How Your Contract Can Help You Change Jobs at OHSU

Career advancement and our Local 328 contract

Are you interested in getting promoted or moving jobs within OHSU?

Our union contract has many sections that can help Local 328 members like you advance your career internally. Sections of your contract address:

  • When and how members can get priority for internal job transfers.

  • How members can get promoted.

  • How evaluations work after job transfers and promotions.

Keep reading to better understand your rights and protections under our Local 328 AFSCME Contract so you can advance your career and find your calling at OHSU.

Priority for Internal Candidates (Section 18.2.2)

Overview: Your contract says that OHSU should prioritize qualified Local 328 members applying for internal positions also represented by Local 328.

This section ensures that OHSU gives Local 328 members a fair chance to advance and grow their careers at OHSU. 

How it works: 

  • You must be represented by Local 328, apply to a position represented by Local 328, and qualify for the position.

  • You must apply within 7 days of the job posting internally.

  • If these first two points are met then you are contractually entitled to an interview. 

  • If multiple qualified internal candidates apply, OHSU selects the best-qualified candidate.

  • If no qualified internal applicants apply, OHSU can hire externally.

  • Miss that 7 day window? Apply anyway! Just know you will likely be competing with internal and external candidates.

The Internal Job Change Evaluation Period (Section 20.2)

Overview

Your contract gives you the right to understand how and when OHSU evaluates your performance when you get promoted or internally transfer roles.

The contractually outlined “Internal Job Change Evaluation Period” lasts for six months and is designed to assess how well you are adapting to the new role. 

How it works:

  • Applies to members who have completed their initial probationary period and are moving into a new role, members returning to a position after a layoff, or members moving from an unclassified position to a 328-represented position.

  • Your supervisor must give you regular feedback on your performance. If there are issues, they must provide clear communication on the problem and work with you to resolve it. 

  • By day 110, your supervisor should give you a written evaluation that outlines what’s going well and what needs improvement. 

If there are performance issues

  • You may be subject to a modified progressive discipline process (20.2.5). 

  • This process includes warnings and potentially discharge, but it is designed to give you the chance to improve before facing significant consequences.

If you are removed from a new position

  • You have rights to reinstatement to your former role (or a similar one), depending on the situation (20.2.6). 

  • Removed from your new role within the evaluation period? You will generally be returned to your old position, if it’s still available.

If you are relief or flex staff

  • Section 20.2.1a has some additional caveats in relation to relief and flex staff job changes. 

  • The evaluation period is essentially a probationary period for internal transfers, promotions, or demotions. 

  • The contract does provide more protection than the initial standard probationary period for those completely new to employment at OHSU, since there is feedback and opportunities for improvement, and still potential to return to your previous job role.  

Job Postings and Applications (Sections 18.2.3 & 18.2.4)

Overview 

Our contract protects your right to understand how and when jobs post. It also has provisions related to creating a more transparent candidate selection process.

How it works

  • OHSU is required to post a list of available positions at least once a week. (18.2.3)

  • Applicants must apply via the OHSU applicant tracking system, iCIMS. 

  • Applying for more than one job? You must submit a separate application for each job. 

  • Human Resources must provide position descriptions.

Candidate selection

  • If two or more employees are equally qualified for a position, seniority will be the deciding factor. The employee with more seniority will be chosen for the job (18.2.4a). 

  • Denied for a job you really wanted? You have the right to request a written explanation of why you were passed over. 

    • Submit the request within seven days of receiving your rejection.

    • The hiring manager must provide a response within the next seven days. (18.2.4b) 

  •  Got the job? Congratulations! Remember, OHSU must place you in your new role within four weeks, unless there’s a safety concern. (18.2.4.c)

Other contractual protections and rights related to career advancement

Extending probationary or evaluation periods

  • You, your supervisor, and the union can agree to extend your probationary or evolutionary period.

  • This can happen if there are performance issues or if leave of absence interferes with the standard evaluation process (20.3). 

Your right to appeal

  • If you believe that you have been treated unfairly during the evaluation or selection process, you have the right to appeal. This safeguard can help ensure that decisions are fair and just. 

  • If you believe that our contract is not being followed or have related concerns, you may open a case through our Local 328 Hub. 

Questions?

Reach out to a Local 328 union steward, email education@local328.org, or consult our contract directly.

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