I-N-25 Use of Sick Leave 02/12/2013

Questions and Answers

What defines abuse of sick leave?

Taking sick leave only during weekends

Excessive occurrences of unexcused sick leave usage (correct)

Occasional use of sick leave in accordance with established guidelines

Using sick leave for approved medical appointments

What is required for sick leave to be excused?

A written request submitted in advance

Notification to team members about absence

An original proof of illness or injury (correct)

Self-declaration of illness

How is an occurrence of sick leave defined?

Any time off taken during working hours

Each continuous absence greater than 24 hours for designated work week personnel (correct)

A single absence of more than 24 hours for part-time personnel

Each continuous absence greater than 8 hours for full-time staff

What is not considered a valid reason for using sick leave?

To attend an important personal appointment Signup and view all the answers

Which documentation is required to support a claim of excused sick leave?

An original physician's note with specific details Signup and view all the answers

How does a Sick Emergency differ from regular sick leave?

It does not require a physician's note Signup and view all the answers

What duration of absence constitutes an occurrence of sick leave for personnel on a 40-hour work week?

More than 8 hours Signup and view all the answers

What is considered a Sick Emergency?

Leave taken for a life-threatening illness of an immediate family member Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum number of days that can be granted for Emergency Sick Leave in a leave year without special approval?

Three days Signup and view all the answers

Who qualifies as immediate family for the purpose of Emergency Sick Leave?

Grandmother or grandfather Signup and view all the answers

What is required from an employee who wishes to use Emergency Sick Leave?

An MDFR Emergency Sick Leave Statement Signup and view all the answers

Which personnel must contact the Staffing Office if unable to report to work?

48-hour work week personnel Signup and view all the answers

What action should a 40-hour work week employee take if they cannot reach their PAR Supervisor after two attempts?

Call the Fire Alarm Office Chief/Supervisor Signup and view all the answers

When will the PAR Supervisor review sick leave usage?

Every two weeks, at the start of the month Signup and view all the answers

What is required if an employee has used more than 48 hours of sick leave consecutively on a 48-hour work week schedule?

Wellness check by their PAR Supervisor Signup and view all the answers

What happens if an employee does not use any sick leave in a twelve-month performance evaluation period?

They receive a Perfect Attendance Certificate Signup and view all the answers

What must an employee demonstrate to be eligible for Emergency Sick Leave?

Sick leave availability Signup and view all the answers

Under which circumstances can the Fire Chief or designee grant additional Emergency Sick Leave days?

In case of life-threatening illnesses Signup and view all the answers

What is classified as Sick Injured leave?

Leave due to a work-related illness or injury Signup and view all the answers

Which scenario does NOT require proof of illness or injury?

Using sick leave for maternity/paternity leave Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the PAR Supervisor in sick leave procedures?

To verify and retain proof of illness or injury Signup and view all the answers

When can an employee call out sick without taking the entire shift off?

If they go home sick after reporting to work Signup and view all the answers

How many occurrences of unexcused sick leave are allowed for 40-hour work week personnel before it is considered abuse?

Two occurrences Signup and view all the answers

What kind of leave does NOT count towards determining abuse of sick leave?

All sick leave used during a leave year Signup and view all the answers

What must an employee submit when returning to work after using sick leave?

A completed Employee Sick Leave Form Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if an employee wants to cancel scheduled sick leave?

Contact the PAR Supervisor before noon Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT considered an appropriate reason to use sick leave?

Family member's ordinary illness Signup and view all the answers

What happens if an employee provides fraudulent proof of illness or injury?

They may be subject to disciplinary action Signup and view all the answers

What documentation may be requested if sick leave is for personal medical or dental appointments?

A physician’s treatment statement Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum number of hours of unexcused sick leave allowed in a leave year for 48-hour work week personnel?

72 hours Signup and view all the answers

What should an employee do if they wish the sick leave usage to be considered excused?

Provide proof of illness or injury Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Sick Leave Guidelines

Sick leave is a benefit for employees to recuperate from illness or injury, governed by the Miami-Dade County Leave Manual.
Abuse of sick leave includes unexcused usage that negatively affects departmental efficiency and patterns associated with scheduled days off or weekends.

Types of Sick Leave

Excused Sick Leave: Requires original proof of illness or injury submitted to the appropriate PAR Supervisor.
Unexcused Sick Leave: Not documented with proof; can lead to abuse classification.
Sick Emergency: Leave for life-threatening illness of an immediate family member; this does not count toward sick leave usage.
Sick Injured: Leave for work-related illness or injury, not counted against sick leave usage when approved by the County.

Sick Leave Usage Procedures

Sick leave can be utilized for personal illness, medical appointments (with prior approval), and postpartum recovery or infant care after childbirth or adoption.
Submission of an Employee Sick Leave Form is mandatory upon returning to work.

Proof of Illness or Injury

Employees must provide a doctor's note for specific situations, such as using sick leave on the same day as a scheduled physical.
Documentation must be general and does not require specific medical details.

Abuse of Sick Leave

Patterns indicating abuse may include excessive occurrences or amounts of unexcused sick leave:
- For 48-hour work week personnel: More than two occurrences or over 72 hours in a leave year.
- For 40-hour work week personnel: More than two occurrences or over 60 hours in a leave year.
Approved leave related to work injuries, FMLA, or hospitalization will not be factored into abuse assessments.

Corrective Actions

Employees identified as abusing sick leave may receive counseling, disciplinary actions, or placement in non-pay status.
Fraudulent proof of illness or injury will lead to appropriate disciplinary measures.

Emergency Sick Leave

Limited to three days per leave year for life-threatening illnesses in immediate family (spouse, children, parents, siblings, grandchildren).
Requires completion of an MDFR Emergency Sick Leave Statement to be submitted upon return to work.

Employee Responsibilities

Personnel must notify the appropriate contacts (Staffing Office or PAR Supervisor) as soon as possible if unable to report to work, adhering to specific timeframes.
Failure to notify properly may lead to consequences as per department regulations.

PAR Supervisor Responsibilities

Regularly review sick leave usage and employee leave history to identify any patterns of abuse.
Maintain confidentiality of sick leave documentation and only retain necessary documents in a secure manner.

Perfect Attendance Recognition

Employees who do not use any sick leave in a twelve-month evaluation period are awarded a Perfect Attendance Certificate from the Fire Chief.

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Description

This quiz covers the guidelines for sick leave as outlined in the Miami-Dade County Leave Manual. Participants will learn about the intent behind sick leave benefits, acceptable usage, and the consequences of abuse. Understanding these policies is crucial for maintaining proper leave protocols in the workplace.