LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND DEVELOPMENT
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Human Resources
 

September 2010
What's New, What's Hot

DOTD's Internal Referral Rewards Program

The Agency instituted this program to reward current DOTD employees who refer applicants who are ultimately hired into difficult-to-fill positions. Eligible positions are those having a Special Entrance Rate (SER). The applicant must identify the DOTD employee as the referring source in his/her initial interview. After the new employee successfully completes his/her first six months of employment, completes all required training and receives a satisfactory performance rating, a $500 cash payment will be awarded to the referring employee. Please see PPM 52 (DOTD Pay Policy) to review the policy and get a copy of the applicant referral form. If you have any questions, please contact Janice Drake, Recruiting Program Manager, at (225) 379-1222.
 
Performance Planning and Review (PPR)

The final day for employees to request a review of their PPR rating is September 15, 2010. If you have any questions, please contact Sarah Ragona, Human Resources Specialist, at (225) 379-1258.
 
How to Select the Best Qualified Candidate

DOTD's hiring authorities, managers and supervisors are responsible for selecting the best qualified applicant to fill a vacancy. This involves screening, interviewing and evaluating applicants. Sarah Ragona, Human Resources Specialist, is available to provide assistance in developing interview questions and applicant evaluation matrices. She also conducts on-site evaluations of actual interviews and provides subsequent feedback to further enhance the selection process. HQ HR has also implemented a selection evaluation program for promotional and new-hire appointments. This includes a random review of job postings, selection matrices, selection justification, etc. Please contact Sarah for assistance or if you have any questions at (225) 379-1258.
 
Civil Service Updates

Public Hearing on the Classification and Pay Plan - The State Civil Service Commission will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, September 15, 2010, to consider proposed changes to the Classification and Pay Plan. For additional information, please see General Circular No. 1812 (Click Here).
 
Election of Classified Employee-Member of the State Civil Service Commission - In 2011, state employees will have an opportunity to elect the classified employee-member of the State Civil Service Commission. The call for the election will be issued on January 3, 2011. For additional information, please see General Circular No. 1813 (http://www.civilservice.la.gov/PROGASST/Gencirc/GENCIRC10/001813.htm).
 
Only completed Civil Service applications will be considered - In accordance with Civil Service guidelines, employees must make certain that all qualifying information is included in their application when applying for any position posted through LA Careers. It is important that employees list specific details about their prior work experience in the body of the application itself. Attachments cannot be considered in determining Minimum Qualifications, but can be included for further explanation of job duties. Incomplete applications will be rejected. If you have any questions, please contact Kristi Folse, Human Resources Supervisor, at (225) 379-1290.
 
LASERS Updates

HB 1337 (Act 992) changes the retirement benefits for persons hired on or after January 1, 2011, for the following retirement plans: rank and file, hazardous duty, and judges. Under the "rank and file" plan, the employee contribution rate will be 8% and retirement eligibility is as follows: 5 years at age 60 or 20 years at any age, with a reduced benefit. The "hazardous duty" plan will include the Crescent City Division, Bridge Police Officers; the contribution rate will be 9.5 percent. If you have any questions, please contact Ellen Catherine, Human Resources Analyst, at (225) 379-1229.
 
HB 96 (Act 89) creates the "State Employee Retired" prestige license plate. A minimum of 1,000 applicants are required before plates can be issued. The initial applicant fee of $25 will be paid to LASERS and used solely for the purpose of paying down a portion of the state's unfunded liability obligation. If you have any questions, please contact Ellen Catherine, Human Resources Analyst, at (225) 379-1229.
 
Great-West Retirement Services - A representative is available to offer individual counseling sessions to employees who currently participate or who would like to participate in the LA Public Employees Deferred Compensation Plan. Julie Russell, Account Executive (Baton Rouge/Central Louisiana Region), is at DOTD Headquarters on the fourth Thursday of each month from 12:30 pm - 3:30 pm. For an appointment, you may contact Julie at (225) 926-8082 Ext. 35506. Questions may be directed to Ellen Catherine, Human Resources Analyst, at (225) 379-1229.
 
Insurance Updates

Changes to the Blue Cross Provider Network - Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana has announced several changes in the HMO health plan provider network. Please visit the following link for more information: https://www.groupbenefits.org/portal/pls/portal30/ogbweb.get_latest_news_file?p_doc_name=4E5459354F5441354C6C4245526A51794E54413D.
 
