[ { "sop_number": "101.01", "title": "Responsibilities to the Board of Corrections", "division": "Executive", "topic_area": "101 Policy-Legal Services", "effective_date": "2001-09-01", "summary": "This policy establishes the role of the Executive Liaison in serving as the primary point of contact between the GDC Commissioner and the Board of Corrections. The Executive Liaison is responsible for coordinating all Board meetings and committee meetings, providing support services to Board members, maintaining accurate records, managing Board member reimbursements, and ensuring smooth communication regarding system operations and emergency situations.", "url": "https://gps.press/sop-data/101.01/" }, { "sop_number": "101.02", "title": "Standard Operating Procedures", "division": "Executive Division (Office of Professional Standards)", "topic_area": "101 & 208 Policy-Compliance Unit", "effective_date": "2024-07-30", "summary": "This policy establishes the Georgia Department of Corrections' system for developing, approving, revising, and disseminating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). It applies to all GDC employees responsible for creating and maintaining policies across all divisions. The policy outlines the organizational structure for SOPs, defines access levels (from public access to restricted materials), and requires each division to assign a Policy Manager to oversee their policies and ensure compliance with this framework.", "url": "https://gps.press/sop-data/101.02/" }, { "sop_number": "101.03", "title": "Local Operating Procedures", "division": "Executive - Policy & Legal Services", "topic_area": "101 Policy-Legal Services", "effective_date": "2007-10-15", "summary": "This policy establishes the process for Georgia Department of Corrections facilities, units, and sections to develop Local Operating Procedures (LOPs) that supplement departmental Standard Operating Procedures to address local conditions and operational needs. It defines the requirements, format, numbering system, and approval process for both supplemental guidance (which adds to existing SOPs) and procedure variances (which change existing SOP requirements). All LOPs must comply with state law, board rules, and departmental policies and must be approved by appropriate management before implementation.", "url": "https://gps.press/sop-data/101.03/" }, { "sop_number": "101.04", "title": "Records Management", "division": "Executive", "topic_area": "101 Policy-Legal Services", "effective_date": "2012-10-01", "summary": "This policy establishes the Georgia Department of Corrections' framework for managing all records created and maintained by the agency, including paper, electronic, and other formats. It applies agency-wide and requires all administrators and section directors to comply with Georgia Records Act provisions and approved retention schedules. The policy outlines procedures for record classification, retention, destruction, transfer, and access controls to ensure proper handling of confidential and sensitive information.", "url": "https://gps.press/sop-data/101.04/" }, { "sop_number": "101.05", "title": "General Legal and Administrative Services", "division": "Executive Division (Legal Services)", "topic_area": "101 Policy-Legal Services", "effective_date": "2023-11-07", "summary": "This policy coordinates the legal needs of the Georgia Department of Corrections under the direction of the General Counsel. It establishes procedures for handling legal inquiries, managing litigation affecting the department, processing legal complaints against employees, and providing liability insurance coverage for employees acting in good faith within the scope of their official duties.", "url": "https://gps.press/sop-data/101.05/" }, { "sop_number": "101.07", "title": "Open Records Request", "division": "Executive Division", "topic_area": "101 Policy-Legal Services", "effective_date": "2019-07-10", "summary": "This policy establishes the Georgia Department of Corrections' procedures for handling public records requests from citizens. It outlines how to submit requests (orally or in writing to the Office of Legal Services), describes what records are available, explains exemptions (particularly for medical/mental health records), and details the fees and timelines for processing requests. All staff who receive open records requests must immediately forward them to Legal Services.", "url": "https://gps.press/sop-data/101.07/" }, { "sop_number": "101.08", "title": "Contacts Concerning Inmates", "division": "Executive", "topic_area": "101 Policy-Legal Services", "effective_date": "2002-09-03", "summary": "This policy requires all GDC personnel to document any contact from outside persons (other than the inmate) who request an inmate's