Discipline Process
Employee Relations provides unbiased information and guidance to both management and employees regarding counseling and disciplinary issues. The goal is to provide each employee with a full opportunity for success.
All discipline forms and letters are available at Manager Forms and Letters (SharePoint link).
Assistance
- For information or assistance, contact Employee Relations at (727) 464-3367, option 2, or by email at Employee.Relations@pinellas.gov.
- If you need an Employee Advocate, complete the EAC Request an Advocate Form (login to SharePoint required). For assistance with the form, email EAC@pinellas.gov, contact your EAC Representative or Delegate, or call Human Resources at (727) 464-3367, option 2.
Disciplinary Policies and Processes
Progressive Discipline
The progressive discipline process includes several steps. Although supervisors often proceed in the order shown below, some serious issues may require a supervisor to go directly to a Level 2 Warning or even to a pre-disciplinary hearing. For more detail, see Counseling and Progressive Discipline.
Coaching & Counseling
Coaching is used by supervisors to encourage and motivate their employees to achieve better performance. Counseling is used to resolve a problem. Download the Counseling Form (SharePoint link).
Level 1 Warning (previously Verbal Warning)
If a problem continues after counseling, a supervisor may discuss the issue with the employee and explain the necessary corrective action. Download the Level 1 Warning Form (SharePoint link).
Level 2 Warning (previously Written Warning)
If a problem continues after a Level 1 Warning, a supervisor may utilize a Level 2 Warning to help an employee understand the issue and take corrective action. Download the Level 2 Warning Form (SharePoint link).
Pre-Disciplinary Hearing
If a problem continues after a Level 2 Warning, a supervisor may take any of the following disciplinary actions: demotion, final written warning, pay reduction, suspension, or dismissal. Before any such actions occur, an employee has a right to a pre-disciplinary hearing to present information on their view of the situation. Download the Pre-Disciplinary Hearing Form (SharePoint link).
Discipline Process Forms
Items are listed in order of progression. These forms are provided in Microsoft Word format to be fully editable. All are SharePoint links.
- Counseling
- Level 1 Warning, previously Verbal Warning
- Level 2 Warning, previously Written Warning
- Pre-Disciplinary Hearing
- Level 3 options:
- Level 4 Dismissal (classified employee letter)
- Suspension Pending Judicial Review Hearing Notice
Discipline Inactivation and Extension
Disciplines are automatically inactivated unless the extension form is completed.
Letter Templates
Items are listed in alphabetical order. These letters are provided in Microsoft Word format to be fully editable. The documents are located in SharePoint:
- Acceptance of Resignation Letter (SharePoint link)
- Dismissal/Termination Letters (SharePoint links):
- Classified Employee
- Exempt Employee (no template; drafted individually for review by the Appointing Authority and County Attorney)
- Probationary Employee
- Temporary Employee
- Unauthorized Absence / Voluntary Resignation
- Inactive Service Transfer / End of Inactive Service Letter (no templates, drafted individually on County letterhead, contact County Attorney and Human Resources for assistance)
- Request for Date of Return Letters (SharePoint links):
- Suspension Pending Judicial Review Letter (SharePoint link)
Tools for Supervisors
- Extended Illness or Incapacity Analysis Checklist
- FACE Conversation Tips
- Performance Coaching and Feedback (Office of Personnel Management)
10/24/24