7001 - Probationary Employee Oversight Flashcards
Who shall be responsible for:
- Overseeing Probationary Advisory Boards as necessary and appropriate within their respective bureaus.
- Working with the Assistant Chief of Training to ensure that TFD employees are meeting TFD performance standards.
The Deputy Chiefs of Operations, Administration, and/or Prevention and Education
Who shall be responsible for:
- Maintaining this document.
- Conducting a firefighter recruit training academy that meets or exceeds NFPA Firefighter I requirements
- Monitoring progress of and recommending field placement for probationary firefighters
- Ensuring probationary practical evaluations meet or exceed NFPA Firefighter II requirements by the end of the one-year probationary period.
- Assigning, monitoring and ensuring completion of probationary projects.
- Working with supervisors of probationary employees to ensure that TFD performance standards are being met.
The Assistant Chief of Training
Who shall be responsible for:
- Reading and abiding by this policy
- Accurately and fairly evaluating the probationary employees they supervise
- Completing required documentation within the timelines specified in this document
- Ensuring that TFD performance standards are met
All TFD Supervisors (company officers, paramedic supervisors, in-charge personnel, Battalion Chiefs, Communications Center supervisor)
Practical evaluation administered to a probationary firefighter after s/he successfully completes both the engine and ladder company practical evaluations to ensure s/he has the required knowledge, skills and abilities in TFD firefighting operations and to meet or exceed NFPA Firefighter II standards.
11th Month Practical Evaluation.
EMIR. Emergency Medical Incident Report.
EMIR. Emergency Medical Incident Report.
Document provided by the Training Division that outlines the minimum knowledge, skills and abilities a probationary firefighter needs to prepare for the engine and ladder practical evaluations.
Engine and Ladder Company Syllabus.
Evaluation that occurs after a probationary firefighter has completed 20 to 26 shifts on a specific company assignment for the purpose of measuring knowledge, skills, abilities, proficiency and effectiveness in operating the apparatus, including all tools, appliances, equipment and inventory therein, as well as overall understanding of TFD operations.
Engine and Ladder Company Practical Evaluations.
Examinations administered to probationary firefighters at approximately six (6) months and eleven (11) months into their probationary period and at other times as assigned.
Written examinations.
The following evaluations of probationary firefighters shall be conducted by TFD supervisory personnel as outlined below and documented on FIR 861:
a. Daily evaluations regarding behavior, attendance, appearance, daily station maintenance, performance during routine and emergency incidents, etc.; completed by the company officer or in-charge personnel.
b. Engine and Ladder Company syllabus instruction; given and signed off by probationary firefighter and company officer or in-charge personnel when proficiency has been obtained.
,c. Engine and Ladder Company 12th shift test; conducted by a Battalion Chief to whose battalion the probationary firefighter is assigned
,d. Engine and Ladder Company practical evaluations; administered by the Training Division with assistance from the battalion opposite of which the probationary firefighter is assigned
e. 11th Month practical evaluation; administered by the Training Division with assistance from the battalion opposite of which the probationary firefighter is assigned
f. Written examinations at six (6) months and eleven (11) months and other written examinations as assigned; administered by the Training Division
2. Grading standards for all probationary employees shall be:
a. S (satisfactory)
b. N (needs improvement)
c. U (unsatisfactory)
3. A probationary firefighter’s performance shall be considered below TFD performance standards if the individual receives two (2) consecutive overall “N” grades OR one (1) overall “U” grade for the payperiod.
4. Probationary projects shall not be given to probationary firefighters or civilian employees.
5. Probationary personnel shall request a probationary project from the Training Division, if applicable, within 7 days of promotion.
Who shall:
- Provide adequate guidance, instruction and “hands on” drilling as necessary to enable satisfactory completion of the probationary Engine and Ladder Company syllabus, engine and ladder company practical evaluations and preparation for the 11th month practical evaluations.
- Document activities and complete daily evaluation form (FIR 861) prior to going off shift.
a. Use TFD FIR 861 grading format of S, N or U
b. Grades other than satisfactory require detailed commentary using an addendum.
c. Addendums shall be forwarded immediately via e-mail to the appropriate Battalion Chief and Assistant Chief of Training.
d. A paper copy of the addendum also shall be attached to the probationary firefighter’s FIR 861. - Review and sign daily evaluation form with probationary firefighter prior to going off shift.
a. Any issues occurring after evaluation review will be on the next shift’s evaluation.