transfer to another facility or a change in the inmate's status or assignment. Personnel must complete the O.C.G.A. \u00a7 42-5-13 Contact Form and forward it to a designated agent for posting on the Department's public website. The form and supporting documentation are then placed in the inmate's administrative file.", "url": "https://gps.press/sop-data/101.08/" }, { "sop_number": "101.09", "title": "Offender Name Change/Use of Dual Names", "division": "Executive Division (Legal Services)", "topic_area": "101 Policy-Legal Services", "effective_date": "2025-03-07", "summary": "This policy establishes procedures for managing offender name changes within the Georgia Department of Corrections. Name changes are authorized only when a court has granted the change, an offender marries, or when a conviction name is not the offender's legal name. Offenders must provide appropriate documentation (court orders, marriage licenses, birth certificates, or sentencing documents) to verify legal name changes. Upon verification by facility leadership and Central Office approval, the legal name is updated across all offender records, documents, and services within 60 working days.", "url": "https://gps.press/sop-data/101.09/" }, { "sop_number": "101.10", "title": "Citizens Advisory Panel", "division": "Executive Division (Legal Services)", "topic_area": "101 Policy-Legal Services", "effective_date": "2019-12-23", "summary": "This policy establishes a Citizens Advisory Panel consisting of up to nine volunteer members from diverse backgrounds who provide non-binding recommendations to the Commissioner regarding facility operations. Panel members are appointed by the Commissioner and represent cohorts including former offenders, former correctional officers, family members of offenders, re-entry partners, health service providers, and crime victims. The Panel meets quarterly and receives no travel reimbursement for their participation.", "url": "https://gps.press/sop-data/101.10/" }, { "sop_number": "102.01", "title": "Media Relations", "division": "Executive Division (Office of Public Affairs)", "topic_area": "102 Policy-Office of Communications", "effective_date": "2022-07-14", "summary": "This policy establishes the Georgia Department of Corrections' media relations procedures and designates the Public Affairs Office (PAO) as the official source for disseminating accurate and timely information to the media, public, and government entities. The PAO operates 24/7 to handle media inquiries and maintains a statewide network of Unit Public Affairs Officers at each facility to manage local media relations. The policy covers media access, spokesperson protocols, emergency communications, and the PAO's responsibilities for publications, audio/visual support, and media training.", "url": "https://gps.press/sop-data/102.01/" }, { "sop_number": "102.02 (IL01-0001)", "title": "Legislative Services", "division": "Executive", "topic_area": "Policy & Legislative Services", "effective_date": "2001-09-01", "summary": "This policy establishes the Georgia Department of Corrections' procedures for managing interactions with the Georgia General Assembly. It designates a legislative liaison as the primary contact point for legislators and outlines procedures for responding to constituent requests, resolving legislative issues, coordinating facility visits, developing proposed legislation, monitoring bills affecting the Department, and keeping legislators informed of significant departmental events and changes.", "url": "https://gps.press/sop-data/102.02 (IL01-0001)/" }, { "sop_number": "102.03", "title": "Social Media Policy", "division": "Executive Division", "topic_area": "102 Policy-Office of Communications", "effective_date": "2020-07-28", "summary": "This policy establishes standards for the Georgia Department of Corrections' official use and management of social media platforms. It applies to all GDC social media accounts and pages managed by the Public Affairs Office. The policy outlines procedures for content management, oversight of public comments, and the department's authority to restrict inappropriate content while maintaining compliance with public records laws.", "url": "https://gps.press/sop-data/102.03/" }, { "sop_number": "103.61", "title": "Executive and Management Staff Communication", "division": "Executive Division", "topic_area": "103 Policy-Investigations/Compliance", "effective_date": "2022-06-10", "summary": "This policy establishes a system of two-way communication between all levels of GDC employees through regularly scheduled meetings. The Commissioner must meet at least monthly with the Chief of Staff, Assistant Commissioners, and key staff, with Assistant Commissioners responsible for conducting monthly meetings with