Professional Documents
Culture Documents
CLEVELAND HEIGHTS-UNIVERSITY
HEIGHTS PUBLIC LIBRARY
Human Resources Manual
March 1993
Prepared By:
I have read and I understand the Human Resources Manual of the Cleveland Heights-University
Heights Public Library.
I understand that this is a guide only, and that if I need further information, I may obtain it from
my supervisor or from the Human Resources Coordinator. I understand that a copy of the
manual is available in each branch, each main library department and electronically. I also
realize that the policies in the Human Resources Manual are under continual review and are
subject to change at management’s discretion. I will make myself aware of such changes, as
they are incorporated in this manual.
I further understand that this manual is not intended in any way to create an employment
contract. No department head, supervisor or representative of the library, other than the Board
of Trustees or the Director, has any authority to enter into any agreement for employment for any
specified period of time, or to alter the at-will nature of my employment.
As an at-will employee of the Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library, both the
library and I have the option to conclude the employment relationship at any time. In
consideration of my employment, I agree to conform to the rules and regulations of the
Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library. I acknowledge that no written policy of
the Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library is a contract or other legal guarantee
that the library will continue any practices described in such written policy.
JUNE 2009
3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PREFACE
ORGANIZATIONAL CHART
Chapter 4 COMPENSATION
Chapter 5 BENEFITS
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Long Term Disability Insurance
Long Term Care Insurance
Workers' Compensation
Section 5.2 Flexible Spending Account
Section 5.3 Ohio Public Employees' Retirement System (OPERS)
Section 5.4 Earned Time Off (ETO)
Full-Time and 30-Hour Employees
Regular Part-Time Employees
Section 5.5 Holidays
Section 5.6 Sick Leave
Section 5.7 Court Leave
Section 5.8 Military Leaves
Military Reserves
Uniformed Service Leave
Section 5.9 Bereavement Leave
Section 5.10 Leaves of Absence
Family Medical Leave
Other Leaves of Absence
Section 5.11 Parental Leave
Frequency of Absences
Tardiness/Early Departure
Weather Related and Emergency Closing
Section 8.3 Outside Employment
Section 8.4 Department Equipment
Computer Software and Data
Section 8.5 E-Mail/Internet Policy
Section 8.6 Confidentiality
Section 8.7 Employee Identification
Section 8.8 Staff Meetings
Section 8.9 Staff Rooms
Section 8.10 Drug-Free Workplace
Section 8.11 On the Job Injury
Section 8.12 Use of Telephones
Section 8.13 Speaking Engagements
Section 8.14 Garnishments
Section 8.15 Dress and Hygiene Standards
Employees Who Are Not Required to Wear a Uniform
Employees Who Are Required to Wear a Uniform
Section 8.16 Solicitation and Distribution
Section 8.17 Smoke-Free Environment
Section 8.18 Workplace Safety and Health
Section 8.19 Communication with the Media
Section 8.20 Harassment
Section 8.21 Credit Card policy
Chapter 10 DISCIPLINE
At-Will Discharge
Retrenchment
Section 11.3 Termination Benefits
Health Care Benefits Continuation (COBRA)
OPERS - Disability and Survivor Benefits
Accrued Leave
Sick Leave Conversion
Unemployment Compensation
Section 11.4 Exit Interview
APPENDICES
FORMS
Section 2.2 Application Form
Section 2.2 Authorization to Obtain Records
Section 2.3 Equal Employment Opportunity Form
Section 2.4 Declaration Regarding Material Assistance/NonAssistance Terrorist
Organization
Section 2.4 INS Form I-9
Section 4.4 Time Cards
Section 8.11 Accident Report Form
Section 11.4 Exit Interview Form
INDEX
8
PREFACE
The Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library is organized under Ohio state law as a
school district public library. A seven-member board, one member appointed each year by the
local Board of Education for a seven-year term, governs the library. The taxing authority is the
Board of Education, but the library operates under a separate budget with funds derived
primarily from the Library and Local Government Support Fund and several property tax levies.
In November 1916, a Board of Trustees was appointed to form a public library for the village of
Cleveland Heights, but because of World War I, the library was not organized until 1920. At that
time, a librarian was appointed, and the Cleveland Heights Public Library opened in the
basement of the Coventry Elementary School where the school library was merged with it. In
1926, the library moved into its own permanent building.
In 1973, the library placed its first five-year operating levy on the ballot, which passed by 67.8
percent vote. This financial support has allowed the library to develop the innovative approach to
public service that residents of the community have come to demand. For example in 1981, the
Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library was the first library to join the Cleveland
Public Library's automated circulation system and on-line catalog. CLEVNET, as it is now
known, has grown to serve over thirty libraries in northern Ohio. In 1986, the library was named
one of the fifty best libraries in the United States by the School of Library and Information
Science at the University of Illinois. The library continues to maintain its high standards and is
known for its outstanding customer service.
Although its boundaries coincide with those of the Cleveland Heights-University Heights School
District, being adjacent to the major metropolitan area of Cleveland enlarges the role of the
library. The population of Cuyahoga County is highly mobile and most residents use several
libraries to meet their informational and recreational reading, viewing and listening needs; thus,
many people come into the library from outside its immediate service area. Participation in
CLEVNET also expands the library's role through the sharing of materials and resources both
within Cuyahoga County and throughout the state.
Funding for the library from the Public Library Fund, is derived from a percentage of state-wide
general revenue fund. Receipts from this source depend upon general economic conditions in
Ohio and upon allocation decisions made by the Cuyahoga County Budget Commission.
June 2010, June 2008, June 2007, June 2003, June 2003
9
State law limits the property tax levy, to the revenue generated by appraisal values at the time of
levy passage. As a result, property tax revenues can not increase significantly during the term of
a levy. Properties in the library's taxing boundaries are largely residential.
Economic and political uncertainties continue to affect future allocations of the Public Library
Fund.. Library trustees and management believe that careful planning and expenditure of funds is
essential to withstand any material effect on levels of public service. In November 1992, our
residents approved a continuing, four mill operating levy by a two-to-one margin. Since 1993,
this levy generates about $2,875,000 each year. In 2000, the residents approved another
continuing operating levy of 1.9 mills, providing an additional $1.6 million annually. Passage of
these levies ensures continued public service levels in the face of increasing costs.
In November 2001 the voters of the Cleveland Heights-University Heights City School District
approved a $9.5 million bond issue. This money supported the renovation of the Main Library,
the former Heights YMCA, purchased in 2000, and the construction of a pedestrian walkway
over the street between the two buildings. This increased space, from 64,000 square feet to
110,000 square feet, allowed needed growth in all departments and increased programming for
the community.
In 2008, a 1.9 mill operating levy was passed by the voters but the ensuing national recession
made it necessary to cut the library budget significantly.
The Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library has a Board-appointed Director who is
responsible for the administration of the library. There is also a Fiscal Officer who is responsible
for overseeing the library's financial affairs. Delegation of authority is passed down from the
Director to the Administrative Support Team. The Organization Chart for the library follows.
At the Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library, the customer's needs are our top
priority. Our goal is to anticipate those needs, and fulfill them as best we can to provide our
customers with a more rewarding library experience than they can get at other public libraries.
All staff are encouraged to make decisions that will result in success for library customers. This
means that anyone, not just a supervisor, can make an exception to a policy or procedure if it
provides quality service and is consistent with our organizational values. We know that
customers like to have their problems solved by the first staff person with whom they deal.
Staff should feel comfortable and confident in solving individual problems. On the other hand,
we wish to reassure staff that there are times when it helps to ask the advice of a colleague or
supervisor, and such a team approach to problem-solving is encouraged.
June 2010, June 2008, June 2007, June 2003, June 2001
10
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
AND
GENERAL EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS
This Human Resources Manual ("Manual") contains policies for the employees of the Cleveland
Heights-University Heights Public Library. All employees charged with the responsibility of
administering policy must be familiar with its contents. This Manual is a source of information
for employees to help them understand their rights and obligations. It is also a guide to be used
by the Director and other managerial employees to ensure uniform and nondiscriminatory
application of the conditions of employment. It is essential that these policies be administered in
a systematic, fair and impartial manner.
There will be situations that require administrative interpretation of these policies. Every effort
will be made to ensure that such decisions are made objectively with the intent of the policy in
mind.
There may be occasions when policies must be added, deleted, revised or given a different
interpretation from those previously made. The Board of Trustees has the right to change
practices and policies, both written and unwritten, as business requires. Updated policies will be
issued to all Manual holders and communicated to all affected employees according to Section
1.5 POLICY CHANGES, DISSEMINATION AND SUGGESTIONS.
The policies contained in this Manual are subject to, and in accordance with state and federal
law. In the event there is a conflict between this Manual and any other applicable law, the
applicable law will prevail. In the event that future legislation invalidates or changes any of the
provisions contained herein, the balance will remain in effect.
Nothing in the Manual nor any interpretive or enforcement communication should be construed
to grant a guaranteed right to continued employment or benefits. This Manual is not an
employment contract. Employment with the library is not for a fixed term or definite period and
may be terminated at any time by either the employee or the library according to law.
The policies stated and adopted within this Manual and the communications interpreting and
enforcing them supersede all previous policies and communications.
11
Section 1.2
A. It is the philosophy of the Board of Trustees that providing a personnel system that aids in
recruiting and retaining competent, dependable employees is vital to the success of the
library.
B. The policies and procedures stated in this Manual are designed to:
1. Promote high morale and foster good working relationships among employees by
providing uniform personnel policies and consideration of employee needs;
3. Provide fair and equal opportunity for qualified employees to enter and progress in
service based upon fitness as determined through objective and practical personnel
management methods;
4. Enhance the attractiveness of a career with the library and encourage each of its
employees to give his/her best effort to the library and the public;
6. Ensure that all activities are conducted in an ethical and legal manner to promote the
library's reputation as an efficient, progressive body in the community and the state.
C. It is the Board's intent that these policies and procedures will hereafter govern the working
relationship between the employee and the library.
June 2007
12
Section 1.3
The Board of Trustees maintains the ultimate authority to establish, interpret and, through the
Director, administer policies and direct the operations of the library. The Director's
administrative responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
A. Developing the goals, objectives, programs and services, and utilizing employees in a
manner designed to effectively and efficiently meet these purposes;
B. Exercising complete control and discretion over the approved budget, organizational
structure, and method of performing the work required;
C. Managing the physical facilities, equipment and programs and work to be performed;
D. Determining the adequacy, size, composition and qualifications of the work force,
staffing patterns and organizational structure;
E. Setting standards of service and determining the procedures and standards of selection for
employment;
F. Determining the hours of work, work schedules, work rules, policies and procedures for
all employees;
G. Managing and directing employees, including the right to select, hire, promote, transfer,
assign, evaluate, supervise, layoff, recall, reprimand, suspend, discharge, discipline and
maintain order among employees;
H. Determining when a vacancy exists, the duties to be included in each position, and the
standards of quality, productivity, and performance to be maintained;
J. Determining the necessity to schedule overtime and the amount required thereof;
Section 1.4
These policies apply to all employees of Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library,
except where noted.
June 2000
14
Section 1.5
A. Any question about a provision of this Manual or items not covered in the Manual such as
rules, either written or unwritten, implied or expressed, should be directed to the employee's
supervisor or the Human Resources Coordinator.
B. The Director encourages employees to consider and recommend changes in policy. Matters
not already addressed may be brought to the attention of the Director, Human Resources
Coordinator, department head, branch manager or Staff Association representative so
appropriate policies may be considered.
C. Supervisors should periodically review personnel policies and propose changes and additions
to the Director. Every year, the entire Manual will be reviewed and revised to address
changes in the law and current practice. All changes are subject to approval of the Board of
Trustees.
D. As conditions warrant, these policies may be amended or deleted by action of the Board of
Trustees. Such amendments or deletions will be posted or distributed to employees prior to
their effective date and all Manuals will be updated. Each department head and branch
manager is responsible for maintaining the currency of the Manual in his or her area.
E. Copies of this Manual are available for review by staff and will be kept by:
The Human Resources Manual shall also be available to staff online. It is the responsibility of
each employee to be familiar with human resources policies of the library, which are contained
in this manual. (See – Employee Acknowledgment)
June 2008, June 2005, June 2003, June 2002, June, 2001, June 2000
15
Section 1.6
The Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library is committed to complying with all
laws in every area of employment, including recruitment, hiring, training, development,
promotion, transfer, termination, layoff, compensation, benefits and all other conditions and
privileges of employment. As such, the Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library
prohibits discrimination against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, color, religion,
creed, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, qualifying disability, or any other
characteristics protected by law.
Furthermore, no employee may aid, abet, compel, coerce or conspire to discharge, harass or
cause another to resign because of race, color, religion, creed, age, sex, sexual orientation,
national origin, ancestry or disability.
All staff share in the responsibility of ensuring that our policies are effective and apply uniformly
to everyone. Thus, the Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library expects each
employee to treat colleagues and customers with respect and sensitivity.
Any employee who engages in an unlawful discriminatory practice will be subject to disciplinary
action, up to and including termination of employment.
The Human Resources Coordinator serves as the Equal Employment Opportunity Officer of the
library. All allegations of violation of this policy are to be reported to the Human Resources
Coordinator by the supervisor or person to whom the incident is first reported.
June 2008
16
Section 1.7
Creating and supporting a workforce that reflects the growing diversity of our
communities;
Recruiting staff of different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives;
Developing diversity training programs to support our efforts to understand, value and
incorporate differences;
Continually communicating our desire for a diverse workforce and showing by our
actions that we truly value diversity;
Treating others with respect, dignity and fairness;
Reflecting diversity in all we do—collections, programs, facilities.
Our greatest asset is our employees. We believe that diversity enriches our performance and
service as well as the lives of our employees.
June 2002
17
Section 2.1
CHAPTER 2
The Library is committed to employ, in its best judgment, the best qualified candidates
for approved positions while engaging in recruitment and selection practices that are in
compliance with all applicable employment laws and being a socially responsible public entity. It
is the policy of the Library to provide equal employment opportunity for employment to all
applicants and employees.
A. When a vacancy exists and recruitment is approved, or the Board of Trustees approves a new
position, employees will be notified through various communication methods, such as
internal newsletters and email. Interested employees may contact the Human Resources
Coordinator for further information. The same application procedures and timeliness as
established for outside applicants will apply to internal candidates. A file of all
advertisements and notices will be maintained by the Human Resources Coordinator.
B. The library will actively recruit employees who reflect the diversity of the community.
C. The scope of advertising will be decided by Administration and will be based on the needs
and goals of the Library. Positions may be posted on the library’s web site, public bulletin
boards, area newspapers and on-line job boards. Professional positions may be advertised in
newspapers with national circulation, professional journals, newsletters and on-line job
boards.
D. School placement services, colleges and universities with suitable training programs and the
Ohio Bureau of Employment Services will be contacted, when appropriate. Programs
providing training for individuals with disabilities will be contacted whenever similar
programs for the able are contacted.
E. All advertisements and postings will include an Equal Employment Opportunity statement.
June 2010, June 2008, June 2007, June 2005, June 2002
Section 2.2
18
B. The Human Resources Coordinator, position's immediate supervisor, and possibly one
additional employee will review applications. The Library may include an outside consultant
to assist with the selection. A panel consisting of the position’s immediate supervisor and at
least one other employee will conduct the interview. Fully qualified current employees and
outside applicants will be given equal consideration when filling a vacant position.
Qualifications, not length of service, will be used to determine internal transfers or
promotions.
D. Reference checks, background checks (including a criminal background check) and position
related testing procedures, as appropriate, will be conducted. Any job related employment
tests will be administered in an objective manner. If an individual has a disability, the test
will be administered in a manner that ensures the results reflect the skills, aptitude or other
factors to be measured. A copy of the appropriate position description will be available for
the candidate to review either before or during the interview process.
E. A minimum of two (2) documented reference checks will be conducted before an outside
candidate is recommended for employment. The current supervisor of an internal candidate
will be asked to provide a reference.
F. Final candidates will be required to successfully pass a pre-employment drug test. Internal
candidates will be grandfathered and not required to be tested. Final candidates must
comply with the Ohio Homeland Security employment requirement.
