Human Resources & Personnel Management Flashcards
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Read the first 7 Human Resources & Personnel Management flashcards as text
What is a Reduction in Force (RIF) in federal employment?
Answer: A formal process for separating or downgrading employees due to workforce restructuring, budget cuts, or reorganization
A RIF is a formal personnel process used when agencies must reduce staff due to reorganization, lack of work, or funding shortfalls, governed by strict OPM regulations on retention standing.
Under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), how many weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave is an eligible federal employee generally entitled to per year?
Answer: 12 weeks
FMLA entitles eligible employees to up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave per year for qualifying family and medical reasons, with 26 weeks available for military caregiver leave.
What is the primary purpose of a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) in civil service?
Answer: To provide employees with formal notice and a structured opportunity to improve unacceptable performance
A PIP gives employees with unacceptable performance a defined period with specific goals, support, and feedback to demonstrate improvement before further action is taken.
What is 'veterans' preference' in federal hiring?
Answer: A statutory advantage given to eligible veterans in competitive federal hiring examinations and selections
Veterans' preference provides eligible veterans with additional points on civil service examinations and other advantages in federal hiring, honoring their military service.
What is the primary role of the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB)?
Answer: To hear and adjudicate employee appeals of adverse personnel actions
The MSPB is an independent quasi-judicial agency that protects the merit system by hearing employee appeals of removals, demotions, suspensions, and other significant adverse actions.
Which federal office has authority to investigate and prosecute prohibited personnel practices and whistleblower retaliation?
Answer: The Office of Special Counsel (OSC)
The Office of Special Counsel (OSC) is an independent federal investigative and prosecutorial agency responsible for protecting federal employees from prohibited personnel practices, including whistleblower retaliation.
In a federal RIF, which factor is NOT used to determine an employee's retention standing?
Answer: Educational degree level
Retention standing in a RIF is based on tenure group, veterans' preference, and total creditable civilian and military service — educational attainment is not a factor.