their Division Directors. Executive management is responsible for transmitting information received at these meetings to their subordinates.", "url": "https://gps.press/sop-data/103.61/" }, { "sop_number": "103.62", "title": "Audits of Operations and Programs", "division": "Executive Division (Office of Professional Standards-Compliance)", "topic_area": "103 Policy-Investigations/Compliance", "effective_date": "2017-10-24", "summary": "This policy establishes GDC's requirements for conducting internal and external audits of all facilities and offices to ensure compliance with policies, procedures, accreditation standards, and contractual agreements. Audits are conducted at least annually by the Compliance Unit, with both scheduled and unannounced inspections permitted. Facility administrators must submit corrective action plans within 30 days of receiving audit findings, and final audit reports are submitted to the Commissioner.", "url": "https://gps.press/sop-data/103.62/" }, { "sop_number": "103.63", "title": "Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Title II Provisions", "division": "Executive Division (Office of Professional Standards)", "topic_area": "Policy-Investigations/Compliance", "effective_date": "2018-04-20", "summary": "This policy establishes how the Georgia Department of Corrections ensures compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Title II, which requires the agency to provide reasonable accommodations and accessibility to programs, services, and activities for incarcerated individuals and probationers with disabilities. The policy applies to all GDC staff and facilities, prohibits discrimination based on disability in administrative decisions and program access, and permits exceptions only when accommodations create undue burden or direct threats to safety and security. The policy establishes the roles of Agency and Facility ADA Coordinators and defines key concepts such as disability, reasonable accommodations, and direct threats.", "url": "https://gps.press/sop-data/103.63/" }, { "sop_number": "103.67", "title": "Limited English Proficiency (LEP)", "division": "Executive Division (Office of Professional Standards - Compliance)", "topic_area": "103 Policy-Investigations/Compliance", "effective_date": "2020-12-03", "summary": "This policy prohibits discrimination against individuals with limited English proficiency and requires the Georgia Department of Corrections to provide language assistance services at no cost to employees, contractors, and offenders. The policy mandates that Spanish translations be available for key documents, oral interpretation services be provided through bilingual staff or certified interpreters, and staff be trained on accessing these services. Family members and untrained volunteers cannot serve as interpreters unless specifically requested or approved by legal counsel.", "url": "https://gps.press/sop-data/103.67/" }, { "sop_number": "104.01", "title": "Delegation of Authority", "division": "Administration and Finance", "topic_area": "104 Policy-HR Records/I.D./Criminal History", "effective_date": "2017-10-04", "summary": "This policy establishes which GDC officials have authority to make personnel decisions on behalf of the Commissioner. It designates the Chief of Staff, Assistant Commissioners, Director of Human Resources, and Region Directors as Appointing Authorities for different employment matters, and allows limited delegation of hiring, leave approval, and adverse action authority to Field Appointing Authorities (Wardens and designated officials) within their facilities.", "url": "https://gps.press/sop-data/104.01/" }, { "sop_number": "104.02", "title": "Human Resources Records Management", "division": null, "topic_area": null, "effective_date": null, "summary": null, "url": "https://gps.press/sop-data/104.02/" }, { "sop_number": "104.03", "title": "Bulletin Boards", "division": "Administration & Finance Division (Human Resources)", "topic_area": "104 Policy-HR Records/I.D./Criminal History", "effective_date": "2022-05-25", "summary": "This policy establishes requirements for maintaining Official and Unofficial Bulletin Boards at all GDC locations. All facilities must display an Official Bulletin Board in a conspicuous location containing required federal, state, and local workplace postings, with materials sourced from the Department website. Unofficial Bulletin Boards are permitted for general employee notices but are prohibited from displaying profane, slanderous, commercial, political, or outdated materials.", "url": "https://gps.press/sop-data/104.03/" }, { "sop_number": "104.04", "title": "Employee Assistance Program_Peer Support", "division": null, "topic_area": null, "effective_date": null, "summary": null, "url": "https://gps.press/sop-data/104.04/" }, { "sop_number": "104.06", "title": "Workplace