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Using the Probationary Period Effectively

Using the Probationary Period Effectively

ANALYST
VA
Tue Mar 18, 2008 8:36 AM

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I've been with the government for over 15 years, and seen a lot of change. It is a good idea to use the probationary period effectively. However over the past few years, I seen a really lack of on the job training. A lot of times the new employee is just thrown into the job and expected to perform at the level of an employee that has been there for years.

And even for employees that have been of the job for years that move into new positions, they are left to fend for themselves. There is truely a lack of training or training plan.

Probationary Period

Federal Employee
VA
Fri Mar 21, 2008 3:22 PM

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What I'd like to know is how many times a "career" status employee has to repeat the "one year" probationary period. I transferred to the VAMC from DOD (huge mistake) with 25 years continuous federal service. The VA put me on a one year probationary period and DID NOT adjust my pay in accordance with OPM regulations. They wanted to start me at the same grade level, but at a step-1 in lieu of the step-6 that I was at. After debating this with HR, they finally gave me back a mere two steps. How can this be legal and what is my recourse? Aren't all Federal Agencies governed by the same regulations? I asked HR for a copy of the regulation they are going by but they could never produce one & dismissed me entirely.

Re: Probationary Period

Benefis Counselor (retired)
VA
Mon Mar 24, 2008 5:59 PM
Request, in writing, the justification for giving you the two steps vs the step 6. Use the Union or do it yourself if you prefer. If you receive no answer, threaten to file a grievance for their failure to provide you the assistance required by their job descriptions. Series 201 (I think) is for HR Specialists and part of their duties is to provide info and advice to employees (and mgt of course). Unless you work in HR, your grievance may have to be handled at the facility Director's level since it is probably cross divisional. Your Director won't like cleaning up after HR. You could hand an unsigned draft of your grievance to an HR supervisor and promise to submit a signed copy in X number of days. Be sure you want this battle before you jump in. They will remember you.

Probationary period

Supervisory IT Specialist
DoD Navy
Mon Mar 24, 2008 7:26 AM

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It looks like the Mcormick decision says you only have to serve 1 probationary period?

I had to serve another 1 year probation when I switched from DoD Army (excepted service) to DoD Navy (competitive) service. I had 10 years of federal time.

on probation twice

Program Specialist
USACE
Mon Mar 24, 2008 9:25 AM

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I worked for DoD Army/USACE in Europe District for two years, including one year probation. When I returned to the States and was hired by another DoD Army/USACE District, after a few months of LWOP during relocation, I was put on one year probabtion AGAIN. What gives? I always had excellent evaluations and references.

Lied to terminate during probation

Community Builder
HUD
Mon Mar 24, 2008 4:03 PM

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I had 7 and a half years with the Feds. Started at HUD and later found out about a plan to get rid of me prior to my 1 year. A lie was perpetrated and I was terminated the last day of probation. So, now what? Thousands of dollars later and no assistance from the Feds. Those involved should be punished for their conspiracy. I always thought comspiracy was a felony.

Total Comments: 18
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