H. DISQUALIFICATION
a. Does not possess the knowledge, skills and/or abilities necessary to effectively
perform the duties of the vacant position (with or without reasonable
accommodation for an individual with a qualifying disability);
Section 2.2
19
c. Has made a false statement of material fact on the application form or any
supplements;
d. Has committed or attempted to commit a fraudulent act at any stage of the selection
process;
e. Has an unsatisfactory record of previous employment;
f. Has outside obligations and/or previous commitments that would limit flexibility in
scheduling availability; with exceptions allowed as determined by hiring supervisor
based on 1) duration of commitment(s) and/or 2) number of commitments(s) and/or
3) effect on scheduling and library needs; (See also Section 8.3)
h. Fails to comply with the requirements of the Ohio Homeland Security provisions.
June 2010, June 2006, June 2005, June 2003, June 2001
20
Section 2.3
A. Applications will be accepted only for open vacancies. Page applications may be accepted at
all times.
B. Applications that do not result in employment will be retained for one year.
C. Applications that result in employment will be placed in the employee’s personnel file.
D. An Equal Employment Opportunity form will be given along with the application form to
each external applicant.
E. After it is completed, the Equal Employment Opportunity form will be removed and kept
separate from the application. These forms will be kept for two years and will only be used
for legally required auditing purposes.
Section 2.4
Successful applicants are appointed subject to the following employment constraints, as defined
by the qualifications for the position. An offer of employment may be withdrawn if an applicant
is determined to be ineligible or his/her qualifications (for the position) cannot be verified. (See
Section 2.2 SELECTION)
1. The library will comply with Ohio Senate Bill 9, which requires applicants seeking public
employment to declare if they have or do provide financial assistance, funds and/or
support to terrorist organizations. Applicants must complete the Declaration Regarding
Material Assistance/NonAssistance To A Terrorist Organization form (DMA). The
DMA was created to provide the state with an additional tool to deter and prosecute acts
of terrorism within Ohio.
3. Applicants who either refuse to complete a DMA, provide a positive response, or lie on
the DMA form will be considered ineligible for employment.
B. IMMIGRATION/CITIZENSHIP STATUS
1. The library will not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, or discharge on the basis of a
person’s national origin or citizenship status. However, it will not knowingly employ
any person who is or becomes an unauthorized alien.
The Driver Abstract Report will be requested by the library for each successful applicant
who must operate a motor vehicle, library owned or personal, as an essential function of the
position. Library-owned vehicles shall be used only for library purposes.
June 2006
22
Section 2.4
Employment Eligibility
2. The Driver Abstract Report will be reviewed against the following criteria to determine
if the individual can be permitted to operate a motor vehicle on library business. The
library’s automobile liability insurance carrier will make the determination of an
―unacceptable driver.‖ In general, an unacceptable driver is defined as one who, during
the previous three (3) year period, has received
• Drag racing;
• Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs;
• Vehicular homicide;
• Leaving the scene of an accident, if the accident resulted in personal injury or
death; or
• Willfully eluding or fleeing a police officer after a traffic violation.
b. Two (2) or more chargeable or ―at fault‖ accidents, the nature and severity of the
accident to be taken into account.
c. Three (3) moving violations for which a total of six (6) or more points were
received.
d. Any combination of one (1) chargeable or ―at fault‖ accident and two (2) moving
violations.
4. A valid Ohio Driver’s license is required for certain jobs that include work travel as an
essential function. See Appendix C for list of positions. The supervisor will annually
verify that the employee holds a valid driver’s license and proof of insurance at the time
of the employee’s annual Performance Evaluation.
D. PROFESSIONAL VERIFICATION
2. Failure to maintain a current required license may result in disciplinary action up to and
including discharge.
23
Section 2.4
4. Ohio Public Library Certification. A librarian who meets the minimum standards
established by the Ohio Library Council and successfully completes the certification
process is recognized in the state of Ohio as a Certified Public Librarian.
c. Application forms for OLC Certification are available on the OLC website.
e. Ohio Public Library Certification is valid for five (5) years and requires renewal at
five-year intervals.
f. The employee will be responsible for managing his/her own continuing education
contact hours earned during the five-year period immediately preceding renewal of
the certification.
g. The library will reimburse the renewal fee for certification when the employee has
documented evidence of continuing professional development as defined in the
renewal procedure.
Proof of automobile liability insurance with limits of $50,000 per person/$100,000 per
accident under Bodily Injury liability and $50,000 property liability must be submitted to the
Human Resources Coordinator by any employee who must drive his/her vehicle as a regular
function of the job (see Appendix C. for job list). This proof must be submitted upon hire
and on an ongoing basis as part of their annual performance evaluation. Failure to provide
proof of liability insurance may be grounds for discharge of a current employee or
disqualification of an otherwise successful candidate, if driving is an essential function of the
job.
24
Section 2.5
1. A newly appointed employee will be closely evaluated during the first three (3) months
of employment. The initial evaluation period for a newly appointed supervisor will be
six (6) months. (See Section 6.2 INITIAL EVALUATION PERIOD)
2. During this initial period the supervisor will assist the employee in developing his/her
skills and determine if the employee should continue in the position.
3. Successful completion of the initial evaluation period does not affect an employee’s ―at
will‖ status as described in 1.1 INTRODUCTION AND PURPOSE OF POLICIES.
However an employee who demonstrates an inability or unwillingness to perform
satisfactorily during the Initial Evaluation Period will be discharged.
B. POSITION ASSIGNMENT
1. Each position has a position description that includes the qualifications, duties and
responsibilities. Compensation is determined, in part, by the position description.
2. The duties and responsibilities of each position will be periodically reviewed and
adjusted. When the position duties have changed significantly, the employee or his/her
supervisor may request that the position be reviewed for placement in a different pay
grade.
C. ASSIGNMENT OF RELATIVES
1. The library will not hire family members of current employees or members of the Board
of Trustees. For this policy ―family‖ is defined as parent, spouse, child, grandchild,
grandparent, sibling, in-laws and step relations of the same degree. Any exception to this
policy must be approved by the Director.
2. If two employees marry or become related by marriage, neither must resign or transfer
unless the positions they occupy at the time are in a direct supervisor/subordinate
relationship. If the two employees are employed in a supervisor/subordinate relationship,
they will decide between themselves who will seek a transfer (See Section 2.5, E) to a
current vacancy with the approval of hiring supervisor or, if there is no vacancy, resign.
D. PROMOTION
1. A current employee will be considered for promotion to a vacancy only when he/she is
determined to be fully qualified for the higher position.
Section 2.5
2. An employee who has been promoted to a higher position will serve an initial evaluation
period of three (3) months. (See Section 2.5 (A) INITIAL EVALUATION PERIOD)
3. A promoted employee may be reassigned to another position and rate of pay if work
performance, behavior and/or work attitude in the higher position is not satisfactory.
E. TRANSFER
2. Transfers will be made at the discretion of the Director when in the best interest of the
library.
3. The needs of the library take precedence over the wishes of an employee.
F. DEMOTION
1. When an employee cannot perform the essential functions of their position, based on
documentation, he/she may be demoted.
2. When a qualified employee with a disability becomes unable, even with reasonable
accommodation, to perform the essential functions of his/her position, he/she may be
placed in a vacancy in a lower position as an accommodation.
3. An employee may, for any reason, request a demotion to a lower position by submitting
a written request.
5. An employee placed into a position in lower pay range will have his/her pay reduced to
a level within the pay range of the lower position.
G. REAPPOINTMENT
An employee who resigns from the Cleveland Heights/University Heights Public Library in
good standing and is later reappointed will be treated in all respects as a new employee
except that the ETO earning rate is based on all years of service with this library and/or any
other political subdivision of the state. (See Section 5.4 EARNED TIME OFF)
Section 3.1
CHAPTER 3
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
1. Full-time employees are those who are regularly scheduled to work forty (40) hours per
week.
2. 30-hour employees are regularly scheduled to work thirty (30) hours per week.
3. Regular part-time employees (not including Pages) are defined as those who are
scheduled, a minimum of 16 hours to a maximum of 20 hours per week.
b. Although not as a regular practice, part-time staff may be asked to work over 16
hours in a week because of an emergency or other temporary situation. No benefits
will accrue for hours worked over 40 in a pay period. (See Section 5.4 Earned Time
Off Policy and Section 5.6 Sick Leave Policy)
4. Substitutes are called in to cover public service areas in cases of staff shortages due to
emergencies, vacation, staff turn over or illness.
a. Substitutes work on an ―as needed‖ basis, and have no guaranteed number of hours
per week.
b. Substitutes are not given regular, ongoing assignments and are never ―in-charge‖ or
responsible for opening or closing a building or branch.
5. Page classification: Pages are scheduled as needed, normally no more than 20 hours per
week. Pages may be hired to cover specific shifts unlike regular part-time and full time
employees who must be available to work all library shifts.
B. An employee’s benefits are based upon his/her employment status. Substitute and page
positions receive no benefits. Specific information for full-time, 30-hour, and part-time
employee benefits is included in this Manual in Chapter 5 BENEFITS.
27
C. A change in the employment status of an employee must be approved by the Board upon
recommendation of the Director when the change relates to a full-time or 30-hour position.
The employee will begin to earn the greater or lesser benefits of his/her new employment
status on the effective date of the change, as determined by the Director.
June 2010, June 2008, June 2005, June 2002, June 2000
28
A. PERSONNEL FILES
1. The library will maintain an official personnel and a separate medical file on each
employee. The contents of the medical file are discussed in A.1.C. – Medical Records.
The personnel file will include, but is not limited to:
e. Documents relating to salary, payroll, and retirement (W-4, OPERS, direct deposit
etc.);
j. Emergency information;
k Disciplinary actions;
l. Signed and unsigned requests for references and copies of reference letters sent; and
June 2008, June 2005, June 2003, June 2002, June 2001
1
See Application For Employment in Forms Section
29
3. Personnel files will be retained permanently. After an employee leaves employment the
records may be stored in digital format.
4. An employee may arrange a time with the Human Resources Coordinator or the Director
to review his/her personnel file during regular business hours. The employee may not
remove the personnel file from the office, but may request a copy of any items within
the file. The employee will be required to pay the established rate for each copy
requested. The employee will not be paid for the time spent for this review.
The examiner may not remove the personnel file from the office, but may request a copy of
any items within the file. The examiner will be required to pay the established rate for each
copy requested. The employee will be notified of the request and may be present during the
review. If the employee chooses to be present, he/she will be paid for the time spent for this
review.
B. PERSONAL DATA
1. Each employee is required to maintain the following current information on file with the
Human Resources Coordinator: name, address, telephone number, and emergency
contact.
2. An employee covered by library health or life insurance policies must provide the
Human Resources Coordinator with current information on dependents and
beneficiaries.
Section 3.2
C. MEDICAL RECORDS
1. An employee’s Group Health Plan documents, defined by HIPAA Title II, as enrollment
and change forms, medical questionnaires, and any medical related information are
maintained in a secure file separate from his/her personnel file. The library will take all
lawful action to protect and maintain the privacy of health information (Protected Health
Information or PHI) in accordance with HIPAA Title II, The Health Privacy Act. The
Human Resources Coordinator is the Library’s designated privacy official and is
responsible for protecting the confidentiality of Protected Health Information (PHI).
2. Medical records are confidential and shall be released only in the following
circumstances:
b. First aid and safety personnel may be informed if an employee may require
emergency treatment;
c. Government officials investigating compliance with the law shall be provided only
with relevant information;
e. The library may release information to health insurance carriers for the purpose of
administering the health insurance plan;
D. REFERENCE CHECKS
Only the Human Resources Coordinator, department heads, branch managers and
supervisors may respond to requests for references on current and former employees.
Written permission to release information must be received before any phone or written
reference will be provided. Reference information shall be based upon factual and relevant
information only.
June 2004
31
Section 3.3
A. The Human Resources Coordinator may require a current employee or a post-offer applicant
to submit to an examination to determine if he/she can perform the duties of the position
with or without reasonable accommodation. The examination will be conducted by a
licensed practitioner approved by the Director.
B. If the employee is incapable of performing the duties of the position, he/she may be placed
on sick leave, family/medical leave or an unpaid leave of absence. (See Section 3.10 Light
Duty, Section 5.6 SICK LEAVE and Section 5.10 LEAVES OF ABSENCE) Reasonable
accommodation will be made for an employee with a qualifying disability. (See Section 3.5
DISABILITY ACCOMMODATION)
C. An employee requesting family or medical leave for a serious medical condition will be
required to provide certification from a health care provider to verify that the employee has a
qualifying condition. The library may request a second evaluation by a health care provider
of its choice. If the second opinion differs from the first, the employee and the library will
mutually choose a third health care provider to examine the employee. The third opinion will
be binding on both the employee and the library.
D. The employee is responsible for paying any costs related to obtaining certification of a
disability or qualification for family/medical leave. The cost of any examination requested by
the library will be paid by the library. Both the Director and the employee will receive the
results of any examination conducted under this policy.
32
A. A full-time employee works forty (40) hours per week. Public service employees are
expected to work a flexible schedule including Saturdays, Sundays and evenings.
B. STUDENTS
Students who are between sixteen (16) and eighteen (18) years of age, and required by law to
attend school, will not be scheduled to work:
1. Before 7:00 a.m. on any day school is in session, except they may begin at 6:00 a.m. if
they did not work after 8:00 p.m. the previous evening;
3. During school hours, unless employment is part of a bona fide program of cooperative
training; or
1. Each employee may be granted one 15-minute rest break for each 4 hours worked.
2. When working at least six (6) but fewer than seven (7) hours on the morning schedule an
employee may receive one (15) fifteen minute break and one (30) thirty minute unpaid
meal break. That unpaid meal break may be extended to one hour by adding thirty
minutes to the beginning or end of the shift, so long as it can be accommodated by the
supervisor on that day’s work schedule.
3. When working at least seven (7) but fewer than eight (8) hours on the morning schedule,
an employee may receive one 15-minute break and one 60 minute unpaid meal break. An
employee may request that this meal break be only 30 minutes so long as a reduction of
the half-hour, at the beginning or end of the shift, can be accommodated by the
supervisor on that day’s schedule.
4. When working eight (8) hours on the morning schedule, such as from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30
p.m., the employee may receive two 15-minute breaks (one for each four hour period),
and one 60-minute unpaid meal break. The employee may request that this meal break be
only 30 minutes so long as it can be accommodated by the supervisor on that day’s
schedule.
5. When working more than seven (7) but fewer than eight (8) hours on the evening
schedule (ending after 7:00 p.m.), the employee may receive one 15-minute break and
33
Section 3.4
Rest and Meal Breaks
one 45-minute paid meal break. The employee may request that this meal break be
extended to one hour by adding fifteen minutes to the beginning or end of the shift, so
long as it can be accommodated by the supervisor on that day’s schedule.
6. When an on-call shift that an employee voluntarily accepted extends his/her workday that
does not entitle the employee to a meal break, paid or unpaid. The employee will be
provided the appropriate rest break and/or meal break based on the length of that on-call
shift.
7. All departments will adhere to this policy, except when emergencies dictate otherwise.
Section 3.5
The impairment must substantially limit a major life activity such as walking, talking,
seeing, hearing, breathing, learning or working in order to be considered a disability.
B. The library will not discriminate against an employee or applicant who has a qualifying
disability. The employee or applicant will be treated in the same manner as other employees.
If the condition affects the employee's ability to perform the essential functions of the
position, reasonable accommodation will be made by the library to allow the employee to
perform the essential functions of the position. Accommodation is any change in the work
environment or in the way things are customarily done that enables an individual with a
disability to enjoy equal employment opportunities. The determination of what is reasonable
is done on a case by case basis considering the individual circumstances.
C. An employee with a qualifying disability may work as long as he/she is physically and
mentally able to perform the essential functions of the position without undue risk to
himself/herself, other employees or the public. If an employee is incapable of performing the
essential functions of the position, with or without accommodation, he/she may be, in the
following sequential order:
1. Transferred to a vacant position where he/she can perform the essential functions of the
position with or without reasonable accommodation;
2. Placed in a vacant position in a lower pay grade where he/she can perform the essential
functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation; or
3. Discharged due to his/her inability to perform the essential functions of the position.
D. An employee or applicant with a disability is not required to inform the library of the
condition. However, should the individual require accommodation to perform the essential
functions of the position or complete the application and selection process, he/she may
discuss any necessary accommodation with the supervisor or the Director. The library will
engage in an interactive process with the employee to determine what, if any,
accommodation is required or possible.