Violence", "division": "Administration & Finance (Human Resources)", "topic_area": "104 Policy-HR Appearance/Conduct/Evaluations", "effective_date": "2021-12-16", "summary": "This policy establishes GDC's commitment to maintaining a safe work environment and outlines procedures for addressing workplace violence. It applies to all GDC employees and defines workplace violence as abusive, threatening, intimidating, disruptive, or violent behavior directed at employees, visitors, contractors, or vendors. The policy requires employees to report all threats and incidents, mandates prompt investigation by supervisors, and specifies that violations can result in disciplinary action up to dismissal and criminal charges.", "url": "https://gps.press/sop-data/104.06/" }, { "sop_number": "104.07", "title": "Position Actions", "division": "Administration Division and Finance Division (Human Resources)", "topic_area": "104 Policy-HR Applicant/Vacancy/Hiring/Position", "effective_date": "2020-09-03", "summary": "This policy establishes procedures for all Georgia Department of Corrections position changes, including staffing analysis, staffing audits, and personnel action submissions. It applies to all GDC employees and facilities and requires position changes to be submitted through properly completed Personnel/Position Actions (PAs) using the TeamWorks system, with appropriate approvals from Appointing Authorities and budget review before processing.", "url": "https://gps.press/sop-data/104.07/" }, { "sop_number": "104.08", "title": "Gender-Specific Post Assignments_Job Responsibilities", "division": null, "topic_area": null, "effective_date": null, "summary": null, "url": "https://gps.press/sop-data/104.08/" }, { "sop_number": "104.09", "title": "Filling a Vacancy", "division": "Administration & Finance (Human Resources)", "topic_area": "104 Policy-HR Applicant/Vacancy/Hiring/Position", "effective_date": "2022-05-25", "summary": "This policy establishes procedures for the Georgia Department of Corrections to select qualified applicants to fill vacant positions in accordance with state and federal laws. The policy applies to all GDC appointing authorities and employees involved in the hiring and selection process. It outlines key requirements including compliance with applicable state and federal employment laws, State Personnel Board Rules, and GDC policies, and clarifies the distinction between classified and unclassified positions and how vacancies are filled.", "url": "https://gps.press/sop-data/104.09/" }, { "sop_number": "104.10", "title": "Certifying a Peace Officer", "division": "Administrative & Finance Division (Human Resources)", "topic_area": "HR Applicant/Vacancy/Hiring/Position", "effective_date": "2018-08-28", "summary": "This policy establishes the requirements for Georgia Department of Corrections employees to obtain and maintain Peace Officer Certification through the P.O.S.T. Council. All GDC staff in positions requiring P.O.S.T. Correctional Officer Certification must meet minimum eligibility requirements including age, citizenship, education, background checks, physical/mental fitness, and examination passage before entering Basic Correctional Officer Training. Certified officers must maintain their certification and immediately report any suspension, revocation, or arrest to their appointing authority.", "url": "https://gps.press/sop-data/104.10/" }, { "sop_number": "104.12", "title": "Fingerprinting Employees", "division": "Administration Division (Human Resources)", "topic_area": "104 Policy-HR Applicant/Vacancy/Hiring/Position", "effective_date": "2024-12-11", "summary": "This policy requires all Georgia Department of Corrections employees, whether full-time or part-time, to be fingerprinted prior to or immediately after hiring as a condition of employment. Fingerprints are submitted electronically through the Georgia Applicant Processing Service (GAPS) for comparison against state and federal criminal databases. The policy establishes procedures for reviewing background check results, handling falsification or withholding of information, conducting periodic criminal history checks every five years, and protecting applicant privacy rights including the ability to challenge or correct criminal history records.", "url": "https://gps.press/sop-data/104.12/" }, { "sop_number": "104.13", "title": "Verification of Right to Work", "division": "Administration & Finance", "topic_area": "104 Policy-HR Applicant/Vacancy/Hiring/Position", "effective_date": "2018-08-28", "summary": "This policy requires all GDC employees, whether newly hired or rehired, to verify their authorization to work in the United States through the Employment