City of Clinton Employee Handbook

Approved by City Council 7-98
Revisions May 2002 - to date

1. 6.  PROBATIONARY PERIOD

 

A.            OBJECTIVES OF PROBATIONARY PERIOD:   The probationary period shall be regarded as a part of the testing process and shall be utilized for training and observing the employees work and for securing the most effective adjustment of a new employee to his/her position.  During the initial employment probationary period, a new employee will not be allowed to apply for, or transfer to, another city position.  Unusual circumstances will be reviewed by the City Manager.

 

B.            TERMINATION OF PROBATIONER:     During the probationary period, an employee may be terminated at any time by the supervisor with the approval of the City Manager, without cause and without the right of appeal.  Notification of termination in writing shall be forwarded to the employee being terminated.

 

C.            LENGTH OF PROBATIONARY PERIOD:    The probationary period shall be six (6) months, but may be extended by supervisor with consent of the City Manager.  Uniform officers and fire personnel shall have a twelve (12) month probationary period but may be extended by supervisor with consent of the City Manager.

During the initial probationary period, an employee may not request a transfer to a different position.

 

D.            APPOINTMENT FOLLOWING PROBATIONARY PERIOD:   Prior to the end of the probationary period, the Department Head shall submit to the City Manager a performance review of the probationary employee.  A satisfactory performance review and affirmative recommendation by the Department Head, with the approval of the City Manager, shall result in confirming probationer to classified status with the City.

 

E.            PROMOTION TRANSFER PROBATIONARY PERIOD:     When an employee is promoted or transferred, that employee shall serve a probationary period of six months, unless the Department Head recommends waiver of this provision of probation and the waiver is approved by the City Manager.  Should an employee continue in a probationary status, the Department Head shall submit a performance review prior to the end of the six month period to the City Manager and the promoted/transferred employee.  An employee who has been promoted or transferred and is given an evaluation which falls below acceptable levels at the end of the promotion/transfer probationary period may be returned to his/her former position or another similar position if vacant, or otherwise handled as provided in these rules.  Said employee is not entitled to return to non-probationary classified status in his/her former position unless restored to him/her by the City Manager.  Probation period for Fire & Police generally is 12 months, or, less as determined by the City Manager.

 

 

F.            SPECIAL REVIEW PERIOD:    An employee may be placed in a special review period when the performance of the employee falls below acceptable levels.  The normal term for a special review period shall be 60 days; a written evaluation and/or report is to be done at the end of this period to document the results of the special review period.  Should the problems with an employees performance not be corrected during this period, other action may be taken as provided in these rules.