June 2008
35
Section 3.5
E. An employee who requires accommodation must provide the Director with any medical
records or other information required to make decisions regarding position assignment and
accommodation.
F. The Director may require a doctor's certification of an employee's ability to perform the
essential functions of the position. (See Section 3.3 MEDICAL EXAM)
G. The library complies with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 and supports
educational programs that enhance employee awareness and understanding of disabling
conditions.
Section 3.6
A. Employees are required to report any exposure to a contagious disease that might pose a
direct threat to health and safety in the workplace. An employee may be required to provide
a doctor's statement verifying that his/her specific condition does not present a direct threat.
C. An employee concerned about being infected with a contagious disease while in the
workplace should convey this concern to his/her supervisor. Any employee who refuses to
work with or perform services for a person known or suspected of having a contagious
disease that does not present a current direct threat in the workplace is subject to discipline,
up to and including discharge.
Section 3.7
A. Each library building will maintain a bulletin board for posting important notices and items
of general interest to employees.
B. Notices posted by the Human Resources Coordinator may not be removed without
permission from the Human Resources Coordinator.
E. The library reserves the right to remove any notice not previously approved by the HR
Coordinator.
Section 3.8
The library provides a confidential service to all employees, other than pages, and their
immediate families who need assistance with personal problems. The service offers counseling
in areas such as family relationships, substance abuse, legal and financial concerns. An employee
may request information by contacting the Employee Assistance Service at:
241-EASE (3273)
or
1-800-521-EASE (3273)
June 2003
39
Section 3.9
B. Representatives from each department and branch comprise the Executive Council of the
Staff Association. Library time is allowed for monthly activities of the Staff Association as
determined by the Director. Yearly dues are established by the Executive Council to support
activities of the Association.
C. A representative of the Executive Council may attend meetings of the Board of Library
Trustees on library time and report actions of these meetings to the membership. In an
informal setting, the Executive Council of the Staff Association meets with representatives
of the Board of Library Trustees and the Director twice each year to deal with issues relating
to the welfare of the library and the staff. Information and ideas exchanged are considered in
formulating Board policy.
D. The Director meets as needed with the President of the Staff Association and/or other
representatives to discuss issues of mutual concern. Representatives of the Staff Association
are often invited to serve on various committees as another way of keeping staff informed.
E. Positive communication between the staff, administration and the Board is critical to the
success of the library. Effective communication and addressing staff concerns are essential
to providing customer service at a high level of excellence. The Board believes that the most
effective mechanisms for such communication are those referred to above, providing direct
input from individual staff members to the administration and from the Staff Association to
the administration and the Board.
June 2000
40
Section 3.10
The library strives to promote a successful recovery for employees who have suffered a work
related or personal injury. The library has set up these guidelines for supervisors and
coordinators to follow when an employee’s return to work includes temporary restrictions.
A. When an employee has three or more days off due to illness or injury including Family &
Medical Leave and Worker’s Compensation Leave, he/she must furnish a statement from a
physician certifying his/her ability to perform the position duties., The physician’s report
must specify, the nature of the injury or illness, any work restrictions and date the employee
will be able to return to work on full duty.
B. The employee’s department head or branch manager and human resources will determine
whether or not the employee can perform his/her duties with the physical restrictions
reported by the employee’s physician.
C. Library may find and offer light duty work which can be performed within the employee’s
temporary restrictions. The work does not have to be in the employee’s home department or
own job classification.
D. The employee’s refusal to perform the offer of light duty may affect the receipt of sick
leave, disability or worker’s compensation benefits.
E. If it is determined that the employee’s temporary restrictions prevent the employee from
performing required duties and there is no light duty available, they shall not be permitted to
return to work until they receive a full release from their physician.
Section 3.11
On April 8, 2004, the Governor of Ohio signed into law Ohio Revised Code Section 2923.125,
which allows individuals to carry concealed weapons. However, this law provides that concealed
weapons are prohibited on the premises of all public employers and on the premises of any
private employer who adopts a policy prohibiting concealed weapons in the workplace.
The purpose of this policy is to inform employees that The Cleveland Heights – University
Heights Public Library complies fully with the law and therefore, expressly prohibits employees,
vendors, visitors and customers from carrying concealed or unconcealed weapons into or onto
the Library premises.
The Library premises includes buildings, including all interior and exterior locations, lockers,
desks, parking lots; company owned vehicles and any other location considered the library
workplace and while employees are conducting Library business off the Library’s property.
The policy, except for authorized law enforcement personnel, applies to all employees, vendors,
customers, and visitors regardless of whether they have obtained a license to carry the weapons
or not. The Library currently has signs posted at all its locations to inform the public that,
―concealed or unconcealed weapons are prohibited.‖
The Library has, prior to this new law, expressly prohibited carrying or possessing firearms,
explosives or weapons on library property and has communicated our policy in the Human
Resources Manual in Chapter 10. The new Ohio Law does not change that policy, but it
broadens the scope of the work rule to include concealed weapons. A violation of this policy will
result in immediate disciplinary action including and up to termination. In addition, a person
violating this policy may be charged with Criminal trespass, a fourth degree misdemeanor.
June 2004
42
Section 4.1
CHAPTER 4
COMPENSATION
A. The Board has established a salary schedule for all employees. Pay within a pay range is
based upon experience, performance and length of service.
B. Annually, the Board will recommend an economic adjustment to the salary schedule for the
next calendar year. Any change in the recommended schedule will consider the rate of
inflation, the job market for positions within the schedule and the library's budget.
C. Employees will be considered for salary increases (i.e., increments) annually and increases
may be granted on the basis of employee performance and an analysis of the overall
budgetary impact. When an increment has been granted, the effective date will be the
beginning of the pay period subsequent to the employee's anniversary date for full-time, 30-
hour and part-time employees. For pages, the effective date will be the pay period
subsequent to the employee reaching each eight hundred (800) hours worked up to a
maximum of 4800 hours.
D. Performance and the employee's position within the salary range will be factors used to
determine salary increase recommendations. The Director may delay or deny the salary
increase of an employee who does not have a record of satisfactory performance.
Satisfactory performance is determined by the supervisor or Director and increases may be
delayed until performance is determined to be satisfactory.
Section 4.2
A. Generally, a newly appointed employee is placed at the beginning rate of the pay range
assigned to his/her position. Placement within the range may be adjusted commensurate with
the employee's prior experience in positions with similar responsibility and required skills, if
the Director deems it appropriate.
C. Substitutes are assigned to the lowest level in a series of related positions and remain at that
level while in substitute status. See Section 3.1 Employment Status for the definition of
―Substitute‖. All Reference Substitutes will be paid at Grade 18, Step 1 on the library’s
salary schedule.
D. A full-time or 30-hour employee who has completed five (5) years of service at the maximum
salary step in the same position will be paid a one-time stipend of one thousand dollars
($1,000.00) as a longevity bonus. This longevity bonus will be granted in December.
E. An employee whose position description does not include programming as part of their
position may be assigned programming responsibilities. In the event that an employee
accepts a programming responsibility, the employee will be compensated at the rate of a
Library Associate, Grade 18, Step 1 or at their current salary (whichever is greater).
Section 4.3
The workweek begins at 12:00 a.m. Saturday and ends at 11:59 p.m. Friday.
45
Section 4.4
Time cards will completed by staff in accordance with rules of the Department of Labor.
A. Non-exempt staff are required to record their hours worked daily. An employee’s time
card must show hours worked, earned time off, sick leave, etc., for each scheduled shift.
The time card must be signed by the employee and the supervisor at the end of the pay
period.
B. Exempt staff cannot record their hours worked by day and hours. Exempt staff (full time
salaried professional and supervisors) shall complete their time card as follows:
Exempt – 80 hours
Exempt – 60 hours
C. Exempt staff shall record 4 hour absences such as ETO and Sick Leave on their time card.
Such absences must be approved by their supervisor.
D. Time cards are processed every two weeks. They must be received in the Business Office
by 10:00 a.m. on the Monday following the end of each pay period.
E. If time cards are not properly submitted, pay may be held until the hours can be verified. If
payroll has been submitted for processing, an employee cannot be paid until the
following pay day.
F. An employee’s failure to comply with this policy will subject the employee to discipline
up to and including termination.
Section 4.5
The Fair Labor Standards Act requires the library to keep an accurate, daily record of each non
exempt employee's hours worked. Pay records must include:
A. Employee name, home address, position assignment, sex and birth date (if employee is under
19 years of age);
E. Regular hourly pay rate for any week in which overtime is worked;
Section 4.6
A. Employees are paid every other Friday. If the regular payday falls on a holiday, employees
will be paid on the last weekday before that holiday.
B. Hours worked during any two-week pay period ending on a Friday, will be paid the
following Friday.
E. Employees are required to have either a checking or savings account to which direct deposit
of their paychecks will be made.
F. A written authorization signed by the employee must be given to the supervisor before a
paycheck/pay stub is issued to any person other than the employee. Such statement must
authorize a specific person to pick up the employee's paycheck. The authorized person must
be able to produce identification at the time he/she arrives to pick up the paycheck. The
authorization will be forwarded to the Fiscal Officer and retained for the record.
Section 4.7
Payroll deductions are made from an employee's pay as required by law, employee benefit plans
or requested by the employee. These deductions are itemized on the pay statement that
accompanies the bi-weekly paycheck.
State law requires that all employees contribute ten (10 %) of their gross pay to OPERS. The
library is responsible for contributing an additional amount equal to 14% of the employee's
gross pay. As an employee benefit, the library picks-up four percent (4%) of the employee’s
contribution; therefore, only six percent (6%) of the employee's gross pay is paid by the
employee through payroll deduction. (See Section 4.8 RETIREMENT PICK-UP and
Section 5.3 OHIO PUBLIC EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT SYSTEM)
B. INCOME TAXES
Federal, state, and municipal taxes will be withheld as required by law. An employee must
complete both federal and state withholding tax forms, W-4 and OHIO IT, at the time of
initial employment. Desired changes should be reported to the Fiscal Officer.
C. MEDICARE TAX
Each employee hired on or after April 1, 1986, will have Medicare taxes in the amount of
1.45% of the employee's gross earnings deducted from his/her pay. An employee who was
employed before April 1, 1986, then quits, and is reemployed on or after April 1, 1986, will
have Medicare taxes deducted. The library matches the 1.45% contribution.
D. HEALTH INSURANCE
An employee who is enrolled in the library group health plan will have any premium co-
payment deducted from his/her paycheck.
E. VOLUNTARY DEDUCTIONS
Section 4.7
g. Other premiums not paid by the library such as for additional life insurance, the
employee portion of long term disability insurance and other items approved by the
Board of Library Trustees.
4. For part time employees or pages the amount deducted to cover selected payroll
deductions must equal no less than the equivalent of 8 hours per week of the employee’s
pay. The library cannot be responsible for paying any portion of an employee’s payroll
deduction.
5. The Fiscal Officer may refuse to make deductions that are not required by law, are below
certain set minimum amounts or that occur at irregular intervals.
F. GARNISHMENTS
Court ordered garnishments, including child support payments, will be withheld. (See
Section 8.14 GARNISHMENTS)
G. DEFERRED COMPENSATION
2. Any sum deferred under a deferred compensation program will not be included for the
purpose of computing taxes withheld on behalf of the employee, except for municipal
income tax.
3. Interested employees should contact the Human Resources Coordinator.
Section 4.8
A. SALARY REDUCTION
Each employee covered by the Ohio Public Employees' Retirement System will have his/her
gross pay reduced by an amount equal to his/her portion (6%) of the required contribution to
the retirement fund. The library will then pay both the employee's and the library's
contribution. This reduction defers federal and state income tax until withdrawal or
retirement. City tax is not affected.
B. LIBRARY PICK-UP
As an employee benefit, the library pays four percent (4%) of the required ten (10%) percent
employee portion of the contribution to OPERS. (See Section 4.7 PAYROLL
DEDUCTIONS)
June 2010, June 2009, June 2008, June 2007, June 2006
51
Section 4.9
A. If the employee's regular rate of pay is higher than the range for the temporary assignment,
the employee will be paid his/her regular rate of pay.
B. If the employee's regular rate of pay is lower than the range for the temporary assignment,
the employee will be paid at an increased rate based on the range of the pay grade of the
temporary assignment.
June 2000
52
Section 4.10
All full-time, 30-hour and part time employees scheduled to work on Sunday will be paid at their
regular hourly rate of pay for those hours worked. Sunday is considered a regular workday in our
workweek.
January 2004
53
Section 4.11
A. NON-EXEMPT EMPLOYEES
Non-exempt employees are those employees who hold positions that are not administrative,
professional or executive as defined by the Fair Labor Standards Act. (See B, below for a
more complete definition.)
1. Non-exempt employees must be compensated at one and one-half (1½) times their
regular rate of pay for all hours actually worked over forty (40) in a workweek. The
library extends overtime compensation to include 30-hour employees and overtime will
be calculated as follows:
a. A 30-hour employee who works over thirty (30) hours in a workweek will be
compensated at one and one-half (1½) times the employee's regular rate of pay for
each hour worked over the employee's regular thirty (30) hour schedule.
b. Full-time employees who work over forty (40) hours in a work week will be
compensated at one and one-half (1½) times the employee's regular rate of pay for
each hour worked over forty (40) hours.
c. Overtime compensation will be based upon the employee's hourly rate of pay.
d. In general, library employees will not work more than their regularly scheduled
hours in a single workweek. Flexible scheduling will be used to cover services
within regularly scheduled hours. When overtime work cannot be avoided,
employees will be compensated at the overtime rate.
Part time staff that work more than five (5) minutes after the end of their scheduled
shift, will be paid for an extra fifteen (15) minutes work. They must document the
change on the schedule and inform their supervisor.
Full-time and 30 hour non-exempt staff that work more than five (5) minutes after
the end of their scheduled shift may come in fifteen (15) minutes later at their next
regularly scheduled shift, provided it does not negatively impact desk staffing. They
must document the change on the schedule and inform their supervisor.
e. Full time professionals and department heads are exempt from overtime restrictions.
Section 4.11
4. For overtime calculation, the time on active pay status, when an employee is not actually
working (e.g., sick leave, ETO) is not considered time worked.
5. Scheduled overtime that is subsequently canceled and not worked will not entitle the
employee to any overtime compensation. Only overtime actually worked is
compensable.
1.) Time worked over forty (40) hours in a workweek will be paid at one and
one-half (1½) times the employee’s regular rate of pay or one and one-half
(1½) hours for each hour worked. For thirty (30) hour full time employees
the calculation will be based on time worked over thirty (30) hours in a
workweek.
2.) Overtime compensation will be based upon the employee’s hourly rate of
pay, plus any applicable pay supplements.
b. Compensatory time will be calculated at the same rate as overtime pay. The
following regulations apply to those choosing compensatory time:
1.) An employee must inform his/her supervisor at the time overtime is worked
whether he/she wishes compensation in the form of wages or compensatory
time. Failure to request compensatory time will result in overtime
compensation in the form of wages.
B. EXEMPT EMPLOYEES
The Fair Labor Standards Act provides an exemption from both minimum wage and
overtime pay for employees employed as bona fide executive, administrative, professional
and certain computer employees. To qualify for exemption, employees generally must meet
certain tests established by the Department of Labor regarding their job duties. Job titles do
not determine exempt status. In order for an exemption to apply, an employee’s specific job
duties and salary must meet all the requirements of the U.S. Department of Labor
regulations. The exemption tests can be found at the Department of Labor website,
www.dol.gov.
In addition to professional librarians, the library elects to include department heads, branch
managers, coordinators and certain computer related jobs as exempt positions. All other
employees will be compensated for overtime work in the same manner as non-exempt
employees.
Section 4.12
A. When a non-exempt employee is called in to work when the library is closed, on a holiday or
for an emergency at a time that does not adjoin his/her scheduled work hours, he/she will
receive call-in pay.
B. Call-in pay will be calculated at the rate of one and one-half (1½) times the employee's
regular rate of pay for all time worked or a minimum of four (4) hours (six (6) hours of
regular pay).