Eligibility Verification (EEV) System and Form I-9. The policy establishes the acceptable documents employees must present to prove both identity and employment authorization, lists the federal and state laws that govern this requirement, and outlines the procedures HR staff must follow to verify and maintain records of work eligibility.", "url": "https://gps.press/sop-data/104.13/" }, { "sop_number": "104.14", "title": "Review of Applicant Qualifications", "division": "Administration & Finance (Human Resources)", "topic_area": "104 Policy-HR Applicant/Vacancy/Hiring/Position", "effective_date": "2020-10-20", "summary": "This policy establishes the process for reviewing whether job applicants meet the minimum qualifications required for employment, transfer, job change, promotion, or demotion with GDC. Appointing Authorities make preliminary qualification review decisions and conduct interviews only with applicants who meet minimum qualifications, while the Corrections Human Resource Management (CHRM) Job Evaluation Unit makes official qualification decisions for selectees before a job offer can be extended. The policy defines minimum qualifications (required education, experience, and attributes) versus preferred qualifications (desirable but not required credentials).", "url": "https://gps.press/sop-data/104.14/" }, { "sop_number": "104.15", "title": "Work Test and Permanent Status for Classified Employees", "division": "Administration & Finance", "topic_area": "Human Resources - Applicant/Vacancy/Hiring/Position", "effective_date": "2018-09-06", "summary": "This policy establishes procedures for classified employees who are promoted, demoted, or transferred within the Georgia Department of Corrections to serve an appropriate Working Test Period (probationary period of 6-12 months). During this period, employees must demonstrate they can satisfactorily perform their new position duties through formal evaluation. The policy includes requirements for mid-year reviews and procedures for achieving permanent status in the new position.", "url": "https://gps.press/sop-data/104.15/" }, { "sop_number": "104.16", "title": "Exit Questionnaires", "division": "Administrative & Finance", "topic_area": "104 Policy-HR Records/I.D./Criminal History", "effective_date": "2015-03-31", "summary": "This policy establishes procedures for collecting feedback from GDC employees who are resigning or transferring. All departing employees are offered the opportunity to complete an exit questionnaire to provide information about their work experience and reasons for leaving. The collected data is used to identify areas for improvement in employee retention and workplace conditions. Local personnel representatives are responsible for administering the questionnaire and entering the data into the system by the 10th of the month following separation.", "url": "https://gps.press/sop-data/104.16/" }, { "sop_number": "104.18", "title": "Obtaining and Using Records for Criminal Justice Employment", "division": "Administrative & Finance Division (Human Resources)", "topic_area": "104 Policy-HR Applicant/Vacancy/Hiring/Position", "effective_date": "2020-10-13", "summary": "This policy establishes requirements for GDC to obtain and use criminal history and driver's license records when considering applicants for employment. All job applicants must sign a Criminal/Driver History Consent Form before any criminal history records can be requested, and if an applicant refuses to sign, they cannot be hired. The policy also specifies procedures for obtaining driver's license history records, conducting multi-state background checks for POST-certified positions, and notifying applicants of adverse employment decisions based on criminal records.", "url": "https://gps.press/sop-data/104.18/" }, { "sop_number": "104.20", "title": "Hourly Employment", "division": "Administrative & Finance (Human Resources)", "topic_area": "HR Applicant/Vacancy/Hiring/Position", "effective_date": "2021-04-27", "summary": "This policy establishes procedures for hiring and managing part-time hourly employees at the Georgia Department of Corrections. It covers the process for establishing hourly positions, advertising vacancies, selecting and hiring hourly employees, tracking work time in compliance with federal labor law, and determining hourly pay rates. The policy applies to all facilities and departments within GDC that employ staff on an hourly basis (29 hours or less per week).", "url": "https://gps.press/sop-data/104.20/" }, { "sop_number": "104.21", "title": "Americans with Disabilities Act, Title I (Employment Provisions)", "division": "Administrative & Finance", "topic_area": "104 Policy-HR Programs/Support/Assistance", "effective_date": "2017-04-25", "summary": "This