Policy Statement
Appointments to and promotions within the public service can only be made through a Public Service Commission (PSC) approved assessment process. In recognition of short term, unforeseen operational requirements, project-based employment or professional learning opportunities, for periods anticipated to be no longer than 13 weeks for bargaining unit positions and no longer than 12 months for management and non-bargaining unit positions, temporary assignments can be used. When it is anticipated that the operational requirements will exceed those allowable time periods, the vacancy(s) must be filled through a merit-based process.
Application
This policy applies to all organizations specified in Schedule A of the Public Service Commission Act, and to positions in those organizations not otherwise excluded by Section 4 thereof.
Definitions
For the purpose of this policy:
PSC Approved Assessment Processes – defined processes, procedures and standards based on merit to assess candidates for appointments to and promotions within the public service. All processes will be conducted by a Selection Board.
Temporary Assignment – a temporary placement or promotion of an internal employee without the administration of a PSC Approved Assessment Process. For bargaining unit positions, these assignments are for periods not to exceed 13 weeks, and for management and non-bargaining unit positions, these assignments are not to exceed 12 months. Beyond these time frames, PSC approval is required for extensions of temporary assignments for management and non-bargaining unit positions only.
Temporary Hire – an individual, not currently an employee, who is hired without the administration of a PSC Approved Assessment Process. For bargaining unit positions, these assignments are for periods not to exceed 13 weeks, and for management and non-bargaining unit positions, these assignments are not to exceed 12 months. Beyond these time frames, PSC approval is required for extensions of temporary assignments for management and non-bargaining unit positions only.
Roles and Responsibilities
Department/Agency
It is the responsibility of the department/agency to:
- ensure temporary assignments are consistent with the prescribed timelines, and report on all who have been temporarily assigned when requested by the PSC;
- ensure that all vacancies anticipated to exceed 13 weeks for bargaining unit positions and 12 months for management and non-bargaining unit positions are to be filled through a merit-based process; and
- for unique circumstances, requests for extensions of temporary assignments, for management and non-bargaining unit positions only, may be submitted for PSC approval. Extension requests should be submitted at least one month prior to the deadline.
Public Service Commission
The Commission shall:
- consider requests for extensions of temporary assignments for management and non-bargaining unit positions only, and issue approvals where appropriate;
- monitor and audit to ensure compliance with this policy;
- provide guidance and interpretation of this policy; and
- adjudicate complaints related to the application of this policy pursuant to the Public Service Commission Act.