Section 6-B1611. VERBAL COUNSELING

 

1611.1As an employer, the District and its managerial staff have an obligation to create a fair, supportive, and transparent work environment that lessens the need for disciplinary action.

 

1611.2However, when employees engage in misconduct or fail to meet performance standards, steps shall be taken to gather the relevant facts, correctly identify the problem(s), and then decide whether further action is warranted.

 

1611.3As a first step within the continuum of progressive discipline, management should attempt to correct misconduct and performance deficits. When appropriate to the circumstances, employees shall first be counseled concerning misconduct. Performance matters shall be progressively addressed as set forth in Chapter 14.

 

1611.4When counseling the employee is deemed appropriate to the circumstances the supervisor or manager shall:

 

(a) Articulate the relevant conduct standard(s);

 

(b) Explain how the employee has failed to meet those standards;

 

(c) Explain management’s conduct expectations; and

 

(d)Explain the potential consequences if those expectations are not met prospectively. 

 

1611.5Within five (5) days, supervisors shall follow-up verbal counseling with a letter (or e-mail) to the employee. The correspondence shall establish the date, time, and content of all verbal counseling described in this section, and shall restate the information contained in § 1611.4. Supervisors shall retain a copy of the correspondence for a period of no less than two years, but it shall not be made a part of the official personnel file.

 

1611.6While verbal counseling is a step within the disciplinary model, it is neither a corrective nor adverse action for purposes of this chapter.

 

 

authority

Child and Youth, Safety and Health Omnibus Amendment Act of 2004 (CYSHA), effective April 13, 2005 (D.C. Law 15-353; D.C. Official Code §§ 4-1501.01 et seq. (2012 Repl.)); Sections 422 (2), (3), and (11) of the District of Columbia Home Rule Act, approved December 24, 1973 (87 Stat. 790; D.C. Official Code §§ 1-204.22(2), (3), and (11) (2016 Repl.)); Mayor’s Order 2008-92, dated June 26, 2008; and Mayor’s Order 2012-84, dated June 18, 2012, and with the concurrence of the City Administrator.

source

Final Rulemaking published at 34 DCR 1845 (March 20, 1987); as amended by Final Rulemaking published at 47 DCR 7094 (September 1, 2000); as amended by Final Rulemaking published at 63 DCR 1265 (February 5, 2016); as amended by Final Rulemaking published at 64 DCR 4623 (May 12, 2017).