Maternity/paternity leave is defined as time granted to a benefited employee (as defined in
Procedure 7.12.1 Definitions) for pregnancy, childbirth, postnatal care, foster placement or adoption. A benefited employee with one year of service is entitled to four calendar weeks maternity/paternity leave with pay according to established procedures.
A. At a point not later than the sixth month of pregnancy, the employee shall inform her/his supervisor and the Human Resources Officer of the expected date of delivery and the probable date that maternity/paternity leave will commence. The request must be accompanied by a letter from the health care provider giving the following information: (1) expected date of confinement and (2) date beyond which working is not recommended because a continuation of the work normally performed by the employee will seriously endanger the health of the employee or unborn child.
B. Short-term, infrequent absences for illness resulting from pregnancy are governed by
Procedure 7.5.4 Sick Leave.
C. Maternity/paternity leave may begin after the twenty-sixth week of pregnancy and will terminate at an approved period of time. The employee may also request in advance to the supervisor to utilize accrued sick leave, vacation, and personal leave for a maximum length of time away from the job of three calendar months or twelve-weeks whichever is greater, including the four calendar week maternity/paternity leave. Approved maternity/paternity leave must be taken within six months of the birth or placement/adoption. Extended maternity/paternity leave for an additional time without pay may be granted according to
Procedure 7.5.12 Leaves of Absence.
D. Maternity/paternity leave may be used by adoptive/foster parents. Person(s) applying for adoption must notify the Human Resources Office in writing of prospective adoption/placement plans. Upon completion of four-week maternity/paternity leave, proof of adoption/foster placement must be provided to the Human Resources Office.
E. Any employee on maternity/paternity leave is guaranteed he/she will return to the same position he/she left and at the same salary unless the position has been eliminated through
Procedure 7.2.16 Reduction in Force or the pay schedule has been changed.
F. Review
Procedure 7.5.5 Sick Leave Bank and
Procedure 7.5.12 Leaves of Absence for additional information regarding maternity/paternity.
