personnel Officer will refer new employees to the Weld County Personnel Office for County Orientation. At the County Orientation employees will be briefed on "common" county benefits such as group medical, retirement, and life insurance. The time and place are determined by the County Personnel Department. 7.003.3 Supervisory Responsibility The immediate supervisor has the key responsibility to assist new employees in becoming acquainted with the Department and the job assignment. These responsibilities are as follows: 1. Advise switchboard/receptionist of new employees' name, telephone extension, and supervisor's name. 2. Introduce employees to other staff. 3. Provide employees with office supplies. 4. Provide employees with State and County manuals and give instructions as to use and maintenance of manuals. 5. Advise employees about attendance and leave policies, office hours, coffee breaks. 6. Refer employees to Section 7.003 Induction Procedures for New Employees of Social Services County Manual for procedures and county personnel policies. 7. Advise employees of professional ethics, appropriate dress, confidentiality. 8. Review office procedures with employees. 97!r? t.1 9. Advise employees of telephone use, procedures. 10. Advise employees of emergency duty responsibilities and overtime policies. 11. Provide employees information about the Employee Steering Committee. 12. Advise employees of policies and procedures unique to the job assignment. 7.004 Employee Appearance. Behavior, and Conduct Employees are to exercise good taste in clothing and to dress appropriately for their job assignment. A neat and clean appearance is required. As mandated by the Board of Commissioners, employees are not to wear shorts at work. Employees are not allowed to have their children at work for any extended period of time. Every employee must be aware that they are public employees and that it is their duty to serve Weld County citizens in a courteous and efficient manner. Each employee must make a personal effort to treat citizens politely, offering assistance, and explaining delays and procedures thoroughly. MI citizens/clients must be treated with respect. Any employee who is aware of fraudulent activity by a client or another employee is required to report this fraud immediately to their supervisor or the director. No employee may give preferential treatment to any individual or group. Employees are prohibited from accepting gifts or gratuities in return for services provided. County employees may not contact other employees on behalf of outside organizations during work hours, unless prior approval has been obtained from the Director. Employees must protect and not divulge privileged information (confidentiality) to any unauthorized person. No one has a right to confidential information (inside or outside the Department) unless this information is necessary to the performance of their job. There are severe civil and agency penalties for failure to handle confidential information in a professional and legal manner. All employees are asked to sign a Confidentiality Form. 7.005 Personal Relationships Freedom of association is a personal guarantee well established in the U.S. Bill of Rights and no attempt shall be made by the County to abridge that right. However; as a public agency responsible for the delivery of services and public funds to the community, it is important that Social Services departments and their employees maintain a high degree of integrity and professionalism. Any personal relationship that results in behavior that materially affects the effectiveness of the employee or the department should not be entered into or maintained by the Social Services employees. To "materially affect" means to bring about actual, substantial 977'"4 1 negative consequences of a legal or political nature that results in impairment of action or integrity to the agency or the employees. Examples of the kind of personal relationship that would most likely be unacceptable: 1. An employee responsible for capital purchases for a county department and the sales representative for a major supplier to the department. 2. A child protection caseworker and the mother of a child for whom the caseworker is responsible to provide counseling and supervision. 3. An eligibility technician and an AFDC client. 4. A food stamp issuance clerk and a food stamp recipient. 5. A department supervisor and any immediate subordinate where the relationship is such that it has a detrimental effect upon the integrity, effectiveness, and equitable treatment of employee or present the appearance of same. Social Service employees having relationships such as but not limited to these should defer any provision of services and request assistance from supervision. 7.005.1 Procedures for "Conflict" Evaluation Direction 1. Employee refers potential conflict of interest, in writing, to their Division Head through their immediate supervisor. 2. Division Head, after consideration of State and County rules, renders decision. This decision may take the form of assigning case or service to another employee regarding intra-department or outside relationships, or 3. Division Head may refer matter to Department Director who may, in turn, seek legal advice or County Board direction. 4. Employee's written referral along with related correspondence should be forwarded to Administration for filing. 7.006 Off Standard Work Days - Exempt and Non -Exempt Employees Duties of an employee or unit of employees may require unusual work hours to meet obligations. These obligations or tasks may be accomplished by working an occasional work day or days where the work day starts early and finishes early, or starts late and ends late. The employee is required to work the normal number of hours for the work week. The normal number of hours are worked during the official work week although individual works days may be more or less that eight (8) hours. The supervisor "adjusts" or assigns work hours with the employee so that the total number of hours worked per week does not exceed forty (40) hours. 