Summary – Employee Policy Handbook

Introduction

Applies to all Township employees unless superseded by labor contracts, individual employment contracts, or Public Safety Department procedures.
Employment is at-will, unless otherwise provided by contract.
Department Heads may set additional Standard Operating Procedures with Supervisor approval.

Defines regular full-time, regular part-time, and casual employees.
Orientation familiarizes new employees with Township procedures.
Supervisors and Department Heads are expected to set professional standards, maintain confidentiality, and demonstrate leadership.

Employees are paid biweekly via direct deposit.
Normal Township office hours: Mon–Thu, 7:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
Overtime: Paid at time and one-half after 40 hours (with prior approval). Some employees are exempt.

Citizen Service: Employees must be courteous and professional.
Job Duties: May be changed at Township’s discretion.
Absences: Must notify supervisor before shift; unexcused absences are unpaid. Excessive absences may result in discipline.
Transfers: Allowed at Township Supervisor’s discretion.
Layoff/Recall: Determined by Township; layoff exceeding 6 months = termination.
Breaks: Two 10-minute breaks plus a lunch period; schedules vary by department.
Dress Code: Professional appearance required. Uniforms where mandated.
Cell Phones: Personal use must be minimal and not visible/audible in public areas.
Outside Employment: Allowed if no conflict of interest, Township resources are not used, and duties are not impaired.

Violations may result in discipline up to termination. Examples include:
- Poor performance, insubordination, theft, fighting, intoxication, falsification of records, excessive absences, unsafe practices, harassment, or policy violations.
Township reserves right to act on other misconduct not explicitly listed.

Workplace Violence Policy: Zero tolerance for threats or acts of violence; possession of weapons prohibited. Violations may lead to termination.
Electronic Communications Policy: Township-owned system; no expectation of privacy; prohibits unauthorized use, software installation, or inappropriate communications.
Social Media Policy: Employees must not imply they speak for the Township; must avoid disparaging or harmful posts; retaliation prohibited.
Wireless Internet Policy: Free public Wi-Fi; Township not responsible for misuse, damage, or security risks.
Family & Medical Leave (FMLA): Up to 12 weeks unpaid leave; requires notice and medical certification. Health benefits continue during leave.
Smoking Policy: Prohibits smoking/vaping in Township buildings; permitted only in designated outdoor areas.
Substance Abuse Policy: Strict prohibitions on alcohol and drugs (including marijuana, even if legal); testing permitted under certain conditions; violations can result in termination.
Safety & Injury Policy: Emphasizes accident prevention, mandatory protective equipment, and immediate reporting of injuries/unsafe conditions.
Safe Driving Policy: Employees expected to drive defensively; accidents investigated for preventability.