Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 38, September 21, 2024
Section 1.933 - Responsibilities of the OA(a) The OA shall: (1) Pursue implementation of a pilot program to create financial incentives for Commonwealth employees who work in identified positions and can demonstrate a foreign language proficiency that the agency has determined is necessary to deliver more effective Commonwealth services.(2) Develop and maintain an active list of hard-to-fill jobs and manage interagency progress to creatively recruit for those positions.(3) Require the OA's Bureau of Enterprise Recruitment to expand career internship, apprenticeship and fellowship opportunities to recruit and foster meaningful career development opportunities for Commonwealth employees to help build a pipeline of future Commonwealth leaders.(4) Affirm that the Commonwealth can hire non-United States citizens if they are legally authorized to work in the United States.(5) Study the evolving needs of Commonwealth employees and their families with the goal of ensuring Commonwealth policies and benefits provide meaningful support in a fiscally responsible manner.(6) Provide employees notice that they may utilize their allotted sick leave for purposes of addressing and prioritizing their mental health and well-being in a manner consistent with collective bargaining agreements and existing laws and policies.(7) Continue to develop strategies to enhance language access for individuals with limited English proficiency and increase digital accessibility by continuing the development of language access plans in agencies under the Governor's jurisdiction.(8) Continue to direct CODE PA and the Chief Accessibility Officer to spearhead digital accessibility efforts to ensure individuals with disabilities may seamlessly and securely access the Commonwealth's online programs and services.(b) The OA and Department of Military and Veterans Affairs shall develop a mentorship and networking program that assists recently discharged veterans entering or returning to Commonwealth employment with a smooth transition from military service to the civilian workforce.(c) The OA and Department of Corrections shall continue to work to promote pathways to employment in State government for individuals who have interacted with the criminal justice system as returning citizens by collaborating with the PA Reentry Council to support the needs of reentrants. This includes identifying pathways to Commonwealth employment and supporting workforce training initiatives.(d) The Department of General Services (DGS) shall continue to build a welcoming, inviting workplace that supports the Commonwealth's hiring and recruitment of individuals from all backgrounds, including doing all of the following: (1) Identify opportunities in its capital plan to expand the availability of more multipurpose single-use restrooms.(2) Direct an accessibility study of the Capitol Complex in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, to make recommendations to improve mobility in and around the Capitol Complex for individuals with disabilities, including whether accessibility within Commonwealth-owned facilities can be improved.(3) Expand available space that could be used for child care options in the Capitol Complex and other Commonwealth-owned buildings as DGS continuously right-sizes the Commonwealth's real estate footprint.(4) Provide guidance and procurement options for agencies on expanding availability of free menstrual products in restrooms in Commonwealth-owned facilities.Adopted by Pennsylvania Bulletin, Vol 54, No. 22. June 22, 2024, effective 6/22/2024