Reminder for Employees with Dependents 21 and Over - If a covered dependent on health and/or life insurance will be turning age 21 or is already over age 21, proof of full-time student enrollment is required by September 30, 2010. If this verification is not provided, the dependent(s) will be terminated from your coverage effective October 1, 2010. There are special provisions for dependent children with mental or physical incapacities. Student verification documents may be faxed to 225-379-1728. If you have any questions, please contact Alanna McCollum, Human Resources Analyst, at 225-379-1640.
 
Human Resources ... Here to Serve You!

The Headquarters Human Resources Section is especially focused on providing excellent service to all of its internal and external customers. The Section's recently validated Customer Service Standards may be viewed by clicking here.
 
The Importance of A Positive, Professional Image

Your image represents perceptions of your competence and character as judged by your customers, superiors, subordinates, and colleagues. The way you look also sends a clear message about the organization you work for. It takes only a few seconds for someone to form a first impression, and more than half of that first impression is based on your appearance! Always demonstrate professional style and grooming that is suitable for your job and work environment. For additional information, please review the DOTD Dress Code policy.
 
Human Resources Training Calendar for FY 10/11

The Human Resources Training Calendar for FY 10/11 may be viewed via the intranet at (http://ladotnet/mgmt_finance/hresources/downloads/calendar-fy_10-11.pdf). If you have any questions, please contact
Dortha George, Human Resources Specialist, at (225) 379-1669.
 
New Employee Orientation

All DOTD new employees, including student workers, are required to attend new employee orientation. Orientation for Headquarters employees is held on the 4th Thursday of each month. For additional information, please visit the Human Resources web-site: http://ladotnet/mgmt_finance/hresources/downloads/calendar-fy_10-11.pdf or contact Dortha George, Human Resources Specialist, at (225) 379-1669.
 
HR Website Enhancements

The Human Resources Section has added two new segments to the "Benefits" section: Retirement and Insurance. Updated information and "Frequently Asked Questions" may be viewed online at http://ladotnet/mgmt_finance/hresources/home.asp?page=retirement_benefits$ and http://ladotnet/mgmt_finance/hresources/home.asp?page=insurance_benefits$. If you have any questions, please contact Ellen Catherine, Retirement Analyst, at (225) 379-1229 or Alanna McCollum, Insurance Analyst, at (225) 379-1640.
 
Required Position Description (SF3s) Update

In accordance with Civil Service requirements and DOTD policy, position descriptions must be updated for the following situations:
  • A position description (SF-3) is older than five years
  • A position's duties, reporting relationships, work location, or any other pertinent information has changed
  • A supervisory position is being filled and the position description (SF-3) is older than twelve months
This policy is designed to ensure that all positions are properly allocated and reflect the most current job duties and responsibilities. Please send updated position descriptions (SF-3s) to the Human Resources Compensation Unit. If you have any questions or need information on specific positions and/or information about the current effective date of a job description, please contact
Toby Comeaux, Human Resources Supervisor, at (225) 379-1291.
 
HR Kiosk

To enhance customer service, a kiosk has been installed in Cubicle 301-A of the Headquarters Building (click here). Employees may receive hands-on instructions to access LA Careers, Louisiana Employees Online (LEO), and Manager Self-Service (MSS). Employees may also come by and pick up step-by-step instructions or reference materials for HR-related topics. If you have any questions, please contact Kristi Folse, Human Resources Supervisor, at (225) 379-1290.
 
September 2010 Events

September 6 Labor Day
September 14 Fall Recruiting - Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, La., PMA Center (10:30 am to 3:00 pm)
September 15 Department of Civil Service Commission Meeting (9:00 am)
September 15 Fall Recruiting - Southern University, Baton Rouge, La., F. G. Clark Activity Center (10:00 am to 3:00 pm)
September 21 Standing Committee on Human Resources (SCHR) Meeting (8:00 am)
September 23 New Employee Orientation (8:00 am)
September 23 Fall Recruiting - Louisiana Tech University, Ruston, La., Student Center (9:00 am to 2:00 pm)
**Famous Quote: "Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence."
- - Vince Lombardi
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The La DOTD Headquarters Building is located at 1201 Capitol Access Road, Baton Rouge, LA, 70802. Telephone: (225) 379-1232.
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or disability. For questions refer to DOTD's ADA Policy and Workplace Harrassment Policy.
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