C. Additional work that extends an employee's regularly scheduled hours will not qualify for
call-in pay.
57
Section 4.13
Maximum allowable reimbursements for transportation, lodging and meal costs may be
established for certain conferences, events and workshops.
A. TRANSPORTATION
1. Travel by air, bus or other common carrier must be at the lowest available rate. The
employee is responsible for notifying the carrier of any reservation change or
cancellation at the earliest possible time.
2. The Ohio Ethics Commission expressly prohibits accepting, soliciting, or using the
authority or influence of an employee’s position to secure, for personal travel, a
discounted or free ―frequent flyer‖ airline ticket or other benefit from an airline if s/he
has obtained the ticket or other benefit from the purchase of airline tickets, for use in
official travel, by the department, division, agency, institution, or other entity with which
s/he serves, or by which s/he is employed or connected.
3. Actual mileage reimbursement for travel in privately owned vehicles will be at the
current IRS authorized rate per mile. The mileage reimbursement will be deemed to
cover all expenses incurred by use of the privately owned vehicle including oil, gasoline,
tires, depreciation, insurance and all other expenses of operation. Mapquest, Yahoo or
other such electronic sources of mileage information cannot be submitted as proof of
mileage for reimbursement. Only actual mileage counts will be accepted for
reimbursement.
4. When two (2) or more employees are traveling to the same destination, they should
travel together and only the owner of the car may claim mileage reimbursement.
5. An employee who chooses to use his/her own vehicle for an out-of-state trip will be
reimbursed at an amount not to exceed the cost of air transportation at the lowest
available rate.
6. Reimbursement for taxi fares, bridge, highway and tunnel tolls, parking and garage
charges may be claimed upon presentation of receipts.
7. Prior approval from the employee’s supervisor is required for all travel on library
business. The Director will receive approval from the Fiscal Officer. Form E-35,
"Request for Time and Expenses," must be completed and submitted in advance.
8 Mileage will be paid for authorized errands, calculated from the library to the destination
and back, upon submission of E-10, ―Request for Miscellaneous Reimbursement. If an
employee begins or ends travel from his/her home, he/she will be paid for the distance
from his/her home or the library, whichever is less.
9. No reimbursement will be made for travel between the employee's home and the library.
58
Section 4.13
B. LODGING
1. Expenses covering the actual cost of a hotel or motel room will be reimbursed in full
when an employee travels out of town on official library business and such travel
requires an overnight stay. Prior approval of the Training and Staff Development
Coordinator and employee’s supervisor through the E-35 form is required for
reimbursement of lodging expenses.
C. MEALS
1. An employee authorized to travel on official library business may (with the approval
through the E-35 process) claim reimbursement for the actual cost of meals.
Reimbursement for meals will be made only when travel extends through a normal meal
period.
2. Tips (over 20%), alcoholic beverages and entertainment are not reimbursable.
1. Reimbursement of lodging, meals and travel related expenses are to be made on pre-
approved Form E-35, which is to be submitted to the Fiscal Officer. Only detailed and
itemized receipts will be accepted for reimbursement.
June, 2010, June 2005, June 2004, June 2001, June 2000
59
Section 5.1
CHAPTER 5
BENEFITS
1. Full-time and 30-hour employees are eligible for health care insurance under the policies
chosen by the Board.
2. New employees are eligible to enroll in the insurance program the first of the month
following start of work. An employee must complete the application form by the
beginning of the pay period following hire in order to qualify for the maximum available
coverage. An employee who initially waives coverage will be eligible for coverage at
open enrollment or in the case of a qualifying event.
3. The premium for single coverage is fully paid by the library for full-time employees and
three-quarters (¾) paid for 30-hour employees enrolled in the Health Savings Plan
design. Employees who elect an alternative plan offering will pay the difference between
the Health Savings Plan premium and that other plan. An employee may purchase
family coverage by paying the additional cost through payroll deduction.
4. The library may fund a specified dollar amount of the deductible for employees electing
the Health Savings Plan. The funding amount will be determined by the Director and
the Library Board of Trustees.
6. Pages, part-time employees and substitutes are not eligible for health care insurance
because of existing restrictions in the library’s group policies.
7. Paid health care insurance will not be provided to employees on an unpaid leave of
absence for any reason that does not qualify for family and medical leave. (See Section
5.10 LEAVES Of ABSENCE). An employee can continue benefits by pre-paying the
entire cost, for a short-term leave, or through the provisions of COBRA. (See Section
11.3 HEALTH CARE BENEFITS CONTINUATION (COBRA)
June 2009, June 2008, June 2000, June 2001, 2004, 2004
60
Section 5.1
B. LIFE INSURANCE
The library provides a fully paid, twenty-five thousand dollar, ($25,000) term life insurance
policy on each full-time and 30-hour employee. These employees may purchase additional
life insurance by payroll deduction.
C. DENTAL INSURANCE
1. Full-time and 30-hour employees are eligible for dental insurance under the policy
chosen by the Board.
2. New employees are eligible to enroll in the insurance program the first of the month
following start of work. An employee must complete the application form by the
beginning of the pay period following hire in order to qualify for the maximum available
coverage. An employee who initially waives coverage will be eligible to enroll at any
time, however waiting periods of up to a year will be applicable for level II(Basic) and
III (Major) care except in the case of a qualifying event.
3. The premium for single coverage is fully paid by the library for full-time employees and
three-quarters (¾) paid for 30-hour employees. An employee may purchase family
coverage by paying the additional cost through payroll deduction.
5. Pages, part-time employees and substitutes are not eligible for dental insurance because
of existing restrictions in the library’s group policies.
6. Paid dental insurance will not be provided to employees on an unpaid leave of absence.
D. VISION INSURANCE
1. Full time and 30-hour employees are eligible for vision insurance under the policy
chosen by the Board.
2. New employees are eligible to enroll in the insurance program the first day of the month
following start of work. An employee must complete the application form by the
beginning of the pay period immediately following his/her date of hire to qualify for the
maximum available coverage. An employee who initially waives coverage will be
eligible for coverage at any time later with no restrictions.
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Section 5.1
3. The premium for single coverage is fully paid by the library for full-time employees and
three-quarters (¾) paid for 30-hour employees. An employee may purchase family
coverage by paying the additional cost through payroll deduction.
5. Pages, part-time employees and substitutes are not eligible for vision care insurance
because of existing restrictions in the library’s group policies.
6. Paid vision insurance will not be provided to employees on an unpaid leave of absence.
1. Full–time and 30–hour employees are eligible to purchase long term disability insurance
under the policy chosen by the library.
2. New employees are eligible to enroll in the long term disability insurance program the
first of the month following their date of hire. The employee must complete the
application form by the beginning of the pay period following hire. Employee may elect
to purchase long term disability insurance at any time later without restrictions.
3. Because this is a participatory benefit, 80% of the premium for coverage is paid by the
library and 20% is paid by the employee through payroll deduction.
4. Details of coverage are outlined in the long term disability plan booklet.
5 Pages, part-time employees and substitutes are not eligible for long term disability
insurance because of existing restrictions in the library’s group policies.
6. Long term insurance will not be provided to employees on an unpaid leave of absence.
1. Full-time and 30-hour employees are eligible to purchase supplemental term life
insurance under the policy chosen by the library. Enrollment is the first of month
following hire date or job effective date. Proof of good health will not be required during
open enrollment. If coverage is waived at hire or job effective date, an employee may
apply for purchase of supplemental life insurance at any time, but proof of good health
will be required in order to qualify. Employees may purchase one or two times their
salary as a guarantee issue during the open enrollment period. Three or four times their
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salary may be purchased, but proof of good health will be required by the insurance
company.
Full-time and 30-hour employees who have purchased supplemental term life, are then
eligible to purchase supplemental term life for their spouses and dependents.
2. Part time employees, pages and substitutes are not eligible for supplemental Life
Insurance because of existing restrictions in the library’s group policies.
G. WORKERS' COMPENSATION
State law provides that every library employee is eligible for Workers' Compensation for
injuries arising out of or in the course of his/her employment. Guidelines for reporting on the
job injuries are set forth in Section 8.11 ON THE JOB INJURY.
A. The Flexible Spending Account allows full-time, 30-hour and part time employees to pay for
medical, dental and vision out-of-pocket expenses and/or dependent care expenses as well as
group health insurance premiums with pre-tax dollars by payroll deduction.
B. If a full time employee is enrolled in the Library’s Health Savings Account, IRS rules
prohibit that employee from participating in a Flexible Spending Account.
C. The Plan Year for the library begins on January 1 of each year and ends on December 31 of
the following year. Exact payroll dates will be determined by the first payroll period that
includes the date of January 1.
D. Each year, at open enrollment, employees will be given the option to enroll in the plan by
completing the Election and Compensation Reduction Agreement. November is open
enrollment month.
E. Those employees who do not wish to participate must complete the Election to Waive
Participation form.
F. In Accordance with IRS rules, any money left in either a medical spending account or
dependent care account at the end of the plan year will be forfeited. A Grace Period of 2 and
½ months (until March 15th) is offered during, which additional eligible expenses may be
reimbursed from remaining funds in the previous plan year account balance.
G. Terminated employees are allowed 90 days following their termination date to submit
expenses incurred through their termination date.
Section 5.3
A. OPERS enrollment is mandatory for all employees. For employees hired after January 1,
2003, OPERS requires new hires to select one of the (3) retirement plan options. Ohio PERS
must receive your retirement plan selection on or before the last day of your 180-day
enrollment period. The three (3) plan options are:
C. An employee may name a beneficiary for his/her account. If no one is named as beneficiary,
the law requires:
2. If there is no spouse, the youngest dependent child under age 18 (or under 22 if a
qualified student).
3. If monthly survivor benefits are selected by a legal guardian for this child, payments will
be determined on the basis of all the children under 19 (or 22 if qualified students), and
divided equally among them. Incompetent, dependent children, regardless of age are
included.
4. If monthly survivor benefits are not payable or there are no dependent children, all living
children will share equally in a refund of the account.
7. If none of the foregoing, a refund of the account will be paid to the estate.
D. An employee having any questions regarding this program should contact the Human
Resources Coordinator.
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Section 5.4
All full-time and 30-hour employees will receive earned time-off (ETO) benefits as shown
on the chart below. ETO combines vacation, personal leave (two (2) days) and floating
holidays (Presidents' Day, Columbus Day, and Veterans’ Day). ETO accruals are increased at
the beginning of the pay period following the anniversary date. ETO accruals are based on
completed years of service. Full-time and 30 hour employees may carry over into the
following calendar year the equivalent of one (1) year of ETO accrual.
B. PART-TIME EMPLOYEES
Part-time employees will receive earned time-off (ETO) benefits as shown on the chart
below. ETO combines vacation and personal leave (equivalent to two (2) days per
year).Part-time employees may carry over into the following calendar year the equivalent of
one (1) year of ETO accrual.
2
MLS required positions
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C. ETO is credited each pay period, beginning the first day of employment. For purposes of
calculating an employee’s ETO accrual rate, an employee’s prior service with any political
subdivision of the State of Ohio will be included as ―years of service‖. The anniversary date
for an employee with prior service is the anniversary date of that prior service. An employee
must inform the library of prior service at the time of hire.
D. ETO accrues, but may not be taken during the first three (3) months of employment.
E. ETO accrues only during regularly scheduled work hours and not during overtime hours or,
in the case of part time staff, not for hours worked over 40 in a pay period.
G. Full-time, 30-hour and part-time employees may carry over into the following calendar year
the equivalent of one (1) year of ETO accrual. ETO that has been carried over must be used
before the last day of the payroll year or it will be lost.
H. To ensure that proper staffing levels are maintained the library has in place a coordinated
ETO Request Procedure for public service staff. Employees, who work in public service
positions are required to submit vacation requests on the ETO Request Form three times a
year. The dates of the requests are as follows:
I. Vacation requests are reviewed and approved within two weeks of the submittal dates by a
Vacation Review Team. The Review Team's purpose is to ensure system wide operational
considerations and approval equity. The team is comprised of the management staff
representing these four areas: Branch; Circulation: Lee Rd. Department Coordinator and
Administration.
J. Should emergency or unplanned ETO needs occur during the interim between the three
submittal dates, the department manager or in-charge person will have the discretion to
approve or deny the request. Consideration will be given with review of the approved ETO
master calendar and impact on library operations.
K. ETO benefits are designed to vary due to position, service years and hours. ETO benefits are
intended to range from 2 to 5 weeks. For each one week ETO request, full time staff must
use 40 hours, 30-hour staff must use 30 hours; part time staff must use 16 hours. For single
day ETO requests, full time staff must use 8 hours; 30-hour staff must use 6; and part-time
staff must use 4 hours. Part time staff may not be paid ETO and work 4 hours on the same
day.
L Non-exempt staff may use ETO in minimum of one hour units with the permission of the
department head or branch manager based on departmental and scheduling needs. Exempt
staff may not be charged for less than 4 hours ETO in accordance with the Fair Labor
Standards Act.
N. At the time of an employee’s resignation or retirement, any earned but unused ETO shall be
paid and included in the employee’s final check or checks.
O. In the event of the death of an employee, payment of any earned but unused ETO shall be
paid according to the OPERS standard list of beneficiaries, or to the estate of the deceased.
P. An employee on approved ETO cannot change their paid time to Sick Leave should they
become ill while on ETO.
June 2010. June 2009, June 2007, June 2004, October 2002, June 2005, June 2003, 2002
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Section 5.5
A. Full-time and 30-hour employees receive the following paid holidays when the library is
closed:
B. The library will close at 5:30 p.m. on New Years Eve (unless it falls on a Sunday) with
employees scheduled for a regular Saturday workday.
C. If a holiday on which the library is closed falls on Sunday, the library will be closed on
Sunday and Monday, with Monday being recognized as the paid holiday. Full-time and 30-
hour employees will be paid for a regular day of work and will have their work schedules
reduced for the remainder of that workweek, so that the combined hours of work and holiday
pay do not exceed the employee's regularly scheduled workweek.
D. If a holiday on which the library is closed falls on a Saturday, full-time and 30-hour
employees will be paid for a regular day of work and will have their work schedules reduced
for the remainder of that workweek so that the combined hours of work and holiday pay do
not exceed the employee's regularly scheduled workweek.
3
E. Only employees on active pay status will receive holiday pay. An employee who is not on
active pay status the day before a holiday will not receive holiday pay.
F. Pages, substitutes and part-time employees are not eligible for holiday pay.
3
An employee is on active status whenever he/she is receiving a paycheck. An employee on any form of paid leave
is on active status.
June 2000
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Section 5.5
H. Full-time employees will receive eight (8) hours of earned time-off (ETO) and 30-hour
employees will receive six (6) hours of ETO for each of the following holidays when the
library is open: Presidents' Day, Columbus Day and Veterans' Day. (See Section 5.4
EARNED TIME OFF)
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Section 5.6
A. The library provides a generous sick leave accrual benefit. Sick leave is considered as
insurance to protect staff in case of significant or catastrophic illness. Sick Leave is not
intended to been seen as an entitlement to excused days off.
Attendance and punctuality are very important parts of an employee’s job performance
because poor attendance has a negative affect on the operation of the library. We believe
there are four reasons for this.
1. Loss of productivity. Some work just cannot be made up or an absence may cause certain
work to be cancelled or poorly delivered, or the absence may cause potential work never
to be started. An absence causes supervisors to spend time making schedule adjustments
resulting in a loss of their productivity.
2. Customer service. Loss of productivity due to absence negatively impacts the service we
provide to both our internal and our external customers. Positive customer service is our
most important product.
3. Morale. Morale suffers when absences occur especially when it occurs often. Staff must
cover for the absence, which negatively affects their own productivity and that affects
their own job satisfaction.
4. Financial cost. There is a financial cost to the library both for the lost productivity of the
absentee and for the replacement brought in to fill the absence.
Excessive use of sick leave and poor attendance will result in disciplinary action including
and up to termination; will be reflected on your performance evaluation and will affect future
salary increases. Excessive use is defined by the Library as more than 4% of your total hours
worked.
