§ 16-172. Conversion of probationary status employees and extension of probationary period.

(a)

Unless a probationary status employee is dismissed during the employee's probationary period, any such employee shall be converted to permanent status as of the effective date of the expiration of the probationary period applicable to each such employee.

(b)

Extensions to the probationary period may be requested by the appointing authority to the Director of Human Resources Management for the following reasons:

(1)

In the event that a probationary status employee is absent from the employee's position on authorized and approved leave for a substantial period of time due to extenuating circumstances beyond the employee's control such that, in the judgment of the employee's appointing authority, a proper evaluation of the employee's performance cannot reasonably be made before the expiration of the employee's probationary period; or

(2)

In the event that a substantial change in employee duties or a change in supervisor occurs during the probationary period and that change precludes a proper evaluation of the employee's performance.

(c)

Any such request for an extension of an employee's probationary period, as provided in Subsection (b), above, shall be:

(1)

Made in writing and shall state the specific facts and circumstances justifying the request and the recommended period of time for the extension;

(2)

Signed by the appointing authority and the employee in interest so as to indicate their mutual consent for the request; and

(3)

Delivered to the Director of Human Resources Management in advance of the expiration of the employee's probationary period.

(d)

Upon receipt of any such request from an appointing authority, the Director of Human Resources Management shall approve the request if the Director of Human Resources Management finds that the request satisfies the conditions stipulated in Subsection (b), above, and has been submitted in accordance with the procedures stipulated in Subsection (c), above; provided, however, that the Director of Human Resources Management shall not approve any request for an extension of an employee's probationary period for a period of time in excess of six (6) calendar months.

(e)

In the event that the Director of Human Resources Management approves a request for an extension of an employee's probationary period, the employee in interest shall be converted to permanent status, as provided in Subsection (a), above, as of the effective date of the expiration of such extension period, unless the employee is dismissed prior to the expiration of such extension period.

(CB-1-1976; CB-22-2000; CB-91-2003)