Federal Employment Law

Are federal employees at will? No—most federal employees are not considered at-will. They are protected by civil service laws, which require just cause for termination and provide due process rights, including appeal options. Exceptions exist for certain political appointees and policy-making roles, which may be designated as at-will. Recent proposals have also aimed to expand at-will classifications, but the majority of federal employees remain protected under existing personnel rules. Think of federal employment as a different ballgame altogether. While private …

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What Is Considered Federal Employee Misconduct? If you are informed that you have been reported for misconduct, it is important to know what exactly qualifies as misconduct for a federal employee. These are clearly defined, therefore, can be listed and classified by severity. Falsification of Records Federal employees are entrusted to run elements of the federal government with honesty and transparency. Falsification of records is a severe infraction, even if the records are personal reports. However, the more the records …

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Before we dive into what you can do in the unlikely event of a Reduction in Force (RIF), let’s define it. When a federal agency chooses to abolish one or more employment positions, this is what is known as a Reduction In Force (RIF) in the federal government. Once an RIF has begun to take place, the agency in question is required to follow strict OPM Guidelines. A federal employee who is affected by a Reduction in Force will also have …

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A security clearance in federal employment is a formal determination that an individual is eligible to access classified information or work in sensitive positions. The clearance is granted after a thorough background check that assesses the individual’s trustworthiness, reliability, and loyalty to the United States. Security clearances are essential for many federal jobs and contractors working with sensitive government information. However, obtaining and maintaining a security clearance is not guaranteed. Understanding the main reasons why clearances get denied or revoked …

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Absence Without Leave, commonly known as AWOL, is a serious charge that can be levied against federal employees who are not present at their workplace without proper authorization. Understanding the intricacies of AWOL meaning is crucial for both federal employees and supervisors to maintain a productive and compliant work environment. What does AWOL mean in federal employment? AWOL refers to an unauthorized absence from work or duty without obtaining prior approval from the appropriate chain of command. This can include …

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Starting a career in the federal government is an exciting journey, but it comes with a unique twist – the federal employee probationary period. This crucial first year can make or break your future in public service. Whether you’re a fresh-faced recruit or a seasoned professional transitioning to government work, understanding the ins and outs of this trial period is essential for your success. What is the federal employee probationary period? The federal employee probationary period is generally a one-year …

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