Frequently Asked Questions about State of Tennessee Careers

Yes, the State of Tennessee requires a criminal background check for certain state positions. The background check typically includes criminal history, credit history, and verification of identity.

1. The State of Tennessee has implemented a number of diversity initiatives to promote a culture of inclusion, respect, and acceptance within the workplace. These initiatives include: • Tennessee's Statewide Diversity and Inclusion Plan, which outlines meaningful strategies for creating and sustaining a diverse and inclusive workplace. • The State of Tennessee's Diversity and Inclusion Council, which works to create an environment where all employees feel respected and valued. • The State of Tennessee's Employee Resource Groups (ERG), which are organized to foster collaboration and exchange of ideas among employees from diverse backgrounds. • The State of Tennessee's Office of Diversity and Inclusion, which provides resources and training to create a more diverse and inclusive workplace. • The State of Tennessee's Diversity and Inclusion Workshops, which provide guidance for state employees on how to create an environment of respect and appreciation for diversity. • The State of Tennessee's Employee Assistance Program, which provides counseling, referrals, and other resources to help employees deal with personal and work-related challenges. • The State of Tennessee's Diversity and Inclusion Training, which provides guidance and best practices for creating a more diverse and inclusive workplace.

Tennessee state employees have access to four different types of health insurance plans: 1. Comprehensive Health Insurance: This plan provides comprehensive coverage for medical, hospital and pharmacy costs. This plan also includes preventive care, as well as coverage for vision and dental services. 2. High Deductible Health Plan: This plan requires a high deductible but offers lower premiums. It is a good choice for those who do not expect to use their health benefits frequently. 3. Health Savings Account Plan: This plan is a combination of a high deductible health plan and a tax-advantaged savings account. This plan allows you to set aside funds to pay for qualified medical expenses. 4. Consumer Driven Health Plan: This plan is a combination of a high-deductible health plan and a Health Reimbursement Account. This plan allows you to set aside funds to pay for qualified medical expenses, and you can use the money in your HRA to pay for qualified medical expenses.

Yes, the State of Tennessee has a number of policies that are specific to its state employees. These policies cover areas such as leave, holidays, benefits, pay, and discipline. The policies can be found on the State of Tennessee's website.

The process for filing a complaint against a state employee in Tennessee is as follows: 1. Gather your information: Make sure you have all the necessary information about the circumstances, the employee involved, and any other relevant details. 2. Contact a supervisor: Contact the employee’s supervisor or the head of the department to which the employee belongs. Make sure you explain your complaint in detail. 3. File a formal complaint: If your complaint is not resolved after speaking with the employee’s supervisor, you can file a formal complaint with the Tennessee State Personnel Department. 4. Wait for a response: The State Personnel Department will investigate your complaint and contact you with its findings. 5. Take legal action: If you are unsatisfied with the response from the State Personnel Department, you may choose to pursue legal action.

1. Cash awards: Cash awards may be granted to employees for exemplary performance or significant accomplishments. 2. Performance awards: Performance awards are granted to employees who demonstrate outstanding performance or sustained superior performance over an extended period of time. 3. Merit awards: Merit awards are one-time, lump-sum rewards that recognize individuals who have performed above and beyond expectations. 4. Length of service awards: Length of service awards are given to employees for achieving certain milestones in their careers. 5. Outstanding achievement awards: Outstanding achievement awards are given to those who have achieved a significant accomplishment or milestone while employed at the state. 6. Special recognition awards: Special recognition awards are given to employees who have completed a special project or project accomplishment. 7. Employee recognition programs: Employee recognition programs are often used to reward and recognize employees for their performance and dedication to their work. 8. Employee appreciation events: Employee appreciation events are held to thank and recognize employees for their contributions to the organization.

Employee performance for state employees in Tennessee is evaluated using the State of Tennessee Performance Management System (PMP). The PMP is a comprehensive system that provides a framework for setting performance goals, assessing performance, and providing feedback and recognition. The system is based on the belief that effective performance management is a key element of successful employee performance. The system includes performance planning, performance feedback, and performance evaluation. The Performance Evaluation is a formal process that includes the supervisor's evaluation of the employee's performance and assigns a rating of "exceeds expectations," "meets expectations," "needs improvement," or "unsatisfactory." The supervisor will also provide written feedback and provide an opportunity for the employee to comment on the evaluation. The evaluation is then reviewed by the Department's Human Resources Office and shared with the employee.

Yes, there are several employee assistance programs available to state employees in Tennessee. The State of Tennessee Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provides confidential counseling and other work/life services to state employees and their families. Additionally, the Tennessee Department of Human Resources offers a variety of services to state employees, such as the Employee Assistance Program, Employee Wellness Program, and Employee Assistance Referral Program.

