Definitions for the General Workforce Performance Management System Sample Clauses

Definitions for the General Workforce Performance Management System. Acceptable Performance is performance that meets the acceptable level of performance for the Department’s 5-level rating scale. Agency (“The Employer”) is the U.S. Census Bureau. Appraisal is the act or process of evaluating the performance of an employee against the prescribed performance standard(s). Appraisal Cycle is a one (1) year period established by the Agency’s Performance Management System, where an employee’s performance will normally be reviewed. Approving Official is normally the supervisor who assigns, controls, and is responsible for the work of the rating official, usually the rating official’s immediate supervisor. However, operating units or departmental offices may designate a higher-level official in the management chain as the approving official, provided this designation does not conflict with any other provision of this document. The approving official is responsible for approving the final rating. Critical Element is a component of an employee’s position consisting of one (1) or more duties and responsibilities that contribute toward accomplishing the Agency’s organizational goals and objectives, which are of such importance that unacceptable performance on the element would result in unacceptable performance in the position. Generic Performance Standards are performance standards that can be applied to all employees covered by a 5-level Performance Management System. Interim Rating is a rating that should be prepared during the course of an appraisal cycle when an employee has spent the minimum appraisal period, of one hundred twenty (120) days in a covered position and then changes to another position. This may happen more than once during the appraisal cycle. Major Activity is a task, duty, or project that needs to be accomplished in support of a critical element. Minimum Appraisal Period is the minimum length of time an employee must perform under a performance plan prior to being appraised. The minimum appraisal period is one hundred twenty (120) days. Opportunity to Demonstrate Acceptable Performance is a reasonable time period within which an employee, whose performance has been determined to be at Level 1 in one (1) or more critical elements has an opportunity to demon- strate performance at a Level 2 or above. Performance is an employee’s accomplishment of assigned work as specified in the critical elements and as measured against the standards of the employee’s position. Performance Award is a one-time cash payment to reco...