Full-time employees earn 4.616 hours of sick leave per pay period (one hundred twenty
(120) hours per year). 30-hour employees earn 3.462 hours per pay period (ninety (90) hours
per year). Part-time employees are credited with .0575 hours of sick leave for each one (1)
hour worked. Sick leave is earned only when an employee is on active pay status, (i.e. only
those days for which the employee is actually paid). Sick leave does not accrue during
overtime work (over forty (40) hours in a workweek for full-time employees; over thirty (30)
hours in a workweek for 30-hour employees; over 40 hours in a pay period for part-time
employees.
B. New employees earn sick leave from the first day of employment; however, it cannot be
used until after the first three (3) months of employment. The total amount of sick leave an
employee may accrue is limited to:
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C. An employee requesting sick leave must notify his/her supervisor and give the reason for
his/her absence according to procedures established by his/her department or branch.
D. When an employee is absent for three (3) or more days, (including work related injuries) the
Human Resources Coordinator must be notified on the third day. If those absences are
determined to qualify as Family Medical Leave, they shall be designated as Family Medical
Leave. See – Family and Medical Leave Act Section 5.10. Either the Human Resources
Coordinator or the employee may request a determination on FMLA eligibility.
E. An employee who uses sick leave for themselves or an immediate family member for more
than three (3) calendar days may be required to present a physician's note verifying the
illness and stating the employee's probable date of return to work. Upon return to work an
employee absent for three (3) or more days because of a personal illness, may be required to
to furnish a statement from a physician certifying his/her ability to perform the position
duties.
F. An employee may not take sick leave immediately before or after a holiday or ETO day
unless the need for sick leave is certified by a licensed physician.
G. Sick leave cannot be used until after it is earned. (See Section 5.6 (O))
H. A supervisor, with the Director’s approval, has the authority to investigate the reason for an
employee's absence. (See Section 8.2 (B) (2))
I. If an illness or disability continues beyond the time covered by earned sick leave, an
employee will be required to use earned ETO. When ETO is exhausted, an employee must
request an unpaid leave of absence or resign. (See Section 5.10 LEAVES OF ABSENCE)
An employee may not be permitted to use ETO or unpaid leave for sick leave if the
employee has been counseled or disciplined for misuse of leave.
J. An employee who fraudulently obtains sick leave or falsifies sick leave records is subject to
disciplinary action. (See Section 10 DISCIPLINE)
3. Disability due to pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions; (See Section 5.11,
Parental Leave.)
L. "Immediate family" is defined as parent, child, spouse, sole companion, or in loco parentis (a
person who stands in the place of a parent). (See Section 5.10 Family and Medical Leave
Policy)
N. Sick leave is charged in minimum units of fifteen (15) minutes for non-exempt staff. Sick
leave may not be charged for less than 4 hours for exempt staff in accordance with the Fair
Labor Standards Act. The Department of Labor permits employers to deduct partial-day
absences from an exempt employee’s leave bank without jeopardizing the employee’s
exempt status.
P. A new full-time or 30-hour employee may transfer from previous public employment an
amount not to exceed the equivalent of one (1) year's sick leave accrual as defined in
paragraph A of this policy. The leave must be verified as earned, but not paid, by the former
employer. The transferred sick leave can be used during the first three (3) months of
employment.
Q. An employee who retires from service with the library is entitled to convert twenty-five
percent (25%) of his/her accrued, but unused, sick leave into a cash payment at the time of
separation. (See Section 11.3 SICK LEAVE CONVERSION)
R. In the event of the death of an employee, twenty-five percent (25%) of his/her accrued, but
unused, sick leave shall be converted into a cash payment and paid according to the OPERS
standard list of beneficiaries, or to the estate of the deceased.
S. Sick leave will not be paid when calling off on an on-call shift. The absence will be
considered as an absence under the Library’s attendance policy.
June 2009
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Section 5.7
A. Full-time or 30-hour employees will receive full pay when summoned for jury duty by a
court of competent jurisdiction or subpoenaed to appear before any court, commission, board
or other legally constituted body authorized by law to compel the attendance of witnesses,
providing the employee is not a party to the action. A regular part-time employee or page
will be paid for the hours scheduled during the period of the jury duty or if subpoenaed. Any
staff member summoned to appear on a day when he/she is not scheduled to work will not be
paid.
B. An employee who must appear in court on his/her own behalf may use ETO, compensatory
time or may request an unpaid leave of absence.
C. An employee released from jury duty before the end of his/her scheduled workday must
report to work for the remaining hours.
D. Any payment received in fulfillment of required jury duty may be retained by the employee.
Section 5.8
Appropriate leaves will be granted, paid, and benefits provided, in accordance with state (Ohio
Revised Code) and federal law (Uniformed Services Employment and Re-employment Rights
Act (USERRA).
A. MILITARY RESERVES
Ohio National Guard, Ohio Military Reserve, Naval Militia and all U.S. Armed Forces
reserve members are authorized up to twenty-two (22) calendar days to a maximum of one
hundred seventy-six (176) hours paid leave per calendar year for training purposes. The
employee must submit a copy of the Active Duty for Training Orders with the request for
leave and complete the required leave papers.
A permanent employee, who voluntarily or involuntarily enters any of the Armed Services
of the United States, will be granted an unpaid military leave of absence as defined by
Section 5903.01 of the Ohio Revised Code and the Uniformed Services Employment and
Re-employment Rights Act (USERRA). No single leave or combination of leaves may
exceed five (5) years unless the service time is for a single, initial period of service.
June 2003
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Section 5.9
This policy applies to full time, 30 hour and regular part time staff.
A. In the event of the death of an immediate family member, defined by the Library as spouse,
sole companion, parent, son/daughter, or sibling, or stepchildren of the same degree, an
employee is eligible for up to five (5) days of paid time off to arrange for and/or attend the
funeral. Employees will be paid only for those days that fall on consecutively scheduled
workdays during the five day period. Any additional time, such as ETO, may be approved by
the supervisor. (See Section 5. 4 EARNED TIME OFF and Section 5. 10 LEAVES OF
ABSENCE)
B. In the event of a death of other family members, defined as, grandparent, grandchild,
mother-in-law, father-in-law, sister-in-law, brother-in-law, daughter-in-law, son-in-law), an
employee will be eligible for up to three (3) days of paid time off to arrange for and/or attend
the funeral. Employees will be paid only for those days that fall on consecutively scheduled
workdays during the 3 day period. Any additional time, such as ETO, may be approved by
the supervisor. (See Section 5. 4 EARNED TIME OFF and Section 5. 10 LEAVES OF
ABSENCE)
C. Bereavement leave must be taken at the time of death and may not be used at a later time.
Section 5.10
The Library shall comply with all the provisions of the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993
and any of its amendments passed by federal, state or local agencies. The FMLA entitles eligible
employees to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave in a 12-month period for
specified family and medical reasons. Amendments to the FMLA by the National Defense
Authorization Act, expanded the FMLA to allow eligible employees to take up to 12 weeks of
job-protected leave in the applicable 12-month period for any ―qualifying exigency‖ arising out
the fact that a covered military member is on active duty, or has been notified of an impending
call or order to active duty, in support of a contingency operation. It also amended FMLA to
allow eligible employees to take up to 26 weeks of job-protected leave in a ―single 12-month
period‖ to care for a covered service member with a serious injury or illness.
Employee Eligibility
Leave Entitlement
An eligible employee is granted up to a total of 12 workweeks of unpaid leave during any 12-
month period for one or more of the following reasons:
Spouses employed by the same employer are limited to the amount of family leave they mat take
for the birth and care of a newborn child, placement of a child for adoption or foster care, or to
care for a parent who has a serious health condition to a combined total of 12 weeks (or 26
weeks if leave to care for a covered service member with a serious injury or illness is also used.)
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Under some circumstances, employees may take FMLA intermittently – taking leave in separate
blocks of time for a single qualifying reason – or on a reduced leave schedule- reducing the
employee’s usual weekly or daily work schedule. When leave is needed for planned medical
treatment, the employee must make a reasonable effort to schedule treatment so as not to unduly
disrupt the Library’s operation.
As is permitted by FMLA, the Library has chosen to require employees to substitute accrued
paid Sick Leave and/or ETO to cover any FMLA leave.
In the case of medical leave, the employee is required to use all accrued sick and ETO
leave prior to being placed on unpaid status.
In the case of family leave, an employee is required to use all accrued vacation and
ETO leave, not including sick leave, and prior to being placed on unpaid status.
In the case of Parental Leave, (See Parental Leave 5.11), employee is permitted to use
a combination of Sick Leave and ETO.
If an employee is on an absence covered by Worker’s Compensation payment, and
for a condition that qualifies for family medical leave, paid leave will only be applied
to that portion of the leave not covered by Worker’s Compensation.
―Serious health condition‖ defined by FMLA means an illness, injury, impairment, or physical or
mental condition that involves either:
1) A period of incapacity lasting more than three consecutive, full calendar days, any
subsequent treatment or period of incapacity relating to the same condition, that also
includes:
2) Any period of incapacity related to pregnancy or for prenatal care. A visit to the
health care provider is not necessary for each absence; or
3) Any period of incapacity or treatment for a chronic serious health condition which
continues over an extended period of time, requires periodic visits (at least twice a
year) to a health care provider, and may involve occasional episodes of incapacity. A
visit to a health care provider is not necessary for each absence; or
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5) Any absences to receive multiple treatments for restorative surgery or for a condition
that would likely result in a period of incapacity of more than three days if not
treated.
―Immediate family member‖ is defined by FMLA as a spouse, parent, son or daughter. In-laws
are not included. The Library will include sole companion and in loco parentis (a person who
stands in the place of a parent).
Employees seeking to use FMLA leave are required to provide 30-day advance notice of the
need to take FMLA leave when the need is foreseeable and such notice is practicable. If leave is
foreseeable less than 30 days in advance, the employee must provide notice as soon as
practicable – generally, either the same or next business day. When the need for leave is not
foreseeable, the employee must provide notice to the Library as soon as practicable under the
facts and circumstances of the particular case. Absent unusual circumstances, employees must
comply with the Library’s usual and customary notice and procedural requirements for
requesting leave.
The library requires employees to complete a Leave of Absence Request form in accordance
with the above mentioned time frames as the means for notifying the library of their need for
leave.
When an employee seeks leave for a FMLA-qualifying reason for the first time, the employee
need not expressly assert FMLA rights or even mention the FMLA. However, when an
employee seeks leave due to a FMLA-qualifying reason for which the Library has previously
provided the employee FMLA-protected leave, the employee must specifically reference either
the qualifying reason for leave or the need for FMLA leave.
When an employee requests FMLA leave or the library acquires knowledge that leave may be
for a FMLA purpose, the library will notify the employee of his or her eligibility to take leave,
and inform the employee of his/her rights and responsibilities under FMLLA. When the library
has enough information to determine that leave is being taken for a FMLA-qualifying reason, the
Library must notify the employee that the leave is designated and will be counted as FMLA
leave.
Certification
The library requires, as is supported by the law, that an employee’s request for leave due to a
serious health condition affecting the employee or a covered family member be supported by a
certification of a health care provider. The library is entitled to require a second or third medical
80
opinion (at the library’s own expense). The opinion of the third provider will be considered final
and binding on both parties. Periodic recertification is also permitted by the library.
Health Benefits
The library will continue to pay its portion of the employee’s insurance coverage for the first
twelve weeks. Thirty-hour employees are responsible for paying their portion of their health
benefits either through payroll deduction or check.
Dependent insurance coverage will continue to be paid by the employee through payroll
deductions or check.
In accordance with FMLA regulations, the library may recover its share of health plan premiums
during a period of unpaid FMLA from an employee if the employee fails to return to work after
the employee’s FMLA leave entitlement has been exhausted or expires.
Return to Work
An employee wishing to return before the scheduled end of a leave must give at least two (2)
working days advance notice to his/her supervisor.
If the employee is on a medical leave due to a serious health condition, the employee will be
required to provide a fitness-for-duty certification before the employee is permitted to return to
work.
Upon return from a family/medical leave, an employee will be restored to the position held when
leave commenced, or a position with equivalent benefits, pay, and other terms and conditions of
employment.
All benefits accrued prior to the leave will remain intact; however, the employee will not accrue
benefits during any unpaid portion of the leave.
If it is discovered that a leave of absence granted for a specific purpose is not being used for that
purpose, the Director may cancel the leave and direct the employee to report to work. The
employee will be subject to disciplinary action under the Library’s Discipline Policy, Section
10.1 of the Human Resources Policy Manual.
If an employee has exhausted all family/medical leave allowance and not able to return to work,
the library no longer has an obligation to hold open their position.
FMLA Period
For all uses of FMLA or any other leave of absence, the library will count the 12 month period
measured forward from when the employee first takes leave.
An employee may request a leave of absence for up to one (1) year inclusive of FMLA time. A
leave of more than three (3) months for full-time and 30-hour positions is subject to approval of
the Board, upon recommendation of the Director. Leaves of up to three (3) months, including
part-time staff, are granted at the discretion of the Director. The request for leave must be
submitted in writing a minimum of thirty (30) days prior to the commencement of the leave and
must specify the required period of time and the reason for the leave.
a. Qualifying family and medical leaves, over the twelve (12) week family and
medical leave;
b. Family reasons that do not fall within the circumstances outlined in the family and
medical leave policy; or
2. Employees, full-time, 30-hour and part-time, must exhaust all available paid leave before
requesting an unpaid leave.
3. Library paid health benefits will not continue during the leave, except as provided by the
family and medical leave policy. Library paid benefits will end at the end of the month
in which the leave begins or family and medical leave eligibility ends and will begin
again on the first of the month in which the employee effectively returns to work. An
employee may use COBRA benefits from the time allowed by law. (See Section 11.3
COBRA)
4. An employee on an unpaid leave of absence does not accrue sick leave or ETO.
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5. If it is discovered that a leave of absence granted for a specific purpose is not being used
for that purpose, the Director may cancel the leave and direct the employee to report for
work. Failure to report for work will be considered a resignation. The employee will be
subject to disciplinary action under the Library’s Discipline Policy, Section 10.1 of the
Human Resources Policy Manual.
7. The position held by an employee on leave of absence will be filled on a temporary basis,
if possible. However, there is no guarantee that an employee will be assigned to the same
position upon return to work.
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Section 5.11
The Family and Medical Leave Act is a federal law that requires employers to provide 12
weeks of unpaid leave to employees who have been employed by the Library for at least
12 months and who have worked at least 1250 hours during the 12-month period
immediately preceding the commencement of the leave. The library has created a
Parental Leave policy that incorporates and goes beyond the federal provisions by
allowing the use of sick leave and/or ETO time concurrent with FMLA time. See Section
5.10 for full Family and Medical Leave Act rights.
Policy
Parental leave will be approved for a period of up to 12 weeks, as allowed by FMLA. All
FMLA notices and documentation will be required in accordance with the law.
Eligibility
Employees who have been employed by the Library for at least 12 months and who have
worked at least 1250 hours during the 12-month period immediately preceding the
commencement of the leave, may take parental leave for the birth or adoption of a child,
pregnancy related condition, prenatal care, post-natal care, childcare and/or disability due
to pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions.
Part-time employees are not covered by the protection provided by the Family and
Medical Leave Act. However, part-time employees that have worked for the library for
more than one year may be allowed the equivalent of 12 weeks of parental leave
following these guidelines.
1) The first 8 weeks of the leave may be paid up to the amount of sick leave you
have earned without medical certification. If you do not have enough sick leave,
ETO or leave without pay may be used. The treating physician must medically
certify a request for paid sick leave beyond 8 weeks. You also have the option to
retain up to 40 hours of sick leave in your bank.
2) The remaining 4 weeks may be paid with available ETO or may be taken as
unpaid leave. However, you must use ETO so that you have no more than 40
hours of accrued ETO in your bank following your return to work.
1) While on any paid portion of the leave, ETO and Sick Leave will continue to
accrue. Sick Leave and ETO will not accrue on unpaid time.
The library will continue to pay its portion of the employee’s insurance coverage for the
first twelve weeks. Thirty-hour employees are responsible for paying their portion of
their health benefits either through payroll deduction or check.
Dependent insurance coverage will continue to be paid by the employee through payroll
deductions or check.
