Policy Number: 10
Title: Resignation,
Termination and Severance
Date
Approved by Diocesan Council:
Jul. 16, 1999;
It
shall be the policy of The Diocese of South Dakota to have specific procedures
for the resignation and termination of employees and subsequent severance
agreements. This policy shall be in effect for the purpose of ensuring the
smooth and efficient operation of the diocesan office at all times, to provide
ample time for the recruitment of qualified personnel and to provide time for
the employee's personal separation process.
It
is understood that all employees are considered an "at will
employee".
Employee
Resignation Procedures:
1.
Employees shall provide the diocesan office a two-week notice, in writing,
prior to the intended date of resignation.
2.
Notice of resignation must be actual work time and cannot include vacation or
leave time, unless the bishop or administrator gives prior approval.
3.
Upon receipt of the document, the bishop or administrator shall schedule an
exit interview with the employee.
4.
The employee shall meet with the bishop or administrator on the last day of
employment for the purpose of returning all property.
5.
The employee medical and insurance coverage will remain in effect until the
end of the month in which the employment was terminated.
6.
The employee shall be paid for any accrued vacation earned but not used.
Employee
Termination Procedures:
1.
The bishop or administrator will provide both verbal and written notice to the
employee of termination and shall schedule an exit interview with the employee
at that time.
2.
The employee shall meet with the bishop or administrator on the last day of
employment for the purpose of returning all property.
3.
The employee medical and life insurance coverage will remain in effect until
the end of the month in which the employment was terminated.
4.
The employee shall be paid for any accrued vacation time/accrued holiday time
for which the employee is eligible.
5.
For each year of service the employee has been employed by the diocese, the
employee shall be entitled to one month salary and benefits as severance pay,
but not to exceed a total of six months.
6.
In the event, through discussions with the Bishop, the employee chooses to
tender a resignation notice, instead of receiving a termination notice, a
severance package can be offered, but not to exceed the termination guidelines
listed above.
7.
If the termination is for cause or the termination is for position or job
reduction, the severance package is subject to negotiation with the
ecclesiastical authority, but not to exceed the termination guideline.
8.
Severance payments to terminated employee will be paid in three equal
installments. The first payment will be sent 30 days after employee's final
day of employment. The second payment will be sent 60 days after the final day
of employment. The third payment will be sent 90 days after the final day of
employment.
9.
Payments for benefits, medical insurance premiums, life insurance premiums,
and pension premiums which shall be a part of the severance package shall be
sent to the appropriate vendor at the appropriate time.