Probationary Period

205 Probationary Period

Effective Date:

Revision Date:

The probationary period is intended to give new employees the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to achieve a satisfactory level of performance and to determine whether the new position meets their expectations. Sni Valley uses this period to evaluate employee capabilities, work habits, and overall performance. Either the employee or Sni Valley may end the employment relationship at will at any time during or after the probationary period, with or without cause or advance notice.

After an offer has been made to an applicant entering a designated job category, a medical examination will be performed at Sni Valley's expense by a health professional of Sni Valley's choice. The offer of employment and assignment to duties is contingent upon satisfactory completion of the exam. Should an offer of employment be accepted and the medical examination performed, the new employee will be liable for the full cost of the medical examination should he/she terminate his/her employment with Sni Valley within 180 calendar days of accepting employment. The repayment for the cost of the medical examination must be made in full within 30 calendar days following the date of resignation.

All new and rehired employees work on an probationary basis for a minimum of the first 180 calendar days after their date of hire. Employees who are promoted or transferred within Sni Valley must complete a secondary probationary period of the same length with each reassignment to a new position. Any significant absence will automatically extend an probationary period by the length of the absence. If Sni Valley 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.

In cases of promotions or transfers within Sni Valley, 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 the "hold" level within his/her previous rank or to a comparable job for which the employee is qualified, depending on the availability of such positions and Sni Valley'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, such as workers' compensation insurance and Social Security, as well as coverage under the District's health insurance program, etc. After becoming regular employees, they may also be eligible for other Sni Valley-provided benefits, subject to the terms and conditions of each benefits program. Employees should read the information for each specific benefits program for the details on eligibility requirements.

Benefits eligibility and employment status are not changed during the secondary probationary period that results from a promotion or transfer within Sni Valley.

Policy No.  205  Issued  6/29/2000  Applicable  9/28/2000