Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which of the following is NOT an example of unlawful harassment according to the text?
Which of the following is NOT an example of unlawful harassment according to the text?
If an employee is found to have violated the County's policy against unlawful harassment, what is a possible consequence?
If an employee is found to have violated the County's policy against unlawful harassment, what is a possible consequence?
Which of the following is considered a protected characteristic under the County's policy?
Which of the following is considered a protected characteristic under the County's policy?
Who is responsible for maintaining a workplace free of unlawful harassment?
Who is responsible for maintaining a workplace free of unlawful harassment?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following laws is NOT mentioned in the text as potentially being violated by unlawful harassment?
Which of the following laws is NOT mentioned in the text as potentially being violated by unlawful harassment?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the County's commitment regarding complaints of unlawful harassment?
What is the County's commitment regarding complaints of unlawful harassment?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the primary concern of the St.Johns County Board of County Commissioners regarding substance abuse?
What is the primary concern of the St.Johns County Board of County Commissioners regarding substance abuse?
Signup and view all the answers
According to the policy, what is the first step toward eliminating substance abuse?
According to the policy, what is the first step toward eliminating substance abuse?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following laws or regulations are mentioned as the basis for the St.Johns County Drug and Alcohol Policy?
Which of the following laws or regulations are mentioned as the basis for the St.Johns County Drug and Alcohol Policy?
Signup and view all the answers
Who is required to read and sign the "Drug Testing Policy – Certificate of Acknowledgement" form?
Who is required to read and sign the "Drug Testing Policy – Certificate of Acknowledgement" form?
Signup and view all the answers
Where can the full version of the St.Johns County Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy be found?
Where can the full version of the St.Johns County Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy be found?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the purpose of the St.Johns County Fire Rescue personnel's requirement to conduct themselves in a highly self-disciplined manner?
What is the purpose of the St.Johns County Fire Rescue personnel's requirement to conduct themselves in a highly self-disciplined manner?
Signup and view all the answers
According to the policy, what are the potential costs of substance abuse in the workplace?
According to the policy, what are the potential costs of substance abuse in the workplace?
Signup and view all the answers
When are employees covered by a collective bargaining agreement required to comply with the provisions of the Drug and Alcohol Policy?
When are employees covered by a collective bargaining agreement required to comply with the provisions of the Drug and Alcohol Policy?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the purpose of the Workers' Compensation premium discount and irrefutable presumption of intoxication mentioned in the policy?
What is the purpose of the Workers' Compensation premium discount and irrefutable presumption of intoxication mentioned in the policy?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the effective date of the St.Johns County Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy for employees not covered by a collective bargaining agreement?
What is the effective date of the St.Johns County Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy for employees not covered by a collective bargaining agreement?
Signup and view all the answers
What defines conduct as sexual harassment according to the text?
What defines conduct as sexual harassment according to the text?
Signup and view all the answers
What is considered conduct that creates a hostile work environment?
What is considered conduct that creates a hostile work environment?
Signup and view all the answers
What are some examples of conduct that may constitute violations of the County's policy prohibiting sexual harassment?
What are some examples of conduct that may constitute violations of the County's policy prohibiting sexual harassment?
Signup and view all the answers
Who is responsible for immediately notifying the Personnel Services Department of any complaints of harassment?
Who is responsible for immediately notifying the Personnel Services Department of any complaints of harassment?
Signup and view all the answers
What type of conduct may constitute an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working environment?
What type of conduct may constitute an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working environment?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following is NOT mentioned as unwelcome behavior that could lead to sexual harassment?
Which of the following is NOT mentioned as unwelcome behavior that could lead to sexual harassment?
Signup and view all the answers
What is one type of physical contact that may constitute a violation of the County's policy prohibiting sexual harassment?
What is one type of physical contact that may constitute a violation of the County's policy prohibiting sexual harassment?
Signup and view all the answers
What might happen to someone who violates the County's policy prohibiting unlawful harassment?
What might happen to someone who violates the County's policy prohibiting unlawful harassment?
