Microsoft Word - Employee Handbook 2021-2022

A leave of absence may be granted on a case-by-case basis. If the need arises for a leave of absence, employees should notify their supervisor and Human Resources.

Building Security

All employees who are issued keys to the office are responsible for their safekeeping. The last employee, or a designated employee, who leaves the office at the end of the business day assumes the responsibility to ensure that all doors are securely locked, the alarm system is armed, thermostats are set on appropriate evening and/or weekend setting, and all appliances and lights are turned off with exception of the lights normally left on for security purposes. Employees are not allowed on School property after hours without prior authorization from the Head of School. Employees found to be sharing keys, alarm codes or badges are subject to disciplinary procedures up to and including possible termination. Should an employee have need for a key, alarm code or badge the employee should contact Human Resources immediately.

Insurance on Personal Effects

All employees should be sure that their own personal insurance policies cover the loss of anything occasionally left at the office. Levine Academy assumes no risk for any loss or damage to personal property whether in the building or in the parking lot. Employees should be diligent in securing any personal property and ensuring they remained in locked areas at all times.

Texas Law Regarding Child Abuse and Neglect

Child abuse and neglect are against the law in Texas, and so is the failure to report it. Abuse is defined as mental, emotional, physical, or sexual injury to a child or failure to prevent such injury to a child.

Anyone who suspects a child has been abused or mistreated is required to report it to the Texas Department of Family Services (TDFS) or to a law enforcement agency as soon as possible, but no later than 48 hours before bruises and marks start to fade. The report can be made using the Abuse and Neglect Hotline (1- 800-252-5400). Your report to TDFS is confidential and not subject to public release under the Open Records Act. The law provides immunity from civil or criminal liability for innocent persons who report even unfounded suspicions, as long as the report is made in good faith. Your identity is kept confidential.

Any employee suspecting child abuse or neglect is expected to use the following procedure:

Any information about the relationship between the child and the suspected abuser.

1. Do not confront the suspected abuser or molester 2. Report the details to your supervisor immediately, including notes of the following: a. All incidents and observations, including dates and times; b. Any information about the relationship between the child and the suspected abuser c. Pertinent information that TDFS will need for its investigation: i. Name, age, and address of the child ii. Current injuries, medical problems, or behavioral problems iii. Parents’ names and names of siblings at home 3. The supervisor will then notify the Head of School of the report. Human Resources should be consulted should the claim involve any employee of Ann & Nate Levine Academy. 4. Maintain confidentiality. Information about the suspected child abuse is only to be given out or discussed on a “need to know” basis and is not to be shared with fellow employees, parents, students, or anyone outside the school other than law enforcement. 5. Make report to TDFS or local law enforcement and let them investigate. This will normally be done by the Head of School or his/her designee.

Procedure for Handling Employee Complaints

14 | P a g e

Made with FlippingBook - Online magazine maker