2023 - 2026 DSLEM Memorandum of Understanding: Article 11: Staff Development
Return to DSLEM 2023-2026 MOU Table of Contents
What’s on this Page
- 11.1 Staff Development
- 11.2 Staff Development and Wellness Benefit Allowance Program
- 11.2.1 Staff Development and Wellness Benefit Allowance – Amounts
- Computer Hardware, Equipment and Mobile Devices
- 11.3 In-Service Training
- 11.3.1 Payment – In-Service Training
- 11.4 Physical Fitness
- 11.5 Non-Grievable
11.1 Staff Development
The County and the Association agree that the County retains full authority to determine training needs, resources that can be made available, and the method of payment for training authorized by the County. Nothing in this Subsection shall preclude the right of an employee to request specific training.
11.2 Staff Development and Wellness Benefit Allowance Program
The Department of Human Resources shall develop, modify, implement and administer administrative/programmatic guidelines to remain in compliance with federal and/or state law, and all County policies and procedures, based on the County’s Staff Development Benefit Allowance Program Administrative Manual.
Full-time and part-time (0.40 FTE and above) employees in regular allocated positions are eligible for the Staff Development Benefit Allowance.
Through fiscal year end June 30, 2023, an eligible employee may request reimbursement for allowable expenses, upon approval of the appointing authority, and as defined in the County’s Staff Development and Wellness Benefit Allowance Program Administrative Manual.
11.2.1 Staff Development and Wellness Benefit Allowance – Amounts
Through fiscal year end June 30, 2023, as specified in the chart below, full-time and part-time eligible employees shall be entitled to the following annual benefit amounts:
|
Bargaining Unit |
Full time Allowance |
Part time Allowance |
|---|---|---|
|
Management (0043) |
$1200 |
$800 |
|
Asst. Sheriffs (0043) |
$1400 |
N/A |
Total funds per fiscal year can be used for Staff Development and/or Wellness expenditures. Funds may not be carried over into next fiscal year. Use of funds is subject to approval and provisions of the Staff Development Benefit Allowance Program Administrative Manual and may be taxable pursuant to the Internal Revenue Code.
Computer Hardware, Equipment and Mobile Devices
Staff Development and Wellness Benefit Allowances may be used towards reimbursement for the purchase of computer hardware devices as defined in the County’s Staff Development and Wellness Benefit Allowance Program Administrative Manual, as well as other computer hardware, equipment and mobile devices. Monthly service charges for internet and mobile communication connections are not reimbursable under this program. The use and approval of all computer hardware, equipment and mobile devices is subject to review by the Department Head (or may be delegated to a senior manager only) and is subject to the specific job requirements for each job classification in that department. All computer hardware, equipment and mobile devices must be directly job related, must be used for County business a minimum of 50% of their use and requires Department Head (or senior manager designee) authorization in order to qualify for reimbursement. Department Head authorization for the use of this benefit towards reimbursements for computer hardware, equipment and mobile devices must be outlined and approved in the employees’ annual Professional Development Plan document and will be considered together with other staff development training and educational priorities required by the Department Head.
Effective July 1, 2023, as specified in the chart below, full-time and part-time eligible employees shall be entitled to the following annual benefit amounts:
|
Bargaining Unit |
Full time Allowance |
Part time Allowance |
|---|---|---|
|
Management (0043) |
$1100 |
$750 |
|
Asst. Sheriffs (0043) |
$1300 |
N/A |
Staff Development Benefit Allowance program will consist of an annual payment on the first paycheck in July of each year, so that the employee may defer some of the expenses normally incurred for staff development and wellness.
11.3 In-Service Training
The County shall make every effort to provide a program of in-service training for employees in the Bargaining Unit designed to maintain a high standard of performance and to increase the skills of employees in the Bargaining Unit. Training courses to be attended shall have a direct bearing on the work of the employee. Attendance at training courses may be authorized by the Department Head. Decisions by Department Heads on requests by employees should be based on the following criteria: the effect the absence of the employee will have on the department’s operations and its ability to continue to provide the services and perform the functions for which it is responsible; the relationship of the subject of the program, seminar, conference or workshop to the function performed by the employee and the department, and the employee’s professional development; and the method of financing requested by the employee.
11.3.1 Payment – In-Service Training
There are three ways the expenses of the program might be paid:
BY THE COUNTY: Expenditures for travel, meals, lodging, registration and other items included annually within the department budget.
BY OTHER PUBLIC OR PRIVATE AGENCIES: Occasionally, employees receive approval for their expenditures to be paid by grants from the State or Federal governments, from private organizations or from professional organizations.
BY THE INDIVIDUAL EMPLOYEE: Occasionally, the departmental budget may not permit expenditures for certain in-service training to be paid by the County. The employee may feel that the training would be of benefit to the employee’s professional development, and therefore, would be willing to pay the expenses in whole or in part from their Staff Development and Wellness Benefit Allowance if the employee were permitted time off from work at full salary.
11.4 Physical Fitness
The total annual maximum Staff Development and Wellness Benefit Allowance allowed under Section 11.2.1 is available for wellness related taxable expenses and for use towards a physical fitness/wellness program. Employee enrollment in any physical fitness/wellness program shall be voluntary.
Through fiscal year end June 30, 2023, an eligible employee may request reimbursement for allowable expenses as defined in the County’s Staff Development Benefit Allowance Program Administrative Manual.
Through fiscal year end June 30, 2023, DSLEM represented employees’ staff development/wellness funds remaining after all fiscal year reimbursements submitted have been paid will automatically be donate to the equipment and equipment maintenance fund for the DSA/DSLEM-sponsored workout rooms located in Sheriffs’ Office facilities These donated funds are subject to the following requirements:
Effective July 1, 2023, DSLEM represented employees have agreed to reduce the annual staff development/wellness allowance by $100 per employee, as reflected in Section 11.2.1. In July of each year, based on the number of employees in the unit on July 1, $100 per employee will automatically be donated to the equipment and equipment maintenance fund for the DSA/DSLEM-sponsored workout rooms located in Sheriff’s Office facilities not to exceed a total fund maximum of $35,000 per workout room site. These donated funds are subject to the following requirements in 11.4.1:
11.4.1
A joint labor-management committee made up of two members appointed by the County and two members appointed by the Deputy Sheriffs’ Association oversees the equipment purchase and maintenance. All equipment becomes the property of the County.
11.5 Non-Grievable
Article 11 of this MOU shall not be grievable or appealable under any County policy, resolution, rule, or contract provision.