Signup and view all the answers
'Submission to the conduct is an explicit or implicit term or condition of employment or continued employment.' What does this statement refer to according to the text?
'Submission to the conduct is an explicit or implicit term or condition of employment or continued employment.' What does this statement refer to according to the text?
Signup and view all the answers
What would be classified as abusive conduct directed at a person based upon their gender?
What would be classified as abusive conduct directed at a person based upon their gender?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the primary function of legal counsel for a member in disciplinary actions resulting from alleged criminal activity?
What is the primary function of legal counsel for a member in disciplinary actions resulting from alleged criminal activity?
Signup and view all the answers
What must be completed before formal action is taken on an accusation of misconduct or complaint involving Department personnel?
What must be completed before formal action is taken on an accusation of misconduct or complaint involving Department personnel?
Signup and view all the answers
Who is responsible for assigning an investigating officer for accusations or complaints of criminal misconduct?
Who is responsible for assigning an investigating officer for accusations or complaints of criminal misconduct?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the purpose of reviewing an employee's history as part of an investigative report?
What is the purpose of reviewing an employee's history as part of an investigative report?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the consequence for a member who fails to answer questions completely and truthfully that are related to their duties or fitness for duty?
What is the consequence for a member who fails to answer questions completely and truthfully that are related to their duties or fitness for duty?
Signup and view all the answers
When can supervisors inspect or search lockers, desks, etc. furnished by the Department for the use of personnel?
When can supervisors inspect or search lockers, desks, etc. furnished by the Department for the use of personnel?
Signup and view all the answers
What must be included in the investigative report before it will be considered complete?
What must be included in the investigative report before it will be considered complete?
Signup and view all the answers
What must a member be advised of before an administrative interview in an investigation involving a criminal matter?
What must a member be advised of before an administrative interview in an investigation involving a criminal matter?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the primary purpose of the investigative process described in the text?
What is the primary purpose of the investigative process described in the text?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the Fire Rescue Chief's discretion regarding the suspension or reassignment of an employee pending the outcome of an investigation?
What is the Fire Rescue Chief's discretion regarding the suspension or reassignment of an employee pending the outcome of an investigation?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the purpose of the Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy?
What is the purpose of the Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the requirement for employees regarding the Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy?
What is the requirement for employees regarding the Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the most often used and least severe of the formal group of corrective actions?
What is the most often used and least severe of the formal group of corrective actions?
Signup and view all the answers
What must be included in a memo documenting Verbal Counseling?
What must be included in a memo documenting Verbal Counseling?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the purpose of a Written Warning?
What is the purpose of a Written Warning?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a key factor to be considered in making a decision concerning disciplinary action?
What is a key factor to be considered in making a decision concerning disciplinary action?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the purpose of the Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy?
What is the purpose of the Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the requirement for employees regarding the Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy?
What is the requirement for employees regarding the Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the purpose of a Written Warning?
What is the purpose of a Written Warning?
Signup and view all the answers
What must be included in a memo documenting Verbal Counseling?
What must be included in a memo documenting Verbal Counseling?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the first step fire rescue officers take in administering discipline according to the St. Johns County Fire Rescue policy?
What is the first step fire rescue officers take in administering discipline according to the St. Johns County Fire Rescue policy?
Signup and view all the answers
According to the policy, what is the principal objective of disciplinary action?
According to the policy, what is the principal objective of disciplinary action?
Signup and view all the answers
What forms of disciplinary action can be taken depending on the severity of the offense?
What forms of disciplinary action can be taken depending on the severity of the offense?
Signup and view all the answers
Under what circumstances is it mandatory for supervisors to seek support from their superiors prior to taking disciplinary action?
Under what circumstances is it mandatory for supervisors to seek support from their superiors prior to taking disciplinary action?
Signup and view all the answers
What should fire rescue officers do if a serious job performance problem is identified?
What should fire rescue officers do if a serious job performance problem is identified?
Signup and view all the answers
What should happen if a member's performance does not improve after a training program for improvement?
What should happen if a member's performance does not improve after a training program for improvement?