In accordance with FMLA regulations, the library may recover its share of health plan
premiums during a period of unpaid FMLA from an employee if the employee fails to
return to work after the employee’s FMLA leave entitlement has been exhausted or
expires.
1. An employee may request a leave of absence without pay for up to one (1) year as
a component of parental leave. Acceptable reasons for unpaid leaves may include
qualifying family and medical leaves that extend beyond the twelve (12) week
entitlement or other family reasons that do not fall within the circumstances
outlined in the FMLA policy.
2. Requests are subject to Board and/or Director approval, depending on the length
of requested leave. (See Section 5.10 (B) LEAVES OF ABSENCE) An employee
must exhaust all applicable paid leave before requesting an unpaid leave.
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CHAPTER 6
PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
G. Enable the supervisor to detect gaps and limitations in his/her own supervisory
performance; and
H. Provide a means of establishing mutually agreed upon goals and objectives for the
coming period.
Section 6.2
New employees and employees who have been promoted or transferred will be
evaluated twice during the initial three (3) month evaluation period. The first written
evaluation will be prepared and submitted at the end of the first month. The second
written evaluation will be prepared and submitted approximately one (1) week before
the end of the initial evaluation period.
New supervisors and employees who have been promoted to supervisor positions will
be evaluated three times during the initial six (6) month evaluation period. The first
written evaluation will be prepared and submitted at the end of the first month. The
second written evaluation will be prepared and submitted at the end of three months.
The third written evaluation will be prepared and submitted approximately one (1)
week before the end of the initial evaluation period.
B. ANNUAL EVALUATION
C. SPECIAL EVALUATION
D. SUPERVISORS’ EVALUATION
B. Each employee will be evaluated against the established position description for
his/her assignment.
C. Supervisors will discuss all evaluations with their immediate supervisor prior to
meeting with individual employees.
D. The supervisor will meet with the employee to review concerns, expectations, duties
and responsibilities. The employee will be given the opportunity to read the
appraisal, ask questions and comment in writing on the appraisal document. The
employee must sign the document indicating he/she has been given this opportunity.
Refusal to sign may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination.
F. An employee may prepare a written response to their evaluation and submit it to their
supervisor and to their personnel file. The employee’s response will be reviewed by
the Director. The supervisor and/or Director may or may not respond in writing to the
employee’s comments.
June 2010, June 2007, June 2006, June 2002, June 2001
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Section 7.1
CHAPTER 7
STAFF DEVELOPMENT
B. This orientation will serve as an introduction to the library system and the
department/branch.
4. stress the new employee’s role and potential for contributing to the overall
mission of the department/branch and library;
Section 7.2
A. The library encourages the professional growth of all employees through continuing
education, training and participation in professional organizations.
C. The library may pay the cost of registration and other expenses for all meetings,
training and conferences, when the employee's attendance is approved. If a member
rate is offered only the member rate will be covered. The employee may be asked to
pay the difference.
D. An employee may request unpaid leave to attend educational meetings that are not
required by the library. Leave may be granted at the discretion of the Director upon
approval by the supervisor.
E. Any employee may request or be required to attend training to meet his/her library
employment needs. When required, the library will pay all costs.
F. Some workshops and conferences may qualify for Ohio Public Library Certification
credits. (See Section 2.4 PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION)
G. Upon return from a conference or meeting, the employee will be required to:
1.) Complete a Form E-161, ―Workshop Information Sharing Form‖. The report
will be forwarded electronically to the supervisor and to the Training and Staff
Development Coordinator for their review. The report is retained in the staff
member’s training record located in the Staff Database.
2.) Close their E-35 ―Request for Time and Expenses‖ with the Business Office.
June 2010, June 2007, June 2005, June 2004, June 2003, June 2002, June 2001, June 2000
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Section 7.3
A. The Friends of the Library sponsors a scholarship program for library employees and
residents of Cleveland Heights and University Heights who are pursuing a Master's
Degree in Library Science. Applications are available from the Friends.
1. Financial support for this program comes from the Anne M. Bauer Staff
Development Fund. Each year, as a part of the budget process, the Library will
allocate a specific dollar amount to Tuition Reimbursement. Tuition payments,
per employee, will not exceed $1,000 per calendar year at the following rate up
to: $1,000 for full time, $750 for 30-hour, and $500 for part time staff/pages.
Substitute staff are not eligible. Reimbursement will depend on the availability of
funds and the number of applicants for assistance. Funds not disbursed in the first
half of the year will be carried over to the second half of the year. Funds may not
be carried over from year to year.
3. Tuition reimbursement funds may only be used for tuition expenses not covered by
other grants or scholarships. Tuition fees, tuition surcharges and lab fees are
eligible expenses. Books, late fees, supplies, and other expenses are not eligible
for reimbursement.
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Section 7.4
A. The library will be closed one (1) day each calendar year, for the purpose of staff
development. All full time and part time employees are expected to attend. Pages
and substitutes are encouraged to attend.
B. Any absence from Staff Development Day must be approved by the department
supervisor or branch manager.
C. Each employee who attends the full day will be paid for eight (8) hours. Others
attending for shorter periods of time, scheduled in advance with supervisors, will be
paid for the number of hours actually attended. This is part of the regular workweek
and is not considered overtime.
Section 7.5
Section 7.6
A. DETERMINATION PROCEDURE
B. SELECTION OF PARTICIPANTS
Whenever there are a limited number of openings for an activity, or if attendance will
be during an employee’s regularly scheduled workday, the Director will determine
which employees may participate.
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A. The library will reimburse staff for their membership in professional or other
appropriate organizations.
2. The library will reimburse full time staff and 30-hour staff up to $150.00 per year
of their membership dues; $75.00 per year for part time staff.
3. The Director will determine what organizations qualify for this membership
reimbursement.
CHAPTER 8
EMPLOYEE CONDUCT
C. An employee may not grant special consideration to any citizen or group of citizens.
D. An employee may not engage in any outside employment or have a financial interest
that will conflict with his/her duties or be detrimental to the library. (See Appendix A
STATE OF OHIO ETHICS LAW)
E. An employee may not request or permit the use of library vehicles, equipment,
materials or property for personal convenience or profit.
F. An employee may not accept or ask for any gift (except those of little or nominal
value) or consideration that is granted as a result of his/her employment with the
library.
G. An employee may not use the library's name or tax exempt status for his/her personal
advantage on any purchases.
H. A library employee shall not engage in any activity that could be construed as
violating the public trust.
J. All employees will receive a copy of the ―Ohio Ethics Law.‖ (See Appendix A STATE
OF OHIO ETHICS LAW)
K. Failure to comply with the Library Code of Ethics or Ohio Ethics Law will result in
disciplinary action up to and including termination.
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A. ABSENCE REPORTING
B. FREQUENCY OF ABSENCES
Attendance and punctuality are very important parts of employee job performance.
Absenteeism places a burden on other employees who have to perform absent
employee’s duties. Absenteeism can cause scheduling problems for the department
and can adversely affect our ability to serve our customers.
C. TARDINESS/EARLY DEPARTURE
1. Employees are expected to arrive at work promptly and remain at work until the
end of the scheduled workday.
4. Time lost due to tardiness/early departure may be made up only with the
permission of the supervisor and must be completed within the same workweek
and noted on the weekly time card.
3. An employee may be required to come to work even though the library is closed
due to a weather-related or other emergency. The employee is entitled to one and
one-half (1½) times his/her regular rate of pay for all hours actually worked.
There will be no additional compensation or time-off as a result of the
emergency.
4. If, after it has opened, the library is closed due to an emergency, all employees
presently at work will be paid their regular pay, whether sent home or asked to
remain in anticipation of reopening. Should the library reopen following an
emergency closing, staff scheduled to work may be required to return.
6. An employee who is absent, tardy or leaves work early on a day when weather
conditions interfere with travel, but the library is open, will not be paid for the
missed time. The employee may, with approval of the supervisor, account for the
time by charging it to ETO, compensatory time or, if necessary, to leave without
pay. Inclement weather is not a valid use of sick leave.
1. The interests of the second employer do not conflict with those of the library;
2. The second position does not have a negative impact on the employee's job
performance; and
3. Employment with the library is the employee's primary position and time
conflicts are resolved in favor of the library.
B. When an employee's supervisor has reason to believe the demands of a second job
are having a negative impact upon the employee's performance or availability, the
employee will be counseled. If the situation is not resolved, appropriate disciplinary
action may result.
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A. Each employee is responsible for all keys and other assigned equipment and must
return them upon termination of employment. An employee may be required to pay
for lost equipment.
2. No employee may misuse his/her authority over any such computer resources.
4. No employee may use the library's computer resources for private purposes on
library time.
6. All computer software, data and information relating to the conduct and
operation of the library are considered proprietary information belonging to the
library and cannot be appropriated, altered, sublicensed, copied or used for other
than library business.
7. Personal passwords are regarded as confidential and may not be given to others.
Any suspected loss or misuse of passwords is to be reported immediately to the
Network Administrator or to the Director.
June 2003
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1. E-mail should not be used for personal tasks while on library time.
2. E-mail should not be used to sign up for accounts with non-library –related
services such as online retailers, online auction houses, mailing lists, etc. Personal
email accounts should be used for such purposes.
3. Staff who use E-mail services are expected to do so responsibly, that is, to comply
with state and federal laws and with normal standards of professional and
personal courtesy and conduct. Flaming (an electronic verbal attack), spamming
(repeated posting of the same message to a news group, flooding someone’s
mailbox, or sending the same message to hundreds of people), transmitting ―junk
mail‖ such as advertisements and chain letters, or other disruptive techniques are
prohibited.
a. The library E-mail system should not be used for individual record retention
or the storage of documents. Users are expected to delete unnecessary E-mail
messages and attachments on a regular basis. Not doing so puts a significant
strain on the system.
c. Users should not open E-mail from people they do not know. Unsolicited E-
mail may contain viruses or other destructive entities.
f. Library email services may not be used for commercial purposes or for
purposes that could reasonably be expected to cause, directly or indirectly,
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Section 8.5
4. The Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library will only permit the
inspection, monitoring, or disclosure of E-mail without the consent of the holder
of such E-mail when:
It is required by and consistent with law;
There is a substantial reason to believe that a violation of law or library
policy has taken place;
In exceptional cases, to meet time-dependent, critical operational needs.
In accordance with the library’s Record Retention Policy all email is archived.
Therefore no user should have an expectation of privacy when using E-mail.
Users should not put anything in an E-mail message they would not post on a
bulletin board. For purposes of operating performance and security, the staff of
the Information Technology Department have the ability to read anyone’s E-mail
at any time. Additionally, as employees of a public institution, an employee’s E-
mail may be considered public records.
1. Staff may use workstations to browse the Internet while on library time only
for purposes that are library related.
3. Employees are prohibited from installing any software of any kind, regardless
of source, on any library workstation without the prior permission of the
Network Administrator.
4. No employee may have any type of hacker tool installed on his or her
workstation. Staff of the Information Technology Department may have such
tools for security auditing purposes only.
C. PASSWORDS
It is critical that staff realize that their passwords represent an important measure
of security control. Passwords that are not complex and are easy for specialized
software to detect, opens up our system to hackers who wish to (a) do significant
damage to our software and data or (b) are interested in passing through our
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Section 8.5
1. Employees may not give out any library passwords to anyone except
Information Technology Department staff.
c. Passwords may not contain any proper names or any word that can be
found in a dictionary. Hackers often use password-cracking software
that utilize dictionaries from many different languages.
4. Employees are prohibited from using any password more than once during
any six-month period.
6. Users may never write down or otherwise record a library password and store
it in the library.
Section 8.6
Information about our customers is confidential according to Ohio Revised Code Section
149.432 and may not be disclosed. However, the library will release to parents/legal
guardians information about what materials are charged out to a child’s card or those
materials that are lost or damaged or for which fines are owed. All other requests about
customers should be referred to the Director.
All employees are required to wear staff identification badges while on duty in the
library. Lost badges will be replaced at the employee's expense.
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Section 8.8
Regular meetings are held for the entire staff, as well as group meetings for departments,
branches or other special areas. Employees are expected to attend and participate in
meetings that are required as a part of their job. Examples of established meetings
include:
A. The all-system meeting on the day following the December Board of Trustees'
meeting, where salaries for the next year and other matters of interest to the
employees are explained;
C. Standing committees such as Administrative Support Team and Public Service Team.
D. Branches and Departments should have a minimum of four (4) staff meetings per
year.
June 2004
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A staff room with a kitchen area is provided in each building for employees to use during
meal and rest breaks. Each employee is expected to help maintain cleanliness and order
in the staff rooms. Staff rooms are not open to the public.
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Section 8.10
Employees required to submit to any drug and alcohol testing outlined in this policy must
consent to testing, sign the appropriate forms, make no attempt to switch, adulterate,
tamper or alter any sample or specimen, and comply with all specimen collection and
chain-of-custody procedures. Refusing or failing to cooperate in signing the consent and
release form by any employee when testing is warranted under this policy, may result in
the employee being disciplined, up to and including termination of employment (referred
to as ―discipline‖ hereafter).
Illegal Drugs
Illegal drugs are drugs which are not legally obtainable. Employees must not use illegal
drugs, misuse alcohol, sell, purchase, transfer, traffic or possess any illegal drugs or be at
work under the influence of any drug or alcohol. If illegal drugs or paraphernalia are
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found on library property, they may be turned over to the appropriate law enforcement
authorities.
Employee Assistance
The library does not pay for any costs incurred by the employee during the rehabilitation
process. The library will supply a list of possible sources for counseling or treatment.
Use of the list is not mandatory. Any qualified, licensed treatment center, physician or
Substance Abuse Professional will be acceptable. An Employee may obtain this list
through the DFWC. An Employee’s health insurance may provide benefits for
rehabilitation. Absences related to the rehabilitation process will be considered as Family
Medical Leave time. (See Section 5.10 LEAVES OF ABSENCE)
Employee Education
All employees will receive awareness training every year to help identify problems and
learn where they can go for assistance. Every employee will attend a two hour training
session in which this Policy is introduced. Employees will have the opportunity to ask
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questions at the training session or at anytime to the DFWC. At the training sessions, a
qualified person will explain why and how substance use is a workplace problem, the
effects, and signs/symptoms of use, the effects of commonly used drugs in the workplace
and how to get help. There will be a minimum of two hours of substance use training
annually for all employees. New Employees will be informed about this policy during
orientation and throughout the new hire period.
Supervisor Training
All supervisors will be trained in their duties relating to this policy prior to its
implementation. Supervisors will receive specific training on testing procedures, how to
recognize behaviors that demonstrate a drug/alcohol problem, how to document
behaviors, how to confront employees with the problem, how to initiate reasonable
suspicion, how to make referrals for assistance and how to follow up with employees
returning to work after counseling and treatment. This training is in addition to the
training given to all employees. The initial training is four hours in length. Thereafter,
on an annual basis, supervisors are required to attend a two hour review training course.
A reasonable suspicion test may occur based on any one or combination of the following:
1. Observed behavior, such as a direct observation of drug and/or alcohol use or
possession and/or physical symptoms of drug and/or alcohol use, including
slurred speech, detection of alcoholic substance on employee’s breath,
employee’s appearance;
2. A pattern of abnormal conduct or erratic behavior that appears to be related to
substance abuse and does not appear to be attributable to other factors;
3. Conviction for a drug-related offense, or identification of an employee as the
focus of a criminal investigation into illegal drug possession, use or trafficking in
combination with employee misconduct. (The employee must notify the library
within five (5) working days of any drug or alcohol related conviction, including
driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol);
4. Evidence that the employee tampered with a previous drug or alcohol test.
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Reasonable suspicion testing does not require certainty, but mere ―hunches‖ are not
sufficient to justify testing. To prevent this, supervisors will be trained to recognize drug
and alcohol-related signs and symptoms that are sufficient to cause reasonable suspicion
testing.
If the library has reasonable suspicion of drug or alcohol use, it will arrange
transportation for the employee to the library selected clinic for testing. The library also
has the option of testing on-site.
An employee may be required to submit to a second drug/alcohol test if the library has
reason to believe that the initial test results are unreliable for any reason.Non-supervising
co-workers can report possible violations of this policy to a supervisor and/or the DFWC.
