Attendance
The work week is typically 40 hours per week. The workday is typically 8 hours.
Your supervisor will assign a work schedule to you which considers the business needs of your work unit.
You are responsible for letting your supervisor know as soon as possible if you expect to be late or absent from work. In instances of planned absences, request your leave by email.
Training
All VDH employees, volunteers, and contractors must complete certain components the Statewide Employee Orientation Program training, located in TRAIN Virginia (our learning management system).
As a contractor, you may not need to take many of these courses. And, depending on your role, you may have to take additional training. Ask your supervisor if there is specific training you will need for your job.
For example, if you will handle or negotiate contracts, you must complete conflict of interest training. If you come in contact with patient records, you must take Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) training.
Conduct
These policies apply to employees, contractors and volunteers at VDH:
- Alcohol and Other Drugs
- Confidentiality Policy
- Driver Safety, if applicable (VDH Driver Safety Policy)
- Use of Electronic Communications and Social Media Policy
- VDH Information Security Access Agreement
- Workplace Harassment
- Workplace Safety and Employee Health (VDH Workplace Safety and Employee Health Program)
- Workplace Violence (VDH Policy 1.80)
- VDH Code of Ethics
You should have received copies of these policies from your Human Resources Representative/Analyst, read them and signed the acknowledgement of receipt. If you have any questions about them, ask your supervisor or HR Analyst.
What is a Workplace?
A workplace is any location where you perform any work-related duty. It can be temporary or permanent and includes:
- Buildings and the surrounding perimeters
- Parking lots
- Field locations
- Alternate work locations
- Travel to and from work assignments (not including your normal commute to work)
Workplace Violence
Workplace violence is forbidden.
Workplace violence is physical assault, threatening behavior or verbal abuse.
We take workplace violence very seriously, and take specific steps to prevent and respond to acts of violence. All acts or threats of violence will be handled expeditiously.
Employees, contractors, and volunteers may not carry weapons on VDH property or work locations.
It is everyone’s responsibility to prevent violence in the workplace. Employees, contractors, and volunteers are often in a better position than management to know what is happening with those with whom they work. If you see or hear anything that could lead to a violent situation, please notify your supervisor.
Alcohol and Drugs
Alcohol, marijuana, cannabis, and other drugs in the workplace could undermine the productivity of the workforce and can create a serious threat to the welfare of your fellow workers and to our customers.
The alcohol & other drugs policy forbids certain behaviors within and outside of the workplace.
You are prohibited from the unlawful or unauthorized manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, or
use of alcohol and other drugs in the workplace or while on official duty representing
the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Impairment while performing job duties from the use of alcohol, marijuana or other drugs (except the use of drugs for legitimate medical purposes) is also forbidden.
If you are convicted for certain violations, even if they occur outside of the workplace, you must immediately report the conviction to your supervisor. For example, if you receive a DUI ticket over the weekend, you don’t have to report it. If you go to court and are convicted, you must report that to your supervisor.
Electronic Communication
Most positions require that you use a computer and have access to the internet and email to complete your
work.
In general, you should limit your use of your computer and the internet for conducting state business. Personal use should be limited.
You should expect your use to be monitored and you must never use your computer or internet to transmit
obscene, discriminatory or fraudulent materials.
Tobacco Use
Tobacco use is forbidden in all facilities occupied or operated by VDH, whether state-owned, commercially or locally leased and includes:
- Parking garages
- Covered walkways
- Temporary enclosed structures
- Trailers and tents, and
- Structures placed on state-owned property by contractors or vendors.
Tobacco use is banned in all state-owned vehicles and rental vehicles obtained from DGS rental car contract.
You may use your breaks to smoke or use tobacco products.
Contractors must dispose of their tobacco waste in ash urns and should not litter state-owned or leased property.
Signs are posted around the Madison Building area indicating areas where smoking is forbidden.
Please check your workplace for such signs, speak with your supervisor, HR rep or Business Manager to help you identify areas where you may be permitted to smoke.
VDH Code of Ethics
VDH requires each worker to demonstrate the agency’s Code of Ethics’ Core Values and Commitments with uncompromising integrity in all aspects of their work. The Code of Ethics is the foundation for accomplishing the VDH mission, delivering public health services, and inspiring the public’s trust in VDH workers.
Agency Values
- Accountability
- Communication
- Confidentiality
- Diversity
- Equity
- Excellence
- Integrity
- Objectivity
- Respect
- Stewardship
Agency Commitments
- Obey the law and comply with policies and procedures
- Promote a positive work environment
- Work safely
- Promote health equity
- Maintain confidentiality of sensitive patient and client information, employee records and other private information
- Carefully negotiate contracts and make responsible purchases
- Avoid conflicts of interest
- Neither give nor receive any illegal gifts, favors or kickbacks
- Report suspected wrongdoing conduct promptly
- Address confirmed misconduct in a consistent and appropriate manner
- Protect financial assets and resources