policy establishes GDC's compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008 and prohibits employment discrimination based on disability. The policy covers hiring practices, reasonable accommodations, pre-employment inquiries, and employment-related procedures for applicants and GDC employees. It requires that qualified individuals with disabilities receive equal employment opportunities and reasonable accommodations unless providing such accommodations would cause undue hardship to the agency.", "url": "https://gps.press/sop-data/104.21/" }, { "sop_number": "104.22", "title": "Workers Compensation", "division": "Administrative & Finance Division (Human Resources)", "topic_area": "104 Policy-HR Records/I.D./Criminal History", "effective_date": "2020-05-27", "summary": "This policy establishes procedures for Georgia Department of Corrections employees who sustain work-related injuries or occupational diseases to receive Workers' Compensation benefits as provided by state law. It requires immediate reporting of all accidents and injuries to supervisors and human resources, specifies notification procedures to the Workers' Compensation Managed Care Organization within 24 hours, and outlines requirements for medical treatment, documentation, and transitional/modified duty assignments during recovery.", "url": "https://gps.press/sop-data/104.22/" }, { "sop_number": "104.23", "title": "Return-to-Work Program", "division": "Administrative & Finance (Human Resources)", "topic_area": "104 Policy-HR Programs/Support/Assistance", "effective_date": "2019-10-08", "summary": "This policy establishes GDC's Return-to-Work (RTW) Program to help injured and ill employees return to work safely and quickly through temporary modified job assignments. The program applies to all GDC employees who are injured or ill and cleared by a healthcare provider to return with restrictions. Key requirements include establishing a Transitional Employment Team, creating written TE plans with specific duties and timelines, and periodically reviewing and revising assignments as the employee's medical condition improves.", "url": "https://gps.press/sop-data/104.23/" }, { "sop_number": "104.25", "title": "Transfers - Internal and From Other State Agencies", "division": "Administrative & Finance (Human Resources)", "topic_area": "104 Policy - HR Relocate/Suspend/Demote/Terminate", "effective_date": "2018-02-23", "summary": "This policy establishes procedures for transferring Georgia Department of Corrections employees to different positions within GDC and for transferring employees from other state agencies to GDC positions. It covers lateral transfers within the same agency, lateral transfers from different agencies, and promotion/demotion transfers. The policy applies to all GDC employees seeking vacant positions and specifies requirements such as minimum 12-month retention for newly hired Correctional Officers, qualification reviews, and proper personnel action documentation.", "url": "https://gps.press/sop-data/104.25/" }, { "sop_number": "104.26", "title": "Relocations", "division": "Administration & Finance (Human Resources)", "topic_area": "104 Policy-HR Relocate/Suspend/Demote/Terminate", "effective_date": "2020-04-28", "summary": "This policy establishes procedures for GDC management to relocate employees between work locations (facilities, centers, or offices) based on operational needs such as reorganization, filling vacancies, or improving workplace effectiveness. Employees in Warden, Deputy Warden, and Superintendent positions are subject to relocation as a condition of employment. All relocations require advance written notice from the Appointing Authority, and cannot be made arbitrarily, for harassment, or as punishment. When partial relocation is necessary, voluntary agreement is attempted first; if unsuccessful, a reduction-in-force plan is used to select employees, subject to Human Resources Director approval.", "url": "https://gps.press/sop-data/104.26/" }, { "sop_number": "104.27", "title": "Suspension with Pay", "division": "Administrative & Finance", "topic_area": "104 Policy-HR Relocate/Suspend/Demote/Terminate", "effective_date": "2020-10-13", "summary": "This policy establishes procedures for placing full-time Georgia Department of Corrections employees on suspension with pay. Suspensions may be used during investigations of alleged misconduct, pending disciplinary actions, criminal charges, positive drug tests, or when an employee is unfit to perform duties. Suspensions are typically limited to 30 calendar days and require written notice to the employee specifying reporting requirements and work availability expectations.", "url": "https://gps.press/sop-data/104.27/" }, { "sop_number": "104.28 (IVO06-0009)", "title": "Suspension