Policy: 330

Probationary Period


Procedure:

The probationary period for all employees shall be one year from date of hire and is intended to give new employees the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to achieve a satisfactory level of performance.

Employees who are promoted or transferred within MDCBDSN must complete a secondary, probationary period of the same length with each reassignment to a new position. Any significant absence will automatically extend the probationary period by the length of the absence. If MDCBDSN determines that the designated probationary period does not allow sufficient time to thoroughly evaluate the employee's performance, the probationary period may be extended for a specified period, "Not to exceed 90 days."

In cases of promotions or transfers within MDCBDSN, an employee who, in the sole judgment of management, is not successful in the new position can be removed from that position at any time during the secondary probationary period. If this occurs, the employee may be allowed to return to his or her former job or to a comparable job for which the employee is qualified, depending on the availability of such positions and MDCBDSN's needs.

Upon satisfactory completion of the initial probationary period, employees enter the "regular" employment classification.

During the initial probationary period, new employees are eligible for those benefits that are required by law, not for the other benefits which MDCBDSN policy makes them eligible. Employees should read the information for each specific benefits program for the details on eligibility requirements.

Purpose

To define and clarify the probationary period for all employees.

Effective Date:
June 1, 1998

Reviewed/Revised:
May 24, 2001