Signup and view all the answers
In what situation does an employee have the right to Union representation according to the St. Johns County Fire Rescue policy?
In what situation does an employee have the right to Union representation according to the St. Johns County Fire Rescue policy?
Signup and view all the answers
What happens if a member requests not to be represented by the Union in disciplinary actions or investigations?
What happens if a member requests not to be represented by the Union in disciplinary actions or investigations?
Signup and view all the answers
What are some of the forms of disciplinary action that may be administered by fire rescue officers according to the policy?
What are some of the forms of disciplinary action that may be administered by fire rescue officers according to the policy?
Signup and view all the answers
Why should officers document a program for improvement when developing it for an employee?
Why should officers document a program for improvement when developing it for an employee?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the purpose of a Written Warning?
What is the purpose of a Written Warning?
Signup and view all the answers
What happens if a member refuses to sign a Written Warning?
What happens if a member refuses to sign a Written Warning?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the purpose of a Written Reprimand?
What is the purpose of a Written Reprimand?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the process for issuing a Written Reprimand?
What is the process for issuing a Written Reprimand?
Signup and view all the answers
What happens if a member refuses to sign a Written Reprimand?
What happens if a member refuses to sign a Written Reprimand?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the responsibility of the supervisor when a situation requires immediate action?
What is the responsibility of the supervisor when a situation requires immediate action?
Signup and view all the answers
Who makes the final decision concerning suspensions, demotions, or discharge?
Who makes the final decision concerning suspensions, demotions, or discharge?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the role of the Employee Assistance Program (EAP)?
What is the role of the Employee Assistance Program (EAP)?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the purpose of suspensions, demotions, and discharge?
What is the purpose of suspensions, demotions, and discharge?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the responsibility of the supervisor when a member is having personal problems?
What is the responsibility of the supervisor when a member is having personal problems?
Signup and view all the answers
According to the policy, whose responsibility is it to attend harassment training?
According to the policy, whose responsibility is it to attend harassment training?
Signup and view all the answers
How should an employee initially respond if they feel they are being harassed?
How should an employee initially respond if they feel they are being harassed?
Signup and view all the answers
If an employee is uncomfortable confronting the harasser directly, what should they do?
If an employee is uncomfortable confronting the harasser directly, what should they do?
Signup and view all the answers
If a complaint involves a Personnel Services employee, who should the employee report it to?
If a complaint involves a Personnel Services employee, who should the employee report it to?
Signup and view all the answers
What will happen to an employee found to be in violation of the harassment policy?
What will happen to an employee found to be in violation of the harassment policy?
Signup and view all the answers
How does the policy address retaliation against employees who file harassment complaints?
How does the policy address retaliation against employees who file harassment complaints?
Signup and view all the answers
What might happen if an employee makes a false accusation of harassment?
What might happen if an employee makes a false accusation of harassment?
Signup and view all the answers
According to the policy, what behaviors are considered unacceptable beyond unlawful harassment?
According to the policy, what behaviors are considered unacceptable beyond unlawful harassment?
Signup and view all the answers
Whose responsibility is it to prevent bullying, hazing, and harassment in the workplace?
Whose responsibility is it to prevent bullying, hazing, and harassment in the workplace?
Signup and view all the answers
If an employee has a concern about hazing, harassment, or bullying, how should they resolve the issue?
If an employee has a concern about hazing, harassment, or bullying, how should they resolve the issue?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Harassment Policy
- Unlawful harassment includes conduct that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working environment, and can be based on race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, marital status, disability, or genetics.
- Examples of harassment include:
- Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and physical, verbal, or visual conduct of a sexual nature.
- Epithets, slurs, negative stereotyping, or threatening, intimidating, or hostile acts.
- Written or graphic material that denigrates or shows hostility toward an individual or group.
- Harassment can be committed by supervisors, co-workers, vendors, clients, or anyone else.
- The County is committed to promptly and thoroughly investigating all complaints of harassment.
Responsibilities
- All personnel are responsible for maintaining a workplace free of harassment and intimidation.
