25 NCAC 01D .0708. SPECIAL ENTRY RATES

When critical recruitment or employee retention problems are officially recognized by the State Human Resources Director, but salary range revisions are not necessary, feasible or practical (i.e., when range minimums are not competitive, but maximums are adequate), the Director may authorize a higher special entry rate.  Special entry rates will be announced as a dollar amount above the hiring rate and as a rate of pay.  Agencies experiencing recruitment and retention difficulties may elect to use the special entry rates.  Priority for salary increases shall be given to employees whose salaries are at or below special entry rates.  Salary increases shall not be given to employees whose performance or personal conduct is not at a satisfactory level.  Salary increases are not entitlements and all are subject to the availability of funds in the agency budget.  When the agency decides to use the new rates, salary increases, not to exceed the maximum of the range, may be given in accordance with the following:

(1)           Salaries at the hiring rate may be increased to the special entry rate and salaries at the minimum may be increased to the special minimum rate on the date the agency decides to use the new rate. If funds are not available, but become available at a later time, increases may be retroactive.

(2)           Salaries at or above the special minimum rate may be increased by the dollar amount authorized above the hiring rate.  If funds are not available, but become available at a later time, increases may be made on a current basis.  Total increases are limited to three occurrences and must be awarded within 24 months of the original effective date of the action.  If a subsequent reallocation up or down, promotion, demotion or reassignment occurs, this cancels the authorization to grant additional increases as a result of the previous special entry rate authorization.

(3)           If a higher special entry rate is authorized for a class that already has a special entry rate, the employee may receive an increase up to the dollar amount authorized between the two special entry rates.

(4)           When a special entry rate authorization does not include all classes within a class series, consideration for adjustments for employees in the class(es) without a special entry rate will be on an individual basis.  Written justification must be submitted with such requests.

 

History Note:        Authority G.S. 126-4(2);

Eff. January 1, 1990;

Amended Eff. January 1, 1991; July 1, 1990.