The supervisor then will investigate to see if there is reasonable suspicion. If the person
in possible violation of this policy is a supervisor, an employee can report this to the
DFWC.
Post-Accident Testing
Post-accident testing will be conducted whenever an accident occurs. However, minor
injuries (i.e., scrapes, bruises, minor burns, etc.) will not necessarily require a drug test.
An accident is an unplanned, unexpected or unintended event that occurs on the library’s
property or a work site during
the course of daily business, during working hours, or involving a motor vehicle used in
conducting Library business, within the scope of employment, resulting in any of the
following:
Employee(s) who may have contributed to the work related accident and employee(s) that
have been injured will be tested for drugs and alcohol. The library reserves the right to
determine who may have caused or contributed to this accident. The library will arrange
transportation for the employee to the library selected clinic for testing. The library also
has the option of testing onsite.
If the employee responsible for an accident is injured and receives treatment by medical
personnel, and is unable to report to the testing facility within eight (8) hours, it is a
condition of employment that the Employee grants the library the right to request that
attending medical personnel obtain appropriate specimens for the purpose of conducting
drug and alcohol testing
A resultant positive drug test and/or alcohol test may result in a disqualification for
112
compensation and benefits under the Workers’ Compensation Act (for details see
―Rebuttable Presumption‖ posting).
Treatment Facilities
On the first occasion that an employee has a positive drug or alcohol test result, he/she
will generally be given a list of Substance Abuse Professionals and/or treatment facilities
for a substance abuse assessment. The library does not pay for testing, assessment
and/or treatment while the employee is receiving treatment. The employee is responsible
for arranging transportation when they are in treatment. Employees must understand that
successful completion of a program (if needed) will be required once the library becomes
aware of the problem in order to maintain employment.
Employees who agree to participate in an approved rehabilitation program shall sign the
appropriate forms in order for the health care providers, counselors or substance abuse
professionals to provide certification of the successful completion of the prescribed
treatment program. Failure to provide such documentation and/or failure to adhere to the
prescribed treatment shall result in Discipline.
Testing Overview
―Systems presence testing‖ is how testing professionals identify the presence of
prohibited controlled substance(s) or alcohol that may be present in an employee’s
system. This policy requires two tests before a positive result is made. There is an initial
screening test. If it is negative, then a negative test is declared. If the initial test is positive
(comes in at or higher than the cut-off screening level), a second test called a
―confirmatory‖ test is done. This is a different test from the initial screening test and
performed on the same specimen sample. Cut-off levels for each drug and for alcohol
come from federal guidelines which were established after years of research. These levels
were designated to prevent impairment that could affect workplace safety and an
employee’s ability to work. The tests used will only screen for drugs and alcohol, not
any diseases or conditions. Employees with test results that come back as ―diluted‖ must
be retested within 24 hours. A laboratory certified by the federal government will
analyze test specimens. The laboratories that the library uses take care to ensure that
results are accurate. The laboratories work closely with the local clinic to ensure fairness
and accuracy through the entire testing process.
so as to avoid the chance of any alteration or substitution of the specimen. Voiding will
be observed only if there are reasonable grounds for suspecting manipulation of the
testing process. Failure to appear for testing when scheduled is considered a refusal to
participate in testing, and will subject an employee to discipline. A job applicant who
fails to appear for testing within thirty-two (32) hours after being contacted will have his
or her job offer withdrawn. The library uses only Department of Health and Human
Services (DHHS) certified testing facilities and professionals. As a result, the library is
not responsible for any errors or omissions made by the testing facility. Specimen
collection will be conducted at a local clinic or on-site at the library’s discretion.
Employees requiring testing must show photo ID.
Types of Tests
Rapid Urinalysis Drug Screening
Rapid Urinalysis Drug Screening (Enzyme Multiplied Immunoassay Technique (EMIT) is
used to determine if there is the possibility of drugs in employees urine. All positive rapid
tests will be followed up by Non-Rapid Urinalysis Testing (Gas Chromatography /Mass
Spectrometry (GC/MS) to confirm the results of the screening.
The MRO is responsible for determining whether there is a valid reason for the presence
of a substance in an employee’s system that showed up as a positive test result during the
testing process. Upon receipt of a confirmed positive finding, the MRO will attempt to
contact the employee. Generally the MRO will make three attempts in a 36 hour period
to contact the employee. If contact is made by the MRO, the employee will be informed
of the positive finding, given a copy of the report, and given an opportunity to rebut or
explain the findings. The MRO may request information about the employee’s medical
history or about any medications taken within the last thirty days by the employee. If the
MRO concurs with the explanation offered by the employee, the employee may be asked
to provide documentary evidence to support the employee’s position (for example, the
names of treating physicians, pharmacies at which prescriptions had been filled, etc.).
Any employee that requests a re-test will be responsible for the cost. The employee shall
respond to the MRO’s request within seventy-two (72) hours of testing. Otherwise, a
failure on the part of the employee to provide such evidence will result in the issuance of
a positive test result to the library with no attendant medical explanation. The MRO may
contact the lab to assure that the testing is accurate.
The library will receive a summary report, and this report will indicate whether the
employee received positive or negative test results. All of these procedures are intended
to be consistent with the most current guidelines for Medical Review Officers, published
by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Inspections
The library respects the privacy of individuals. However, when the library has reasonable
suspicion (as defined in this Policy) to believe an employee may be using, possessing,
selling, purchasing, receiving, trafficking, distributing or manufacturing drugs, drug
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Employees who fail to cooperate with the library’s request for an inspection are in
violation of this policy and will be subject to discipline. Law enforcement authorities may
be requested to conduct an inspection. An employee’s locker, closet, work area, desk,
files, library vehicle, or similar area is subject to inspection at any time on a random or
other non-discriminatory basis, without cause, for purposes of this policy or at any time
upon reasonable evidence to suspect a violation of this policy.
Confidentiality
Information concerning drug and/or alcohol testing, referrals, testing results, assessment
and/or treatment results and recommendations to employees are confidential, and access
to this information will be limited to those in the library who need the information to
make safety and personnel decisions. Employees who violate the confidentiality rights
of others will be subject to discipline.
Any employee tested under this policy will be able to review and/or receive a copy of his
or her own test results, and will be given, if desired, an opportunity to rebut the results
and respond to the discipline proposed by the library. A request or response must be in
writing and given to the Human Resource Department. Any disciplinary charges issued to
an employee based upon violation of this Policy shall include the basis upon which the
library determined that drug testing was warranted.
Reservation of Rights
The library reserves the right to interpret, change or rescind this policy in whole or in
part, with or without notice. Additionally, changes to applicable federal, state or local
laws or regulations may require the library to modify or supplement this Policy.
Example of
Acknowledgment of Receipt
Signing this form acknowledges that you have received a copy of the Cleveland Heights-University
Heights Public Library’s Drug-Free Policy, have had the opportunity to discuss the Policy and have
questions answered, and understand all of the provisions in the Policy. Although the Policy
articulates the Library’s current policy regarding substance use, it may be necessary to make
changes from time to time to best serve the needs of our organization. However, any changes
deemed necessary will be made in writing, and the modified Policy will be shared with every
employee.
By my signature below, I acknowledge that I have received a copy of the Drug-Free Policy of the
Library. I understand that it is my obligation to read, understand and comply with the procedures
and provisions contained within this Policy.
I understand that it is a violation of the program if I refuse to take a drug or alcohol test when
required by the Library.
It is the Library’s policy to require employees to submit for drug and or alcohol testing in the
following circumstances: pre-employment, post-accident, and reasonable suspicion.
I also understand and agree that I must comply with the policy as a condition of my employment
and that any violation of the program and or failure to comply with any aspect of the program
may be a basis for corrective action, including termination of my employment. Nothing in this
agreement alters my employment status. The library hopes its employment relationship with me will
be a happy and enduring one. Nevertheless, I remain free to resign my employment at any time
for any or no reason without notice. Similarly, the library reserves the right to terminate me, for any
or no reason, without notice. No one can alter my at will status except the Director, in writing.
_________________________________ _____________________________
Date Signed Employee’s Signature
_____________________________
Printed Name of Employee
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A. An employee who is injured on the job must notify his/her supervisor or in-charge
immediately and complete the Employees Report of Injury Form available on
InformNet recording all pertinent and factual information about the accident. This
report must be completed on each work-related injury, whether or not the employee
requires medical attention. The report is to be completed by the employee within one
(1) workday of the accident.
B. In accordance with the library’s Drug Free Work Place Policy, (Section 8.10), post
accident drug testing is a condition of employment. Employees responsible for or
have contributed to an accident will be required to submit to drug testing within 8
hours of the accident.
C. The supervisor or in-charge and Human Resources Coordinator shall investigate all
accidents, mishaps, and exposures. The supervisor or in-charge shall complete the
Supervisor’s Report of Injury available on InformNet.
D. In the event of an injury that requires medical attention and/or time off, the injured
employee or the injured employees’ supervisor is to notify the Human Resources
Coordinator. The Bureau of Workers Compensation, First Report of Injury
Occupational Disease or Death form (FROI-1), shall be completed and submitted to
the BWC for claim processing, by the employee, Human Resources Coordinator or
medical provider. The First Report of Injury form can be obtained from the Human
Resources Coordinator or on-line at http://www.ohiobwc.com.
E. A workers' compensation claim for an unreported injury will not be certified unless
the injury required immediate medical attention and was documented by the
supervisor or in-charge person. (See Section 5.1 WORKERS' COMPENSATION
eligibility)
F. The employee is responsible for notifying the supervisor of his/her expected date of
return as soon as it is known and keeping the supervisor apprised of his/her
condition. The supervisor will notify the Human Resources Coordinator.
G. An employee who is injured on the job and must leave work before completing the
workday will be paid at his/her regular rate for the balance of time left in the
scheduled workday. An injured employee is required to comply with all treatment
plans prescribed by the attending physicians and return to work as soon as possible.
The employee must have a doctor’s release to return to work.
H. An injured employee may elect to use accrued sick leave and/or ETO prior to
receiving payments from Workers' Compensation. Employees are prohibited,
however, from receiving payment for paid leave while simultaneously receiving
payment from Workers' Compensation.
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I. Workers’ Compensation leave that would qualify under family/medical leave will be
counted towards family/medical leave.
Section 8.12
A. Personal use of library telephones and personal cell phones is prohibited on library
time. Use is limited to emergency or urgent situations and those calls approved by
the employee's supervisor. Personal calls should be limited to non-work time and in
non-public areas.
B. Cell phones may be provided by the library to specific employees when it is in the
library’s best interest to be able to contact them during ―off duty‖ hours. In such
cases, the library provides a reasonable number of minutes that allows for both
business and reasonable personal use. This eliminates the need for these individuals
to carry two mobile phones and ―compensates‖ them for the inconvenience of always
being readily available for the library’s needs.
D. Excessive use of telephones for personal use or charging personal toll calls to the
library will result in disciplinary action.
E. Personal use of telefacsimile (fax) machines should follow the same guidelines,
above, as those governing regular telephone use.
June 2008, July 2005, June 2005, June 2003, June 2002
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Library staff who schedule speaking engagements or programs related to the library’s
mission in the Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library service area (i.e., the
school district) should do so on library time as a representative of the library. Any fees or
honorariums are to be paid to the library.
Approval for all speaking engagements on behalf of the library must be obtained from the
Director.
June 2000
122
Section 8.14
Section 8.15
Employees are expected to report to work in a clean and neat appearance, and dress in a
manner that reflects a professional atmosphere. Clothing must be clean, neat, in good
repair and appropriate for the assigned duties. Employees should be considerate of
coworkers and of customers and consider that perfume, body odor and cologne impact
productivity, workplace environment, employee health and positive customer relations.
If an employee comes to work in a manner that does not meet the dress and hygiene
standards, his/her supervisor or in-charge person may send the employee home. The
employee will be expected to return to work as quickly as possible dressed in a manner
that meets the library’s standards. The employee will not be paid for the time he/she is
away from work. If the problem persists the employee will receive a verbal warning and
further disciplinary action will be applied if dress code violations continue.
1. Employees must wear shirts, blouses, sweaters, dress slacks, skirts or dresses.
Skirt and dress lengths should take into consideration current professional
standards. Clothing that reveals too much cleavage, your back, your chest, your
feet, your stomach or your underwear is not appropriate for a place of business,
even in a business casual setting.
3. Shoes should be appropriate for the duties and the work environment. For safety
reasons, no open- toe shoes or sandals are permitted.
1. Employees must wear the library provided uniform at all times when on duty.
June 2010
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A. Solicitation of employees or the public by anyone for any reason on library property
is prohibited, except for the reasons listed below:
2. Collections for staff gifts for personal reasons such as retirement, illness and
other reasons approved by the Director;
3. Friends of the Library fundraising for library, such as public book sales, with the
approval of the Director; or
These limitations are applied to the sale of goods for non-profit, community
organizations (e.g., Girl Scout cookies, band candy, etc.).
D. Profit-making sales among employees must be transacted off library property and on
the employee's own time.
June 2003
125
Section 8.17
Smoking is prohibited in all library facilities and library vehicles in accordance with
Chapter 3794.02 of the Ohio Revised Code. The law does not specify a footage
requirement so that each organization may determine the sufficient distance to prevent
the immigration of smoke back into the public place or place of employment through
windows, ventilation systems or doors. Smoking is not permitted on library property.
(B) A proprietor of a public place or place of employment shall ensure that tobacco
smoke does not enter any area in which smoking is prohibited under this chapter through
entrances, windows, ventilation systems, or other means.
(C) No person or employer shall discharge, refuse to hire, or in any manner retaliate
against an individual for exercising any right, including reporting a violation, or
performing any obligation under this chapter.
(D) No person shall refuse to immediately discontinue smoking in a public place, place of
employment, or establishment, facility or outdoor area declared nonsmoking under
section 3794.05 of this chapter when requested to do so by the proprietor or any
employee of an employer of the public place, place of employment or establishment,
facility or outdoor area.
(E) Lack of intent to violate a provision of this chapter shall not be a defense to a
violation.
June 2010
126
Section 8.18
The Board of Trustees regards workplace safety as a fundamental value of the library and
is committed to the safety and health of its employees and the public it serves. Workplace
safety refers to the working environment at the Library and encompasses all factors that
impact the safety, health, and well-being of employees and the public. This can include
environmental hazards, unsafe working conditions or processes, drug and alcohol abuse
and workplace violence. The Director will ensure that work processes and work sites are
regularly inspected and staff are educated in order to anticipate and prevent harmful
incidents.
Employees must comply with all established work safety rules, including the library’s
Drug Free Workplace policy, (Section 8.10) and applicable Ohio Public Employment
Reduction standards. Employees will be provided with information about workplace
safety issues through their supervisor, employee meetings, bulletin board and electronic
postings, memos and other means of communication.
The library will provide periodic workplace safety training on all aspects of the library’s
safety policies, practices and procedures.
Employees must immediately report all accidents and/or unsafe condition that occur on
the job or on library property. The employee will notify their supervisor or in-charge staff
member immediately and complete the Employee’s Report of Injury form. The
supervisor or in-charge staff member will investigate the accident scene or unsafe
condition immediately and file an answer on the Supervisor’s Report of Injury form. (See
Section 8.11 ON THE JOB INJURY)
Employees have the right to request an inspection by OSHA, the Occupation Safety and
Health Administration, by filing a written notification to them for any violation of a work
safety standard that they believe threatens serious physical harm or creates imminent
danger of death. The identity of an employee requesting an inspection will be
confidential.
An employee may refuse to work only if all of the following conditions are met:
1. The employee acts in good faith and believes the work conditions present an
imminent danger or serious harm and is not a normal, reasonable component
of the employee’s job.
2. The employee has filed a written report requesting correction of the
conditions, or if there was insufficient time to eliminate the danger through
the reporting process, the employee perceives him/herself or others to be in
imminent danger of death or serious harm.