97;7"'4 1 7.006.1 Regular (Seasonal or Permanent) Off Stan' . rd Work Days Regular Off Standard work days are scheduled when public need requires a deviation from normal 8:00 to 5:00 office hours. This deviation may last from a week to several months or a "season." Advance written approval of the supervisor and the director is required. 7.006.2 Flex Time "Flex Time," whereby the employee may start work between 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. and stop work between 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m., is considered part of this section. Flex -time is scheduled one month in advance and must have advance approval of the supervisor. The Department allows flexible starting and stopping time within the standard eight hour work day. Office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Lobby hours 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m), Monday through Friday. The County's first priority is to provide the best public service possible during normal office hours. Therefore, individual interests or desires must be secondary. Only the Director may authorize supervisors to grant work schedule changes. Work schedule changes alter work times but do not affect the forty (40) hour work week. Permission to grant work schedule changes must be approved in writing, Work Schedule Change Request and Authorization Form, by the Director prior to a change in the work schedule. In emergency situations, work schedule change requests may be authorized by the Director verbally; however, written authorization must follow. An occasional request to change a work schedule for one day to accommodate a doctor appointment, etc. may be approved by the supervisor and/or division head. 7.007 Overtime/Compensatory Time Policy All employees of the Weld County Department of Social Services are public service employees and thus are expected by the Weld County Board of Commissioners and the citizens of Weld County to be available to provide emergency services and perform other necessary and important tasks as needed. The standard work day is eight (8) hours, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with one hour off for lunch. The lunch hour may not be used in order to leave early. come in late or make up for work time missed. The standard work week is forty (40) hours, Monday through Friday. "Overtime" is defined as time worked in excess of forty hours per week. For accounting purposes, the official work week is Sunday through Saturday. It is the policy of the County to keep overtime work to a minimum by emphasizing efficient work scheduling and use of time within normal work hours. Should this not be possible and it is found that much time must be spent on overtime and/or emergency services, then the department will consider other alternatives. Some other alternatives are off -standard work 972" 1 hours or days for employees or a change in work priorities. Non-exempt employees are not to work more than forty (40) hours per week unless approved. 7.007.1 Fair Labor Standards Act - Exempt/Non-Exempt Employees In accord with the federal Fair Labor Standards Act, employees are classified as "exempt" and "non-exempt." Exempt employees are not eligible for overtime pay or for compensatory time off. Non-exempt employees are eligible for overtime if they work beyond forty (40) hours per week. Non-exempt employees are nQt to work more than forty (40) hours per week unless approved, in advance, by the Director. This approval will only be given in emergency situations. It is the policy of the Department to keep overtime work to a minimum by emphasizing efficient work scheduling and use of time within normal work hours. NOTE: When overtime is approved, compensation will be in the form of compensatory time (one and one-half hours off for each hour worked). Non-exempt employees will be asked to sign an agreement acknowledging that compensatory time in lieu of cash overtime payment is the practice for the department. Without this form on file, employees are not to work any overtime. Weekly time sheets are completed by all non-exempt personnel and reviewed weekly by supervisor. Time sheets should reflect the exact hours worked for each day of the pay period. Exempt personnel may be granted time off to rest if called out for emergency or crisis services after hours or if required to work excessive number of hours. Travel time for training or work related activities for non-exempt employees is considered as work time and thus is counted as part of the forty -hour work week. 7.007.2 Accountability - Record Keeping In order to provide consistency of treatment, to conform to County policy, and provide records for audit review, record keeping is required. A time sheet is completed weekly by the employee and is reviewed by the immediate supervisor. The time sheet must indicate "start" and "end" time for each day of the week. Careful supervisory review and daily monitoring are most important to assure compliance with the Fair Labor Standards Act and to protect both the employee and the employer. 7.008 Rest for Exempt Employees It is the Department's policy to provide rest or respite time for those exempt personnel who are expected to provide after hours coverage for emergencies and/or who may, with supervisor approval, work beyond the normal work week to meet their job responsibilities. 972r , "Rest time" is provided one hour for each hour worked beyond the forty (40) hour work week (hour for hour). The "hour for hour" procedure is to cover extra time worked for caseload emergencies and other unusual happenings. It is expected that use of off -standard work days, or adjusted time, will be used for most situations. This hour for hour policy will also cover "on -call" (emergency coverage) if an employee is assigned to handle after hour duty. Supervisors are required to see that rest hours are taken as soon after accumulations as possible. In no event will rest or respite time accumulated be carried beyond thirty (30) calendar days. 7.008.2 Exceptions to "Hour for Hour" Rest Time On -Call caseworker providing weekend or holiday coverage The Department will provide rest time in the form of one clay off. Time spent in field contacts, client related phone calls, and report writing that exceeds eight hours will earn additional rest time on an hour for hour basis. The intent of this policy is to provide appropriate rest time for emergency or crisis related service, not for work that could and should be accomplished within the normal work week. The Director and the County Board reserve the right to change this policy when the need arises. Casework Supervisors and Division Heads are classified as "exempt" employees; however, are not eligible for rest time under this policy, although the Director or Board may authorize time off in very unusual situations. 