The grievance process for state employees in Tennessee is outlined in the State of Tennessee Department of Human Resources Administrative Procedures Manual. The grievance process includes the following steps: 1. The employee must file a written grievance within 10 working days of the date that the employee knew or reasonably should have known of the act, event or condition which is the subject of the grievance. 2. The employee’s supervisor will review the grievance and provide written notification of the disposition. 3. If the employee is not satisfied with the supervisor's response, the employee may file a grievance appeal within five working days of the supervisor's response. 4. The grievance appeal will be reviewed by the Human Resources Office, which shall provide written notification of its disposition. 5. If the employee is still not satisfied with the Human Resources Office's response, the employee may submit a written appeal to the Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Human Resources. 6. The Commissioner will provide written notification of the disposition of the appeal.

Yes, there are restrictions on the use of leave by state employees in Tennessee. All employees must adhere to the policies outlined in the State of Tennessee Human Resources Policies and Procedures Manual. Generally, employees can use vacation leave, sick leave, and personal leave. Employees are limited to 160 hours of vacation leave, 320 hours of sick leave, and 40 hours of personal leave per year and accrue additional leave each month. Employees may also be eligible for military leave, jury duty leave, and other special leave depending on their job.

Tennessee state employees are eligible for the following types of leave: 1. Vacation Leave: Employees can accrue up to 30 days of vacation leave per year and can carry up to a maximum of 120 days. 2. Sick Leave: Employees accrue eight hours of sick leave per month and can carry up to a maximum of 240 days. 3. Personal Leave: Employees can accrue up to six days of personal leave per year, which can be used for any purpose. 4. Compensatory Leave: Compensatory leave can be earned for overtime work and can be used for any purpose. 5. Military Leave: Employees are eligible for up to 15 days of military leave per year for active duty, training, or drill. 6. Family and Medical Leave: Employees can take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave per year for qualifying family or medical reasons. 7. Jury Duty Leave: Employees can take up to seven days of paid jury duty leave per year. 8. Bereavement Leave: Employees can take up to three days of paid leave per year for the death of an immediate family member.

Time off for state employees in Tennessee is tracked and managed through the state's online Leave Management System. The system allows employees to request, view, and manage their time off, including vacation, sick time, compensatory time, holiday, and other types of leave. Supervisors and managers can also use the system to approve or deny leave requests, and to track and manage the time off of their subordinates.

The Tennessee State Government offers a variety of training opportunities for its employees, including: • Online Learning: Online learning courses are available through the Tennessee State Library and Archives, offering a wide range of topics including professional development, safety, customer service, software applications and more. • In-Person Training: The Tennessee State Government offers in-person training on topics such as budgeting, workplace safety, customer service and other areas. • Leadership Development: The Tennessee State Government offers a range of leadership development courses and programs, including the Tennessee Leadership Institute and the Tennessee Government Leadership Academy. • Certifications: The State of Tennessee offers certifications in various areas, such as accounting, human resources, IT, and more. • Other Training Opportunities: The State of Tennessee also offers a variety of other training opportunities, such as programs focused on diversity and inclusion, communications and media relations, and more.

The orientation process for new state employees in Tennessee typically consists of the following steps: 1. Pre-Employment Paperwork: Before starting work, all new state employees must complete the necessary paperwork, such as the State of Tennessee Employment Application, the State of Tennessee Background Check Form, the I-9 form, and the W-4 form. 2. Human Resources Orientation: Upon hire, new state employees in Tennessee are typically required to attend a Human Resources Orientation session. The session will cover topics such as benefits, policies, and procedures. 3. Departmental Orientation: After the Human Resources Orientation session, new state employees in Tennessee will receive an orientation to the department in which they will be working. This orientation will cover specific information related to the department, such as job expectations, procedures, and resources. 4. Safety Training: Depending on the type of job, new state employees in Tennessee may be required to participate in safety training. This training will ensure that they understand the safety requirements of the job and that they can adhere to the safety protocols of the state of Tennessee.

Yes, Tennessee state employees are required to adhere to a dress code. The dress code depends on the type of job and the agency the employee works for. Generally, employees are expected to dress in business casual attire.

No, there is no fee associated with requesting a criminal background check in the state of Tennessee.

Yes, the State of Tennessee is an equal opportunity employer. It is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics.

In Tennessee, background checks are conducted for any state job. This includes a criminal background check, employment history check, and education and credential verification. Depending on the job, additional background checks may be required, such as a credit check, reference check, or drug test.

1. Background check – This may include a criminal background check, credit check, and/or drug screening. 2. Education/Credential Verification – This may include verification of degrees, certifications, and/or licenses. 3. Pre-employment Medical Exam – This may include a physical exam, drug screening, and/or vision and hearing tests. 4. Skills Testing – This may include tests to assess computer and technical skills, writing skills, and/or aptitude tests. 5. Personality Tests – This may include tests to assess personality traits that are relevant to the job.

You can apply for a state job in Tennessee by visiting the Tennessee State Government website. From there, you can browse through current job openings and submit an application. You can also sign up for job alerts to stay up to date on the latest opportunities.