127
Workplace Violence
The library defines ―Workplace Violence‖ as any actual or threatened physical verbal or
nonverbal abuse occurring either inside or outside of the work setting by staff or a
member of the public. Violence will refer to any type of behavior that management feels:
1. Constitutes an assault,
2. A reasonable person would perceive as being obsessive (i.e. intensely focused
on a grudge, grievance, or romantic interest in another person and likely to
result in harm or threats of harm to another person and likely to result in harm
or threats of harm to another person or property, etc,
3. Consists of a communicated or reasonably perceived threat to harm another
person or in any way endangers the safety of another,
4. Would be interpreted by a reasonable person as carrying a viable and potential
for physical harm to another person,
5. A reasonable person would perceive as intimidating or menacing,
6. Involves the carrying, concealment or display of weapons, destroying
property, or throwing objects in a manner reasonably perceived to be
threatening or
7. Consists of a communicated or reasonably perceived threat to destroy
property.
All employees are responsible for notifying management of any threats that they witness,
receive or they are told that another person witnessed or received.
Even without a specific threat, all employees should report any behavior they have
witnessed that they regard potentially threatening or violent or which could endanger the
health or safety of an employee when the behavior has been carried out on library
property or a site that is connected to Library business.
No employee will be discriminated against in any job decision as a result of filing a good
faith complaint of a violation of workplace safety or testifying in any proceeding related
to an alleged violation or danger.
A. The Director or the Marketing and Community Relations Manager serve as the
official library spokesperson. Media inquiries regarding policies, procedures or the
library’s position on issues should be forwarded to either the Director or the
Marketing and Community Relations Manager who will determine who among the
staff can best represent the library on a particular topic.
D. ―Official‖ communications via the Internet or E-mail should also be directed to either
the Marketing and Community Relations Manager or the Director. Employees must
refrain from communicating confidential, proprietary or nonpublic information
involving the library.
June 2010
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Section 8.20
The Library is committed to providing a pleasant, productive work place, free from
discrimination and harassment. Harassment of any nature should not be tolerated by any
staff member and will not be tolerated by the Library regardless of who is engaging in the
offensive conduct (i.e. employee, customer, member of the public, vendor, etc.) The
library’s policy is that all employees actively work to maintain a work place free of
harassment at all levels. The purpose of this policy is to help employees understand the
issue, so all may achieve this goal. This policy describes conduct that is prohibited in the
workplace and in any work-related setting (such as during business trips, business
meetings and business-related social events) whether or not the incident(s) occur during
working hours.
A. SEXUAL HARASSMENT
1. Sexual Harassment is a form of sex discrimination that violates Title VII of the
Civil Rights Act of 1964. As mandated by law, the library will ensure that all
employees work in an environment that is free from unlawful discrimination or
harassment, including sexual harassment.
2. Sexual harassment may include a range of subtle or not so subtle behaviors and
may involve individuals of the same or different gender. Depending on the
circumstances, these behaviors may include, but are not limited to:
Section 8.20
Harassment other than sexual can be defined as persistent, annoying behavior by one
or more individuals, which creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work
environment for another employee on the basis of being in any protected class, such
as sex, race, religion, color, nation origin, ancestry, disability, age or any other
characteristic protected by Federal, State or Local law. Such conduct is inappropriate
and unlawful, regardless of intent. Some examples are;
C. REPORTING PROCEDURE
2. If the Director is the subject of a complaint, the Board will determine who will
conduct the investigation.
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Section 8.20
4. The investigation will involve interviewing the complainant, the accused, and the
supervisor (if necessary) and any witnesses. To the extent possible, the
employee’s confidentiality and that of any witness and the alleged harasser will
be protected against unnecessary disclosure. Employees who are questioned as a
part of the investigation shall not knowingly provide or make an untrue statement
of fact regarding such complaint. The Director will take appropriate steps if
deliberately false statements are made.
7. At the completion of the investigation the complainant and any employee about
whom a complaint was filed will be informed of the outcome.
8. Employees will receive a copy of the library’s Harassment policy at the time of
hire and annually thereafter. Employees shall sign a statement that they have
received the policy. This statement shall become part of the employee's
personnel file. In addition, training sessions on sexual harassment and other
forms of harassment will be held at regular intervals.
9. Employees who believe that a member of the public has harassed them, sexually
or other shall report any such incident to their immediate supervisor, who shall
investigate and resolve any situation found to be inappropriate.
10. Nothing in this policy is intended to deny an employee any rights available by
law, including the right to file with the Ohio Civil Rights Commission, the
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or any court of competent
jurisdiction.
132
Section 8.21
The library maintains a credit card to facilitate library activities such as local or
emergency purchases, travel expenses (air fares, hotels) and purchases over the Internet.
Copies of the card, currently a MasterCard, are held by the Director, Deputy Director,
Fiscal Officer and Network Administrator. These cards shall be used only for purchases
authorized by these individuals, and they may never be used to purchase alcoholic
beverages, entertainment, medical drugs, personal services or cash advances.
No employee of the library may personally benefit from any kind of rewards program
offered through the use of the library’s credit card, such as frequent flyer miles. Any
rewards for usage of the card belong to the library.
Any misuse of the library’s credit card may be subject to discipline, including termination
of employment and referral to criminal prosecution and penalties given in section
2913.31 (―Misuse of Credit Cards‖) of the Ohio Revised Code.
Immediately upon using a credit card, a purchase order must be requested so that money
is encumbered to pay for the transaction. That, plus the purchase receipt, must be
attached to the credit card invoice.
The library’s Fiscal Officer will monitor all usage of the credit cards.
133
CHAPTER 9
1. An employee having a problem regarding her employment shall first discuss the
problem with his/her immediate supervisor. If the problem is not settled to the
employee’s satisfaction, then the employee may follow the procedure described
below.
2. The employee, within five (5) working days will present the complaint in writing to
his/her immediate supervisor, with a copy to the Human Resources Coordinator. A
copy of the complaint will go to the Director. The Human Resources Coordinator will
meet and discuss the complaint with the employee and the supervisor. The
Supervisor will provide the employee with a written response. The Supervisor may
choose not to address a complaint submitted beyond the five (5) day period. The
complaint will be placed in the employee’s personnel file.
5. If at any step during this procedure, management does not respond within the
established time limits, the employee may take the complaint to the next level.
7. Nothing in this policy is intended to deny an employee any rights available by law,
including the right to file a complaint with the Ohio Civil Rights Commission, the
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, or any court of competent jurisdiction.
However, if the employee elects to file a complaint on a matter over which an
adjudicative body has jurisdiction, it is the employee's responsibility to meet the
criteria for filing with that body.
8. Where a complaint cites issues of law the complaint will be sent to the prosecutor's
office or employment attorney for an opinion before proceeding. All time limits
stated in this procedure will be held in abeyance until a response from the Prosecutor
or employment attorney is received.
June 2008
135
CHAPTER 10
DISCIPLINE
The progressive discipline policy is provided for supervisors and department heads to use
in helping guide employees towards more appropriate behavior. The policy is not
intended to alter the at-will status of employment with the library.
A. Employees are hereby advised of expected behavior, the types of conduct that are
unacceptable and the penalties for unacceptable behavior.
D. This policy provides standard penalties for specific offenses; however, the examples
of specific offenses given in any grouping are not all-inclusive and merely serve as a
guide.
E. The standard penalties provided in this policy do not prevent the application of a
greater or less severe penalty for a given infraction when circumstances warrant. In
instances where a penalty deviates from the recommended standard penalty, the
reason for deviation should be noted.
F. Appeal of discipline procedures may be made through the complaint procedure. (See
Chapter 9)
G. PROGRESSION OF DISCIPLINE
1. When an employee commits more than one offense listed in the same group,
each offense will be disciplined at the next higher level of discipline (i.e., Level
1, then Level 2, etc), whether or not the offenses are related. This is done so that
an employee will be progressively disciplined when he/she continues to commit
minor offenses that when taken together result in more and more serious
disruption to the workplace.
2. When an employee commits two (2) or more offenses listed in different groups
and the offenses are related, each will be disciplined at the next higher level of
discipline (i.e., Level 1 of Group 1, then Level 2 of Group 1, then Level 3 of
Group 1).
136
1. GROUP 1 OFFENSES
Third Offense: Written documentation and one (1) to three (3) day
suspension without pay
Fourth Offense: Written documentation and five (5) to fifteen (15) day
suspension without pay
Fifth Offense: Discharge
137
2. GROUP 2 OFFENSES
Group 2 offenses are of a more serious nature than Group 1 offenses and if left
undisciplined may cause a serious and lasting disruption to the operation of the
library.
Second Offense: Two (2) or three (3) day suspension without pay
Third Offense: Five (5) to fifteen (15) day suspension without pay
3. GROUP 3 OFFENSES
Group 3 offenses are of a very serious or possibly criminal nature and cause
critical disruption to the operation of the library.
• Absence from duty without authorized leave for three (3) or more days,
consecutive or otherwise
• Insubordination by refusing to perform assigned work or comply with
written or verbal instructions of supervisors;
• Conduct violating morality or common decency, including sexual
harassment;
• Wanton or willful neglect of duties;
• Instigating, leading or participating in any illegal walkout, sit-down, stand-
in, refusal to return to work, or other concerted curtailment, restriction or
interference with work;
• Possessing, selling or being under the influence of illegal drugs;
• Being under the influence of alcohol during work hours;
• Carrying or possessing firearms, explosives or weapons on library property;
• Carrying concealed weapons, licensed or unlicensed, on library property;
• Fighting or attempting to injure other employees, supervisors, or the public;
• Physical or verbal altercations that lead to the disruption of the work day and
impact the work environment negatively.
• Threatening, intimidating, coercing, or interfering with other employees;
• Abuse or deliberate destruction of library property or equipment, or of the
property or equipment of other employees;
• Stealing, destroying, damaging or concealing property of the library or of
another employee;
• Dishonesty or dishonest action such as theft, pilfering, making false
statements, making inaccurate or false reports concerning absences, etc.;
• Giving false information or withholding pertinent information requested in
an employment application;
• Knowingly concealing a communicable disease that might endanger others;
• Unauthorized altering of a time card;
• Making false claims or misrepresentation in an attempt to obtain a library
benefit;
• Giving false testimony during an investigation of a complaint;
• Falsifying, assisting in falsifying, or destroying library records; or
• Misusing or removing records or information without authorization.
• Failure to comply with the library’s Drug Free Workplace policy.
First Offense: From fifteen (15) day suspension without pay to discharge
Second Offense: Discharge
139
CHAPTER 11
A. RESIGNATION
1. Resignation in good standing requires a minimum of one (1) month notice for
professional employees and department supervisors. All other employees are
required to give two (2) weeks notice.
2. Resignation must be in writing and submitted to the supervisor who will forward
it to the Director.
3. The Director will report all full-time and 30-hour employee resignations to the
Board of Trustees.
4. An employee who does not resign in good standing is not eligible for future
employment.
B. ABANDONMENT
1. An employee who is absent from duty without leave for three (3) consecutive
days is deemed to have resigned his/her position unless satisfactory explanation
is made and accepted by the Director.
2. An employee who has abandoned his/her position is not eligible for future
employment with the library.
C. RETIREMENT
1. Employees who are age 60 and have five years of Ohio service or 60 or more
calendar months of contribution service in OPERS, are eligible to retire.
Employees may retire with a reduced benefit as early as age 55 if they have 25
years of service.
June 2005
Section 11.1
140
2. An employee who has thirty (30) years of credit, has no age requirement or age
benefit reduction.
3. Benefits are calculated on the basis of the selected OPERS retirement plan. The
three (3) plan types are listed below. More information on retirement plans can be
found at www.opers.org.
4. Part-time work earns part-time credit. An employee who continues to work after
earning thirty (30) years credit continues to receive service credit.
5. Persons with ten (10) years of service credit who receive retirement benefits are
entitled to a health care plan as established by OPERS.
Section 11.2
A. AT-WILL DISCHARGE
B. RETRENCHMENT
2. The order of layoff will be determined on the basis of performance and library
needs.
142
In certain instances, employees and their families have the right to temporarily
extend their health care benefits at group rates.
1. An employee covered by the library's health care plan has a right to choose this
continuation coverage if he/she would lose group coverage because of:
b. Termination of the employee's employment for any reason other than gross
misconduct;
c. Reduction in the employee's hours of work below the minimum required for
eligibility under the plan;
3. Any person who is covered under the employee's plan on the day before a
qualifying event, and who will lose coverage, will be considered a "qualified
beneficiary."
4. If the qualified beneficiary does not choose continuation coverage, group health
care coverage will end.
5. Qualified beneficiaries need not show they are insurable in order to qualify for
continuation coverage.
143
Section 11.3
6. Qualified beneficiaries must pay the library the full premium at applicable rates.
Late payments may result in loss of coverage.
7. Questions about this policy may be directed to the Human Resources Coordinator.
8. Employees are responsible for notifying the Human Resources Coordinator of any
change in status including, for example, marital status, dependent status or
residence.
9. The following procedure will be used for notifying employees of COBRA rights.
a. Each employee will be notified of his/her COBRA rights at the time he/she
begins coverage under the library's health care plan and again when he/she
becomes ineligible for coverage or terminates employment.
d. The Human Resources Coordinator will notify the Fiscal Officer (within
thirty (30) days) of any of the following "qualifying events:"
• Employee's death;
• Employee's termination;
• Employee's reduction in hours, making him/her ineligible for benefits; or
• Employee's eligibility for Medicare.
• Divorce;
• Legal separation; or
• Loss of dependent eligibility under the plan requirements (age or student
status).
Section 11.3
1. If an employee, at the time of death, has at least eighteen (18) months of credit in
the Ohio Public Employees' Retirement Service, his/her spouse, children or
parents may be entitled to survivor benefits.
If an employee has five (5) years of credit, and is permanently and totally disabled,
he/she may receive disability benefits.
C. ACCRUED LEAVE
At the time of separation, an employee will be paid at his/her current hourly rate of
pay for all ETO time credit.
An employee who retires through OPERS will be paid for twenty-five percent (25%)
of his/her unused sick leave balance. Payment will be at the employee's current rate
of pay and will eliminate any sick leave balance. (See Section 5.3 OHIO PUBLIC
EMPLOYEES’ RETIREMENT SYSTEM (OPERS))
E. UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION
June 2003
145
Section 11.4
A. Upon separation from employment an employee must meet with his/her supervisor or
with the Human Resources Coordinator to process paperwork and return library
property.
B. The Human Resources Coordinator will inform the employee of all termination
benefits, verify forwarding addresses for the employee and any dependents and get
necessary signatures.
INDEX
Section
Harassment Policy…………………………………………………….8.20
Health Care Benefits Continuation (COBRA) ..................................... 11.3
Health Care Insurance ............................................................................ 5.1
Hygiene Standards ............................................................................... 8.18
Payroll Deduction .................................................................................. 4.7
Holidays ................................................................................................. 5.5
Hours of Work ....................................................................................... 3.4
Full-Time
Students
Sunday
Workplace Safety ................................................................................. 8.18
Workplace Violence............................................................................. 8.18
Workweek .............................................................................................. 4.3
Appendix A
B. CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
2. No public employee shall use or authorize the use of the authority or influence of
employment to secure anything of value or the offer or promise thereof that is of
such a character as to influence his/her duties.
APPENDIX B
On_______ [date], the Drug-Free Workplace Coordinator, agreed to your request to seek an assessment
and/or counseling and referral to a rehabilitation program for alcohol and drug use. The following
conditions apply to your rehabilitation program:
2. You will pay for all costs of rehabilitation that are not covered under the library's benefits plan.
4. You must meet all established standards of conduct and job performance. The library will
terminate you (your services) if your on-the-job conduct or job performance is unsatisfactory. Satisfactory
performance includes ongoing compliance with the library's drug/alcohol testing policy, including testing if
there is reasonable suspicion of a violation of the prohibition of use.
5. Nothing in this agreement alters your employment status. The library hopes its employment
relationship with you will be a happy and enduring one. Nevertheless, you remain free to resign your
employment (terminate your agreement) at any time for any or no reason without notice. Similarly, the
library reserves the right to terminate you, (your services) for any or no reason, without notice. No one can
alter your at will status except the Director, in writing.
I voluntarily agree to all of the above conditions and authorize [treatment program/counselor, employee
assistance provider] to provide the Drug-Free Workplace Coordinator with proof of my enrollment and
attendance at the recommended rehabilitation program.
APPENDIX C
Library positions requiring valid Ohio driver’s license and acceptable driving record.