7.009 After Hours Time Sheet - Exempt Staff All rest or respite time claimed must be recorded on a time sheet and approved by the supervisor and the division head. The "time sheet" is forwarded monthly to the Division Head by the third work day of the following month. The Division Head will review individual reports for compliance with policy, and reports will be maintained by the Department for audit purposes. A separate time sheet is kept for "on -call" (emergency duty coverage). This sheet is completed by the on -call worker and turned into the appropriate supervisor weekly. 7.010 Attendance All Weld County offices are open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., (Social Service lobby hours are 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m) Monday through Friday. The Department of Social Services' office may be open longer, or at varying hours as required to meet public needs. Full time employees work a forty (40) hour week, not including scheduled lunch periods. 972:11 i 7010.1 Breaks At the supervisor's discretion, employees working four consecutive hours may be granted one 15 minute break if it does not disrupt work flow. "Smoke Breaks" are considered as part of the fifteen minutes breaks and cumulative total should not exceed a total of fifteen minutes. Breaks not taken may not be accumulated or used at the beginning or end of the day or in conjunction with lunch hours. 7.010.2 Lunch Breaks The Department provides one hour for lunch. The lunch hour is to allow adequate time for employees to rest and eat. Employees are not allowed to work through or shorten their lunch hour in order to leave work early or to make up for time missed. It is the supervisor's responsibility to ensure that this rule is adhered to. 7.011 Weld County Department of Social Services Compensation Policy The Weld County Board of Social Services' (Weld County Commissioners) objective is to compensate County Social Service employees the same as other County employees in comparable job classifications. The County determines the "steps" at which an employee in a given grade is paid. Both the grade and/or steps may change annually based upon survey information and other factors related to compensation and the availability of funding. Compensation - Salary increases are provided by several means: 1. Annual Salary/Market Adjustment derived from surveys or other comparisons. 2. Step Increases - Anniversary increases. 3. Promotions 7.011.1 County Pay Plan - WCDSS Seven Steps - Weld County has determined a 7 -step (Step 8 through 14) pay plan for employees as follows: Step Time Necessary to Advance to Next Step 8 Entry Level 9 6 Months on Step 8 in the same classification 10 6 Months on Step 9 in the same classification 11 1 Year on Step 10 in the same classification 12 1 Year on Step 11 in the same classification 13 2 Years on Step 12 in the same classification 14 2 Years on Step 13 in the same classification EXCEPTION: Employees hired over the entry step will not receive a six-month increase. 9 ,r 4 7.011.2 Department Internal Transfer and Promotional Policy Probationary employees must serve at least one (1) year in their current position before being considered for transfer or promotion. Promotions to leadworker, supervisory, or managerial positions will be accomplished through a competitive process. 7.012 Performance Evaluations Performance Evaluations are objective appraisals of an employee's total functioning on the job over a specified past period. The purpose of a review is to provide intermediary feedback to an employee on their performance. Each employee is reviewed by the staff person serving as the supervisor. Narratives will be required by the supervisor on each rating factor and rating levels will be optional on reviews. 7012.1 Frequency A Performance Evaluation is required to be conducted in each of the following cases: 1. Probationary employees will be rated every six months. They will receive a quarterly review between each six month rating. 2. Permanent/Trial Service employees will be rated annually; however, they will receive a review at the interim six months. 3. Upon completion of six months of service by an employee who has been involuntarily demoted. 4. Prior to the transfer of an employee to another position in the same class if the employee has not been evaluated by the current supervisor in the last six months. 5. Prior to the granting of leave without pay for more than 30 days to an employee who has not been evaluated by the current supervisor in the last six months. 6. Prior to lay off, termination or dismissal of an employee. 7. Where action has been taken on a Below Expectations performance. A Review is required to be conducted in each of the following cases: 1. Probationary employees will receive a quarterly review between each six-month rating. 2. Permanent/Trial Service employees will receive a review at the interim six months. 972R,' 7.012.2 Process Prior to the end of an evaluation or review period, the rater will evaluate the employee and will conduct at least one conference with the employee to discuss performance. At the conference, the supervisor will discuss the proposed narrative and rating for factors (rating not needed for a REVIEW.) A final form will be produced, including a narrative and rating (rating not needed for a REVIEW) and submitted to the employee for signature. If the employee disagrees with the rating, then the employee may utilize the "Internal Disputed Evaluation Procedure." If the employee agrees or does not wish to appeal the rating, the employee will insert comments on each factor, if desired, and will sign the rating and return it to the supervisor. The supervisor will also sign the cover sheet and then will submit it for review to the next level of supervision. The form will be finally signed by the Director. 