- Managers and supervisors are responsible for:
- Preventing and eliminating harassment in their work areas.
- Immediately notifying the Personnel Services Department of any complaints of harassment.
- Attending harassment training as required.
- All personnel are responsible for:
- Reporting harassing or discriminating conduct.
- Attending harassment training as required.
Complaint Procedure
- Any member who believes they are being harassed should:
- Confront the person doing the harassing and request that they stop.
- Report the harassment to their supervisor, department chief, or Personnel Services Department staff member.
- The Personnel Services Department will investigate or coordinate the investigation of any complaint of harassment.
- Complaints will be investigated with care and will remain confidential to the extent possible.
Disciplinary Action
- Any member found to be in violation of the County's harassment policy will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.
- There will be no retaliation against any applicant, employee, or auxiliary member who files a harassment charge or participates in an investigation.
Hazing and Bullying
- The County recognizes that hazing and bullying can have a serious impact on employees' personal wellbeing.
- The policy outlines the responsibilities of officers to:
- Set examples and standards of behavior.
- Ensure personnel know what is expected of them.
- Provide support when required.
- Every member has a responsibility for preventing hazing, bullying, and harassment.
Drug and Alcohol Policy
- The purpose of the policy is to protect the health and safety of employees and the general public.
- The policy applies to all St. Johns County employees and job applicants.
- Employees are required to read and sign the "Drug Testing Policy – Certificate of Acknowledgement" form.
- The policy outlines the procedures for drug testing, including pre-employment, reasonable suspicion, and post-accident testing.
Fire Rescue Discipline Policy
- The purpose of the policy is to ensure that Fire Rescue personnel conduct themselves in a highly self-disciplined manner.
- The policy outlines the procedures for disciplinary action, including verbal counseling, written warnings, written reprimands, suspensions, demotions, and dismissals.
- Discipline will be administered in a corrective, progressive, and lawful manner.
- The policy also outlines the procedures for investigating misconduct and taking disciplinary action.
Investigative Process
- Any accusation of misconduct or complaint involving Department personnel will be thoroughly investigated before formal action is taken.
- The investigative report must include a summary of the incident, interviews conducted, employee history, conclusions, recommendations, and attachments.
- The completed report will be forwarded to the Fire Rescue Chief via the appropriate Section Chief.
- A member may be compelled by supervisors to answer questions related to their duties or fitness for duty.
- Failure to answer such questions completely and truthfully may form the basis for disciplinary action.### Disciplinary Actions
- Written Warning: documented on the appropriate action form, refusal to sign is not grounds for separate disciplinary action
- Written Reprimand: for repeat offenses of minor infractions or single serious infractions, approved by Section Chief and Fire Rescue Chief, a copy placed in personnel file
- Suspensions, Demotions, and Discharge: for numerous repeated incidents or single major infractions, final decision made by Fire Rescue Chief
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Provides assistance for personal problems, such as alcohol, drug, stress, marital, or financial problems
- Supervisors must be aware of potential policy violations
Workplace Harassment Policy
- Purpose: maintain a work environment free of harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, marital status, disability, and genetics
- Scope: all Fire Rescue personnel
- Unlawful harassment: verbal or physical conduct that denigrates or shows hostility towards an individual
Substance Abuse Policy
- Purpose: eliminate substance abuse related costs and ensure a drug-free work place
- Testing: blood or urine tests to determine influence of alcohol, drugs, or controlled substances while on duty
- Policy implementation: general notice to all employees, condition of employment, and full compliance required
Determining Disciplinary Action
- Factors to consider: seriousness of the offense, member's past history, and past practice of the Fire Department
- Consistency is critical in disciplinary action, final decision made after considering factors
Supervisory Counseling
- Verbal Counseling: verbal warning, serves to notify employees of needed behavior changes, notes kept for future reference
- Written Warning: documented incident, recognition of policy violation, and future course of action determined
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Test your knowledge about workplace harassment policies and laws. This quiz covers important aspects of maintaining a harassment-free work environment as outlined in laws such as Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act.