AWS allows employees to work several types of
schedules other than the traditional 8 hours per day, 40 hours
per week schedule with fixed starting and quitting times. There
are two categories of alternative work schedules: flexible work
schedules (FWS) and compressed work schedules (CWS). FDA's AWS
Master Plan outlines the broadest parameters within which organizations
may develop scheduling schemes that best fit that particular
organization and the needs of employees. Organizations may set
more stringent requirements than allowed in the master plan,
i.e., establish local plans, or adopt the FDA AWS Master Plan.
Remember, using any of the AWS options is not an entitlement.
Supervisors and managers decide when to use the AWS and which
scheduling options employees may use.
Tuition assistance is available for employees
who meet the total family income criteria and who have a child/children
age 13 or under (or, 18 and under, if physically or mentally
unable to care for him/herself) in licensed or registered child
care.
The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is available
to assist with concerns that affect the quality of our work
and family lives. The FDA has entered into an Inter-Agency Agreement
with the Federal Occupational Health EAP Services to provide
Employee Assistance services for all FDA employees. The EAP
provides valuable assistance, intervention and/or information
that can assist you in successfully addressing a job-related
or personal problem.
This incentive program offers transit subsidies
to employees who commute to work by public transportation or
registered vanpool (vanpools at NCTR or vanpools in FDA Regional/District
locations may not be registered with a Transit Authority). Simply
complete and submit the application.
The FDA-wide Flexible Workplace Arrangements Program
(FWAP) Plan provides the broadest parameters allowed by the
Public Health Service. Plans may vary within the various components
of FDA. This program applies to work which is performed away
from the employee's official duty station on a long-term basis,
i.e., more than two consecutive workweeks. It also applies to
employees who, due to compelling reasons, need to work at home
on special assignment/project on a short-term basis, i.e., two
consecutive workweeks or less. Short-term flexible work arrangements
may be based on the need to complete special assignments/projects,
medical conditions (e.g., illness, injury), etc. Full-time and
part-time permanent, temporary (appointments at least one year
or more), and term employees and PHS Commissioned Corps Officers
are covered by this Plan.
This program gives employees additional flexibility
for balancing work and personal needs through greater accessibility
to leave. It allows employees who do not have enough leave to
cover medical or family emergencies to request donated leave
from other Federal employees.
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