7.012.3 Factors All employees will be rated on four conunon factors, including: 1. Occupational Skills 2. Personal Interactions 3. Communications 4. Problem Analysis and Decision Making Additionally, each employee will be rated on one additional factor that is job specific to their duties. This factor could be one of the following: 1. Caseworker/Social Worker 2. Technician/Investigator/Case Manager 3. Clerical/Support/Paraprofessional 4. Supervisor/Administrator Four levels of rating performance will be used. They are defined as follows: 1. Outstanding - Consistently exceeded expectations. Regularly accomplished tasks with the utmost of efficiency and competency. Is highly innovative and creative in the approach to problems and situations. This rating must be evidenced by documentation, with specific events and examples, on file throughout the rating period. 2. Exceeded Expectations - Clearly and measurably exceeded expectations and is able to perform at a level above what is normally achieved by others at the same level with similar or identical duties. 3. Met Expectations - Met performance expectations. 4. Below Expectations - Did not meet performance expectations as supported by documentation on file throughout the rating period. ANY FACTOR RATED BELOW EXPECTATIONS REQUIRES AN IMMEDIATE CORRECTION ACTION PLAN. 972r 1 11 Each factor rating will be assigned a point value determined by the following: Outstandinv Exceeded Expectations Met Expectations Below Expectations = 4 Points = 3 Points = 2 Points = 1 Point A narrative by the supervisor is required to be completed for each performance factor. The employee being rated has the option of inserting any comments they may have regarding any and all specific factors. 7.012.4 Overall Rating An overall rating will be determined by the total points accumulated from the performance factors. Each Outstanding will count as 4 points; Exceeded Expectations, 3 points; Met Expectations, 2 points; Below Expectations, 1 point. The overall evaluation will be based on the cumulative total of the factor rating points, where the following point totals determine a corresponding rating: 17 - 20 Points Outstanding 13 - 16 Points Exceeded Expectations 9 - 12 Points Met Expectations 5 - 8 Points Below Expectations * * For any instance where an employee receives a rating of Below Expectations for 2 or more factors, an overall Below Expectations rating must be given. If an employee receives an overall evaluation of Blow Expectations, they will receive no step increase, and after twelve months if it is still Below Expectations the employee must be dismissed. 7.012.5 Internal Disputed Evaluation Procedure This procedure is available to Department employees who disagree with their evaluation rating and want to contest the rating given by their immediate supervisor. The purpose of this procedure is to provide a fair process whereby employees can challenge a rater's decision prior to final submittal. Step 1: The rater will conduct an evaluation session with the employee to discuss their performance and ascertain an appropriate rating. The employee will have the opportunity to discuss and resolve with the supervisor any differences of opinion. After this session, the rater will prepare his/her formal written evaluation. Step 2: If the employee remains in disagreement with the rater's final decision, the employee may further request that the matter be reviewed. The request for an appeal must be made in writing to the next level of supervision, the Reviewer, with a copy to the rater within 3 9721'',1. working days. Written documentation will be provided from both the employee and the rater to support their position and will be made available prior to the hearing with a copy to the other party. A hearing will be held with the employee, the rater and the reviewer within 5 working days of the request. A written decision will be rendered by the reviewer within 5 working days of the hearing. If the decision is in favor of the employee, the evaluation will be corrected to reflect the decision. These time frames may be altered by agreement of both parties if extenuating circumstances arise. Step 3: The employee may further the appeal to the Director, or his/her designee, level, according to procedure set out in Step 2 above. Internally, the decision will be final. 7.012.6 Employee Input into Immediate Supervisor's Rating Input and feedback from supervisees enhances performance evaluations for supervisors. The rater will solicit feedback from all of the employees reporting directly under that supervisor (i.e. those employees that the supervisor rates) prior to preparing a written evaluation. The evaluation form will be the mechanism that these employees will be required to complete in a timely manner and give to the supervisor's rater. The rater will review these comments and further will discuss them, without divulging party's names, with the supervisor. The rater may consider these comments when preparing the written evaluation. 9"%21';1.. ies; Wine COLORADO DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES P.O. BOX A GREELEY, COLORADO 80632 Administration and Public Assistance (970) 352-1551 Child Support (970) 352-6933 Protective and Youth Services (970) 352-1923 Food Stamps (970) 356-3850 MEMORANDUM Fax (970) 353-5215 TO: George E. Baxter, Chair Date: December 9, 1997 Board of County Commissioners %% �jj / FR: Judy A. Griego, Director, Social Services_ 6 � l C� RE: Weld County Department of Social Services Operations Manual, Section 7000 The Weld County Department of Social Services is requesting approval of Section 7000 of the Weld County Department of Social Services Operations Manual. This section serves as a supplement to the Weld County Personnel Policy Handbook, Ordinance 118-M, and has been reviewed by Weld County Personnel. If you have any questions, please telephone me at extension 6200. 972611 Hello