MRPBS Publications - Human Resources Desk Guide

Subchapter 4368
Telework Program
Section A - Responsibilities

• Employees
• Supervisors 
• Telework Coordinators 
• Approving Officials 
• MRP Telework Contacts
• Approving Officials and Coordinators
• Telework Training

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Employees

Employees will:

• Obtain approval, sign the USDA MRP Telework Agreement, AD-3018 (PDF), and submit form to the supervisor;

APHIS employees will complete and submit forms through the APHIS automated telework application system (Employees Only).

• Discuss necessary equipment needs with supervisor.
• Complete and pass one of the approved Telework training courses (USDA AgLearn Telework Training or OPM/GSA Telework Training) and annual information security awareness training course;
• Discuss with supervisor designated hours of work and request approval of leave in accordance with regulations.
• Observe regulations for using Government equipment only for authorized purposes.
• Maintain proper security of MRP materials and provide the same level of support to customers, coworkers, and their supervisor as if they were working at their duty location.
• Comply with the Telework Agreement, meet performance expectations and, meet safety requirements.
• Provide an estimate of the approximate number of miles saved each year from their residence to their ODS. Mileage savings can be computed for those traveling by car, and/or via mass transportation.
• Accurately adjust the transit subsidy benefit to reflect actual days they commute to the ODS.
• Be available to their coworkers, supervisor, and customers in the same manner as if they were at their ODS. For example, phone calls and email must be answered in the same timeframe as if they were working at their ODS.
• Accurately code official time spent in telework status in Web TA.
• Participate with the supervisor to identify projects and assignments appropriate for teleworking.

Supervisors

Supervisors will:

• Approve the USDA Telework Agreement and submit to Program Telework coordinators for approval (with supporting documentation, if applicable),

APHIS supervisors will approve the Telework Agreement electronically via the Teleworks automated system and submit supporting documentation to the Program Telework Coordinator, if applicable.

• Complete and pass one of the approved Telework training courses (USDA AgLearn Telework Training or OPM Telework Training – telework.gov) and annual information security awareness training course,
• Ensure that participation does not adversely impact the accomplishment of work, or the workload of other employees,
• Communicate with employees about their Telework assignments,
• Ensure that other staff members are aware of employees' participation, and
• Monitor and evaluate employee participation (performance, time and attendance reports, transit subsidy requests, etc.).
  
  

Telework Coordinators

Telework coordinators will:

• Provide guidance to supervisors and employees on the program.
• Review requests and supporting documentation for completeness before submitting them to approving officials.
• Provide training for supervisors and employees.
• Receive and sign the USDA Telework Agreement with the signature of the supervisor for their files (AMS and GIPSA only).
• Coordinate Telework Agreements with the Agency Transit Subsidy Manager. Notify the Agency Transit Subsidy Manager of the number of days the employee will telework so the transit subsidy can be reduced appropriately.
• Maintain case files.
• Submit reports to MRPBS Human Resources Division (MRPBS HRD) as requested, and contact MRPBS HRD for guidance.

Approving Officials

Approving officials will:

• Determine appropriateness of request (e.g., regularly scheduled/project-by-project, medical condition, natural disaster, pandemic health crisis, or other emergency),
• Determine if equipment/service needs are cost effective,
• Review request(s) for approval/disapproval, and
• Contact Telework coordinator or MRPBS HRD for guidance, if needed.

MRP Telework Contacts

Approving Officials and Coordinators

The following table lists the persons responsible for approving and coordinating participation in the Telework program: 

Telework Training

Upon acceptance to the telework program both the employee and manager are expected to complete a telework training course designed to prepare them for teleworking. The employee and manager must take one of the approved online training courses. Either the Telework101 training in USDA AgLearn or the Telework 101 training on the OPM/GSA Telework Training website.