1VAC55. Department of Human Resource Management
VAC AGENCY NO. 55
DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
AGENCY SUMMARY
The Department of Human Resource Management establishes and maintains a human resource management program to attract and retain a qualified work force for the Commonwealth in accordance with the Virginia Personnel Act. The department has the authority to promulgate such regulations as the Governor considers necessary to carry out the provisions of the Act. The department has the delegated authority to develop and administer a uniform plan for classifying and compensating all state classified positions and to recommend compensation plan changes as determined necessary. It is responsible for developing new human resource policies and revising existing policies governing the management of state employees, subject to the Governor's approval, and for ensuring uniform interpretation and implementation of those policies by state agencies' managers. It establishes guidelines for recruiting for classified positions and for evaluating the performance of classified employees and administers the workers' compensation insurance plan for state employees in accordance with § 2.2-2821. Code of Virginia, Title 2.2, Chapters 12 and 29.
The department designs and maintains human resource management information systems to support the operational needs of state agencies and to provide required information to the Governor, cabinet secretaries, and state legislators. It develops and administers a program that encourages a discrimination-free work environment and equal employment and advancement opportunities for state employees and applicants for state employment. The department shall establish guidelines for the content of executive branch agency succession plans for key personnel, executive positions, and employees nearing retirement and shall receive such reports annually. It plans, conducts, and coordinates a comprehensive program of employee training and management development to meet the needs of the Commonwealth's work force. The department shall develop and administer training programs to familiarize the director of each agency in the executive branch of state government with state human resources policies, including general policies, compensation management, benefits administration, employee training, succession planning, and resources available at the Department. The Department shall offer such training programs at least twice per year. Code of Virginia, Title 2.2, Chapter 12.
The department is designated as the Governor's agent for developing and administering the Commonwealth's health benefits program for active and retired state employees and for active and retired employees of local constitutional officers, local governments and school boards and is required to promulgate rules regarding such program. Code of Virginia, Title 2.2, Chapter 28.
The department also administers the Line of Duty Act (LODA) Health Benefits Plans for eligible LODA beneficiaries. Code of Virginia, Title 9.1, Chapter 4.
The department has been authorized to establish a comprehensive program of employee relations management with alternative processes for resolving employment disputes, including the creation of a statewide mediation program and a training program for human resources personnel and supervisory personnel on employee relations management and employment rights and responsibilities, including the grievance procedure. The department, operates as the administrator of the state employee grievance procedure by taking such actions as (i) developing the grievance procedure, (ii) rendering final decisions on all matters related to access to the grievance procedure, procedural compliance with the grievance procedure, and qualification for hearing, (iii) selecting and appointing hearing officers, and (iv) adopting rules and setting fees for grievance hearings. The department is also given the authority to investigate allegations of retaliation as the result of use of or participation in the grievance procedure or of reporting, in good faith, an allegation of fraud, waste, or abuse to the State Employee Fraud, Waste and Abuse Hotline and advise the applicable agency head of the findings. Code of Virginia, Title 2.2, Chapters 12 and 30.
The department is responsible for overall administration of Executive Order Number One (2014) dealing with equal employment opportunity.
The department operates under the supervision of the Secretary of Administration. Copies of the department's rules, manuals, policy directives, memoranda of instruction, and brochures related to administration of the Virginia Personnel Act may be obtained from the department. In addition, regulations and forms are available at the department's central office at the James Monroe Building, 12th Floor, 101 North 14th Street, Richmond, VA 23219. Internet address: http://www.dhrm.virginia.gov/
Rev. 07/2024