Merit System
The Merit System Explained
The merit system assures that all members of our community have an opportunity to enter public service on the basis of open competition and advancement according to their relative abilities.
The merit system covers all phases of personnel administration and includes:
- Recruitment
- Examination
- Selection
- Wage and salary administration
- Position classification
- Training to improve job performance
- Upward mobility within the organization
The system is also designed to protect employees from discrimination, political pressures, and arbitrary removals.
Your appointment resulted from one of several actions:
- You responded to a public announcement for an examination for a position by submitting an application form.
- You were admitted to the required examination(s) because you possessed at least the minimum qualifications for the position.
- You successfully passed the examination(s) and your score resulted in your placement on the eligible list. (For some positions, a rating of Experience and Training is utilized.)
- At some point, you were placed among the top three candidates on the eligible list.
- You were interviewed and selected for appointment, and notified of your starting date and the salary assigned to your position.
Probationary Period
An individual selected for appointment is placed on a six month probationary period, which may be extended for an additional three-month period by the Health Department Director.
The probationary period is utilized for the adjustment of a new employee to the working environment. The Director has the authority to dismiss an employee without cause during this probationary period, except in cases of alleged discrimination.
At least four weeks prior to the end of the probationary period, the employee's supervisor submits a written statement to the Office of Human Resource Management evaluating the services of the employee during the probationary period and indicates if permanent appointment is recommended. Performance evaluation policies and procedures are available from your supervisor.
An employee may, during a probationary period, make application for any other position for which he/she feels qualified; however, if selected for another position he/she must begin the probationary period again.
Permanent Status
An individual who successfully completes the six month probationary period receives permanent status.
Evaluation
Each employee receives an annual evaluation. The evaluation provides an opportunity to review your job performance with your supervisor.
Career Ladders
Career ladders are designed to recognize educational achievements and/or work experience within the department. In some cases, experience earned in other agencies is accepted on an equivalent basis.
Advancement
Employees are encouraged to read all public announcements of employment opportunities and to submit an application for any open position. The merit system is designed to encourage and provide for the professional growth of our employees.
Personnel Information
A full description of current benefits including health, retirement, group term life insurance, personal accident insurance, holidays, personal days, vacation, funeral days, U.S. Savings Bonds, and credit union membership will be provided during your orientation.
Tuition Reimbursement
Professional, clerical-technical, and first level supervisors, who have completed their probationary period are eligible for reimbursement of tuition and fees incurred for college or university level courses, under Allegheny County's Education Program. Specific provisions are contained in the respective labor agreements and memorandum of understanding.
How the Merit System is Evaluated
Since the merit system is designed to attract qualified individuals to do specific jobs, it follows that a merit system agency should be better able to provide proper services to the people it serves.
You have a responsibility to provide the service for the position you occupy. All appointments are submitted to the State Department of Health, who certifies that the candidate selected meets the experience and training for the position. The State Civil Service Commission and State Department of Health provides technical assistance and auditing services to the Health Department.