Without Pay", "division": "Administrative & Finance", "topic_area": "104 Policy-HR Relocate/Suspend/Demote/Terminate", "effective_date": "2009-03-15", "summary": "This policy establishes the conditions and procedures under which the Georgia Department of Corrections may place full-time employees on suspension without pay. Suspensions without pay may be imposed for disciplinary reasons (up to 30 calendar days), pending criminal court action, failure to maintain required licenses or permits, or positive drug test results. The policy specifies different notice and response procedures for classified versus unclassified employees, with classified employees receiving 15 days' notice and unclassified employees receiving 24 hours' notice.", "url": "https://gps.press/sop-data/104.28 (IVO06-0009)/" }, { "sop_number": "104.29", "title": "Salary Regulations", "division": "Administrative & Finance Division (Human Resources)", "topic_area": "104 Policy-HR Payroll/Compensation/Salary", "effective_date": "2020-10-13", "summary": "This policy establishes the GDC's procedures for employee compensation to ensure equitable and adequate pay in compliance with federal and state laws. It covers entrance salaries for new hires and advance hires, salary adjustments for promotions and demotions, performance-based increases, and various pay-related actions. The policy applies to all GDC employees and outlines the roles of appointing authorities and the Department Human Resources Director in approving salary decisions.", "url": "https://gps.press/sop-data/104.29/" }, { "sop_number": "104.30", "title": "Teacher (Full-Time) Compensation Requirements", "division": "Administrative & Finance", "topic_area": "HR Payroll/Compensation/Salary", "effective_date": "2011-04-01", "summary": "This policy establishes compensation requirements for all full-time teachers employed by the Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC). Teachers must be paid according to their Georgia teaching certification level and years of experience using the GDC teacher pay scale, and must maintain current certification with the Georgia Professional Standards Commission. The policy outlines procedures for new hires, certification maintenance and upgrades, and salary increase eligibility based on performance ratings.", "url": "https://gps.press/sop-data/104.30/" }, { "sop_number": "104.32", "title": "Call Back Pay", "division": "Administrative & Finance Division (Human Resources)", "topic_area": "104 Policy-HR Timekeeping/FLSA/Overtime/Call-Back", "effective_date": "2019-07-30", "summary": "This policy establishes eligibility and procedures for call back pay for non-exempt GDC employees in designated maintenance and trades positions who are officially designated as \"on call.\" Eligible employees receive one hour of pay at their regular rate each time they are recalled and report to the workplace. Call back pay is provided in addition to any compensation for actual hours worked and must be documented through the Time Reporting Device or Web clock.", "url": "https://gps.press/sop-data/104.32/" }, { "sop_number": "104.33", "title": "Payroll Deductions (Mandated)", "division": "Administration & Finance Division (Human Resources)", "topic_area": "104 Policy-HR Payroll/Compensation/Salary", "effective_date": "2018-09-24", "summary": "This policy establishes the mandatory payroll deductions that GDC must make from employee paychecks, including federal and state income taxes, pension plan contributions (ERS and GDCP), Social Security, Medicare, garnishments, IRS levies, bankruptcy court orders, child support orders, and other legal levies. The policy outlines which deductions are automatic upon hiring and payroll activation, and which require direct submission to the Payroll Unit.", "url": "https://gps.press/sop-data/104.33/" }, { "sop_number": "104.34", "title": "Payment Due a Deceased Employee's Beneficiary/Estate", "division": "Administrative & Finance", "topic_area": "104 Policy - HR Payroll/Compensation/Salary", "effective_date": "2020-04-17", "summary": "This policy establishes the procedures for GDC to pay outstanding wages and monies owed to the beneficiary or estate of a deceased employee in accordance with Georgia law (O.C.G.A. \u00a7 34-7-4). Employees must designate beneficiaries on the Employee's Designation of Beneficiary Form, and the GDC Benefits Unit processes payments to the primary designated beneficiary, with succession to alternate beneficiaries if the primary is deceased or incapacitated. If no beneficiary is designated, payments go to the surviving spouse, guardian of minor children, or the deceased employee's estate as required by law.", "url": "https://gps.press/sop-data/104.34/" }, { "sop_number": "104.35", "title": "Payroll Check