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Human Resources Department

Sonoma County Deputy Public Defender Attorneys’ Association (SCDPDAA)

2019 - 2023 SCDPDAAMemorandum of Understanding:   Article 9: Staff Development

Sonoma County Deputy Public Defender Attorneys’ Association

9.1 Staff Development and Wellness Benefit Allowance – Amount

Subject to budgeted funds for this program, full time and part time (.40 FTE and greater) employees who are in allocated positions are eligible for Staff Development and Wellness Benefit Allowance. As specified in the chart below, full-time and part-time employees shall receive reimbursement pursuant to the on-line Staff Development / Wellness Benefit Allowance Program guidelines.

Staff Development /
Wellness Allowance
Full-Time
(1.00 FTE)
¾ Time
(> .75 FTE)
Part-Time
(.40 - .74 FTE)
Annual Staff Development /
Wellness Allowance
$1,250$1,250$800
Additional Annual Staff
Development Allowance*
$1,752$1,752$1,163

*Effective July 1, 2019 (subject to provisions of Section 9.2)

Funds may not be carried over into the next fiscal year. Use of funds subject to approval and provisions of the Staff Development Administrative Manual and may be taxable pursuant to the Internal Revenue Code.

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9.2 Staff Development – Additional Amount

Effective July 1, 2016, an additional annual allowance may be used for Staff Development as outlined in the County’s Staff Development Benefit Allowance Program Administrative guidelines. The additional annual amounts of the allowance which can be used towards reimbursable expenses for this benefit are specified in the chart in Section 9.1, and shall be limited to professional development expenses (i.e., membership dues, conference and training fees).

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9.3 Continuing Education Leave

When a continuing education course is offered during an employee’s normal work schedule, the employee may be authorized continuing education leave. Continuing education leave authorization shall be subject to the approval of the Department Head and must be directly related to the employee’s present position or career advancement within the department. Continuing education leave shall be considered as time worked.

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9.4 In-Service Training Authorization

9.4.1

Attendance at in-service training courses may be authorized by the Department Head.

9.4.2. Payment for In-Service Training 

There are three ways the expenses of the program may be paid:

  1. By the County: Expenditures for travel, meals, lodging, registration and other items included annually within the department budget, with prior Department Head approval.
  2. By other public or private agencies: Expenditures paid by grants from the State or Federal governments, from private organization or from professional organizations.
  3. By the individual employee: The employee may pay the in-service training expenses in whole or in part from the employee’s private resources, if the employee requests and receives approval from the Department Head for paid release time to attend the authorized training.

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9.5 Article 9, Staff Development, Non-Grievable

Article 9 of this MOU shall not be grievable or appealable under Article 16, Grievance Procedure, of this Memorandum or any County policy, resolution or rule.

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