1. Notice: Notice of any type of leave of absence longer than three (3) work days should be made by the employee at least two (2) weeks in advance and the request must be properly approved prior to taking such a leave. Leaves of an emergency or unexpected nature shall be exempted from this requirement; however, leave requests must be submitted and approved upon the employee’s return to work.

2. Parental Leave: Employees shall be granted an unpaid parental or adoption leave of absence when a natural parent or an adoptive parent requests such leave in conjunction with the birth or adoption of a child.

a. The MSCSA will provide up to twelve (12) weeks of unpaid leave. The leave must be initiated within six (6) weeks of the birth or adoption of a child, unless otherwise approved by the Executive Director.

b. The request should state the intent to return to work and the length of the leave.

c. The use of the twelve (12) weeks shall be at the discretion of the employee and shall be discussed with the Executive Director as to its impact on ongoing work responsibilities and other employees.

d. During parental leave, the employee may use paid time off, compensatory time, or leave without pay in any combination for the period of the leave. Any exceptions to the policy must be approved by the Executive Director.

3. Administrative Leave: The Executive Director may declare administrative leave for employees, when conditions are present to prevent work through no fault of the employee. The President of the MSCSA must approve administrative leave for the Executive Director.

4. Military Leave: An employee who has been ordered to active duty in cases of national emergency shall be placed on leave without pay and offered a comparable position in terms of duties and salary upon his/her return. Employees who are members of the military reserve or National Guard will receive unpaid time off for military duty and training.