I. TEMPORARY ASSIGNMENT

A. Policy

Employees may be temporarily assigned to perform substantially all of the duties and responsibilities of another position when it becomes necessary for the accomplishment of essential services.

B. Definition

1. "Temporary Assignment" means the performance of substantially all of the significant duties and responsibilities of another position without formal change in position assignment when such is made by competent authority as provided in the respective collective bargaining agreements.

2. "Competent Authority" for the purpose of this General Order, competent authority means the Police Chief or such subordinates as may be designated to act for him.

C. When Allowed

1. A vacancy that cannot be filled temporarily or permanently by a non-competitive promotion, provisional appointment with or outside the service, transfer or movement of an employee, such temporary assignmetn shall not exceed the duration provided in the respective collective bargaining agreements.

2. A vacancy that cannot be filled temporarily or permanently by a non-competitive promotion, a provisional appoiuntment vfrom within or ouside the sercie, a transfer or a movement of another employee and that the department head certifies that the immediate rendition or services is essential and in the best interest of the public and that such temporary assignment shall not exceed the duration provided in the respective collective bargaining agreement.

3. In special or emergency situations requiring a temporary assignment, the ranking supervisor on duty within the affected command may authorize a temporary assignment only of a rank lower than his.

D. Exclusive

The following employees shall not be entitled to temporary assignments compensation:

1. An employee who is performing duties in accordance with the terms of a formal training agreement entered into with his department and approved by the Director of Personnel Services.

2. An employee who is performing a normal relief assignment which is recognized in his position classification and pricing.

E. General Requirements

1. Temporary assignments shall be minimized and may be authorized only when it is not feasible to use other means of continuing the work of an absent employee.

2. Temporary assignments should be made only to carry on essential services and/or services affecting the health and safety of the public.

3. An employee who performs a temporary assignment to a higher position shall be compensated at the proper rate for the higher class.

4. An employee who performs a temporary assignment to a lower position shall continue to be compensated at his existing rate prior to the temporary assignment.

5. When employees are being considered for a temporary assignmetn to a position in a higher class, the employer selection shall comply with the respective collective bargaining agreement or, when applicable, civil service rules and regulations.

6. As much as possible, temporary assignments shall be restricted to a single position to eliminate any "chain reaction" of temporary assignments affecting other positions.

III. REQUIREMENTS BY OCCUPATIONAL GROUPS

In addition to the more general guides under Sections II, the following criteria by occupational areas shall be fully considered before making temporary assignments.

A. Supervisory and Administrative Classes

1. In the event the absence is for a short duration, i.e., 5 working days or less, and the unit is able to continue operations without the services of a full-time supervisor, no temporary assignment will be made. In such cases, the senior employee may be instructed to refer questions or problems of major importance to the next higher supervisor for decision. However, if the unit is unable to continue operations without the services of a full-time supervisor regardless of the length of absence, the division head shall determine the need for temporary assignment.

2. In the prolonged absence of an employee, the division head should immediately consider the effect of such absence upon the division and the effect of reassigning duties. In any event, the division head or other delegated supervisor shall be able to justify his course of action.

B. Clerical Occupational Classes

Temporary assignment for clerical classes should be made only when work of the absent employee cannot be shared by other employees.

(Amended: 04-27-2000)