Dear Google Researcher, 

I need to find information on Personnel Manual for the Homeland
Security regarding: civil service protections, merit, promotion and
seniority.  Please advise where I could find info on this subject. 
Thank you, Roxana

Hello drox63-ga,

The new Department of Homeland Security (DHS) web site notes that
"many of the answers" to questions from future DHS employees -- about
such matters as benefits and job descriptions -- "are still only
proposals."

"Employee Information: Q: How Does This Affect Me?"
DHS
http://www.dhs.gov/employees/index.cfm?fuseaction=Affect

Nevertheless, the DHS site does indicate the basic answers to the
questions you have, even though it does not yet have a complete
personnel manual.  The page on "How Does This Affect Me?", cited
above, contains the following information on "What We Know Right Now":

"Employees will retain their current benefits. 

Employees will maintain their current civil service status, pay, and
position classifications for at least a year.

Employees who are members of collective bargaining units will see no
change when they transfer to DHS since those units will transfer at
the same time.

Employees will be protected from improper political influence,
reprisals against whistleblowers, and prohibited personnel practices.

Veterans will receive the hiring preferences they are entitled to
under law."

That page also describes "The DHS Personnel System of the Future":

"Ultimately the 22 different personnel systems will merge to create a
new DHS personnel management program.  Plans are already underway to
make sure that the new system incorporates rewards for excellent
performance, maintains a cooperative labor-management work
environment, and designs and implements innovative recruiting
programs.  As more information on these future programs becomes
available, additional information will be posted here."

The DHS site also contains an e-brochure that answers questions such
as "If I move to the new Department would I keep my retirement and
other benefits?" and "Would the jobs in the new Department be under
the civil service system?".

"Protecting America Together"
DHS
http://www.dhs.gov/employees/publications/files/dhsEbrochure.pdf

Likewise, the general FAQ answers the questions, "I'm about to retire
from an agency that is joining DHS.  Will I get the same
cost-of-living adjustments?  Will I get retirement credit?" and "What
happens to my job and my pay after a year?"

"Employee Information: Frequently Asked Questions"
DHS
http://www.dhs.gov/employees/index.cfm?fuseaction=1_15_03

Because this Department was just created, and because it has a large
set of tasks ahead of it, you should check the DHS site from time to
time to see if there is any new information.

I hope that this information is helpful.

- justaskscott-ga


Searched on Google for:

"homeland security"
"homeland security" personnel
"homeland security" site:opm.gov

Browsed DHS web site

---

Request for Answer Clarification by drox63-ga on 21 Jan 2003 17:37 PST

Dear justaskscott-ga,
Thank you for your prompt response, however, since I really need
written policy in government's position for civil service protections,
merit, promotion and seniority for any governmental agency, can you
direct me to sites were I could get this?  The personnel manual from
other governmental departments?
I appreciate your answer, Roxana

---

Clarification of Answer by justaskscott-ga on 21 Jan 2003 18:42 PST

"After the sunset of the Federal Personnel Manual in December 1993, no
one document superseded its material.  Various operating manuals and
guidance handbooks are now in use.  If you need assistance locating
the proper material, contact us at fedclass@opm.gov."

"Federal Classification Systems"
United States Office of Personnel Management (OPM)
http://www.opm.gov/fedclass/

You can also try searching or browsing OPM's website for the
publications in which you are interested.  For example, you can search
for all OPM publications with "civil service" in the title.  For help,
you can contact publications@opm.gov.

"Database of Publications, Periodicals and Handbooks"
OPM
http://apps.opm.gov/publications/

- justaskscott-ga


I searched for these terms on Google:

"federal personnel manual" site:opm.gov

I also browsed the OPM web site.