Distribution - Payroll Exceptions", "division": "Administrative & Finance", "topic_area": "104 Policy-HR Payroll/Compensation/Salary", "effective_date": "2018-07-10", "summary": "This policy establishes procedures for GDC to distribute paychecks accurately and prevent payroll exceptions (instances where employees receive incorrect compensation). It requires appointing authorities to develop internal policies to track absences, verify leave balances, confirm personnel actions, and ensure all deductions are processed before releasing paychecks. The policy holds appointing authorities and responsible staff financially liable for payroll exceptions resulting from careless errors or failure to follow established procedures.", "url": "https://gps.press/sop-data/104.35/" }, { "sop_number": "104.36", "title": "Direct Deposit", "division": "Administration & Finance", "topic_area": "104 Policy-HR Payroll/Compensation/Salary", "effective_date": "2018-01-30", "summary": "This policy requires all GDC employees to enroll in direct deposit for receiving paychecks, expense reimbursements, and terminal leave checks within 30 days of hire or rehire. Employees may request an exemption through the State Accounting Office (SAO), but failure to enroll in direct deposit without an approved exemption can result in disciplinary action up to and including dismissal.", "url": "https://gps.press/sop-data/104.36/" }, { "sop_number": "104.37", "title": "Working Hours, Overtime, and Compensatory Time", "division": "Administration and Finance", "topic_area": "104 Policy - HR Timekeeping/FLSA/Overtime/Call-Back", "effective_date": "2017-04-18", "summary": "This policy establishes GDC procedures for managing employee working hours, overtime compensation, and compensatory time in compliance with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). It applies to all GDC employees (classified, unclassified, full-time, and part-time) and defines three types of compensatory time: FLSA compensatory time (earned at 1.5x rate for hours physically worked over the maximum), State compensatory time (earned at straight time for credited hours including holidays), and Holiday Deferral (earned at 1:1 rate for time worked on state holidays). Supervisors must enforce assigned work periods and ensure proper compensation for all hours worked, with appointing authorities determining whether compensation is provided as cash overtime or compensatory time.", "url": "https://gps.press/sop-data/104.37/" }, { "sop_number": "104.39.01", "title": "Time Off for Job Interviews", "division": "Administration & Finance (Human Resources)", "topic_area": "104.39 Policy-HR Leave Time", "effective_date": "2019-07-10", "summary": "This policy allows GDC employees applying for other positions within the Department to use work time to attend job interviews without using accrued leave, provided they obtain supervisor approval and submit written verification of the interview details. Employees interviewing for positions outside GDC must use their own accrued leave or compensatory time. Travel expenses and state vehicles cannot be used for interview purposes.", "url": "https://gps.press/sop-data/104.39.01/" }, { "sop_number": "104.39.02", "title": "Annual and Terminal Leave", "division": "Administrative & Finance", "topic_area": "104.39 Policy-HR Leave Time", "effective_date": "2006-12-15", "summary": "This policy establishes the rules for Georgia Department of Corrections employees to request and use accrued annual leave and defines how terminal leave is handled upon separation from employment. Eligible employees (those working 30+ hours on leave-earning positions) earn annual leave on a semi-monthly basis at rates ranging from 5 to 7 hours per pay period depending on length of service, with a maximum accumulation of 360 hours. Annual leave requests must be approved by the designated Appointing Authority, and employees may be denied leave if granting it would adversely affect business operations.", "url": "https://gps.press/sop-data/104.39.02/" }, { "sop_number": "104.39.03", "title": "Injury Leave With Pay", "division": "Administrative & Finance", "topic_area": "104.39 Policy-HR Leave Time", "effective_date": "2018-05-31", "summary": "This policy establishes the process for GDC full-time employees who suffer work-related injuries caused by violent acts to receive paid leave of absence for up to 180 working days while unable to perform their job duties. The policy coordinates with Workers' Compensation benefits, specifies medical documentation requirements, and outlines procedures for temporary duty assignments, return-to-work notifications, and Personnel Action Requests through the Correctional Human Resources Management office.", "url": "https://gps.press/sop-data/104.39.03/" } ]