(a) Generally. An employee may apply to the appointing authority for leave without pay for personal reasons. The appointing authority may authorize the leave for periods not to exceed 20 work days in a calendar year.
(b) Extended leave without pay. In addition to the leave granted under the provisions of subsection (a), requests for leave of absence without pay for not more than 40 work days in a calendar year may be granted by the appointing authority with the approval of the Personnel Officer and, in cases of extreme and warranted need, leave without pay for more than 40 work days in a calendar year may be granted by the Personnel Officer with the approval of the Chief Administrative Officer.
(c) Return to former position after extended leave without pay. An employee who is granted leave without pay for more than 60 work days is not guaranteed to be restored to the position that the employee left, unless the employee has left the County in good standing and the position is vacant and available or the employee is entitled to reinstatement rights under other law. If an employee on approved leave without pay for more than 60 days is not restored to the position left and the employee applies for and meets the minimum qualifications for the position, the employee shall be afforded priority employment consideration for a period of one year from termination.
(d) Effect on seniority and vacation accrual. Unless otherwise provided by other law, an employee who has been on an approved leave without pay and returns to active County service within one year from the date granted leave without pay shall be entitled to seniority and vacation accrual based only on the total years of active County service, and not for the period of leave without pay.
(e) Effect on annual or disability leave, and holiday pay. An employee on leave without pay in excess of 60 days may not accrue annual or disability leave credits, and is not entitled to holiday pay.
(f) Health plan premium. Employees on leave without pay shall pay the full health plan premium cost beginning the first day of the month following the 60th day of leave without pay, except that, in cases of extreme and compelling need, the Chief Administrative Officer may decrease or eliminate an employee's share of the premium cost.
(1985 Code, Art. 8, § 1-304) (Bill No. 57-90; Bill No. 58-91; Bill No. 73-92; Bill No. 65-97; Bill No. 79-98; Bill No. 89-01)