Company officers or in-charge personnel
Who shall:
1. Ensure that company officers and in-charge personnel provide adequate guidance, instruction and “hands on” drilling as necessary to enable satisfactory completion of the Engine and Ladder Company syllabus, engine and ladder company practical evaluations and preparation for the final 11th month practical evaluations.
2. Administer and/or witness a minimum of one “hands on” drill performance by a probationary firefighter per pay period.
3. Ensure daily evaluation forms (FIR 861) are accurate and complete.
4. Review FIR 861 with company officer and probationary firefighter at the end of each pay period, or immediately thereafter, if Battalion Chief is off.
Extended absences by Battalion Chiefs require arrangements to be made to ensure timely evaluations of probationary firefighters and completion of required paperwork.
a. Provide second level evaluation on FIR 861
b. Forward completed FIR 861 to Assistant Chief of Training no later than the next shift following the end of each pay period.
5. Administer Engine and Ladder Company “12 shift test” in accordance with guidelines provided by the Training Division.
6. Assist the Training Division with Engine, Ladder Compapny and 11th month practical evaluations for opposite Battalion probationary firefighters.
7. After completion of the Engine and Ladder Company practical evaluations, and prior to the final 11th month practical evaluation, place probationary firefighters in their “home station” for as many shifts as possible to allow time for him/her to prepare for the final 11th month practical evaluation.
8. Complete the City of Tacoma Probationary Review Record as required.
Battalion Chiefs
Who shall:
- Provide adequate guidance, instruction and training, as required, to assist the probationary firefighter/paramedic in successfully completing probation.
- Provide adequate guidance to ensure TFD performance standards are being met.
- Ensure all department policies and procedures are followed.
- Ensure daily evaluation forms (FIR 6091-0001: Probationary Firefighter/Paramedic Daily Evaluation Form) are complete and accurate
a. Use the S, N, U grading format with comments.
b. Grades other than satisfactory require detailed commentary using an addendum.
c. Addendums shall be forwarded immediately via e-mail to the Medical Services Officer and Assistant Chief of Emergency Medical Services.
d. A paper copy of the addendum also shall be attached to the probationary firefighter/paramedic FIR 6091-0001. - Review FIR 6091-0001 daily with probationary firefighter/paramedic prior to going off shift.
a. Any issues occurring after the evaluation review will be on the next shift’s evaluation. - Forward at the end of the pay period all evaluations completed during that pay period to the Medical Services Officer.
Company Officers assigned to medic units and In-charge Paramedics
Who shall:
- Ensure daily evaluation forms are accurate and complete.
- Make the on-shift Captain/Paramedic or Paramedic Supervisor aware of any substandard evaluations for review and further education and/or training.
- Assist and advise supervisors on performance evaluations of probationary firefighter/paramedics to ensure TFD standards are being met.
- Advise the Assistant Chief of Emergency Medical Services of any substandard evaluations.
The Medical Services Officer
Who shall:
- Provide adequate guidance to ensure TFD performance standards are being met.
- Ensure all department policies and procedures are followed.
- Evaluate the probationary fireboat pilot for proficiency in the following:
a. Overall familiarity with and operation of all fireboat systems and equipment including:
i. Firefighting
ii. Water evacuation
iii. Audible warning—Class I and II Emergency
iv. Dive platform and ladder
v. Backup hydraulics
vi. Radios
b. Knowledge of:
i. District landmarks
ii. Tacoma Municipal Code Chapters 4.04 to 4.28
iii. Accident prevention
c. Small boat operations
d. Line handling
e. Piloting
Supervisors of Probationary Fireboat Pilots
Individuals charged with this responsibility
Who shall:
- Provide adequate guidance to ensure TFD performance standards are being met.
a. Ensure probationary fire officer and those under his/her direction adhere to department policies and procedures.
b. Ensure probationary fire officer uses correct radio terminology, size up, tactics and procedures to mitigate emergency situations. - Witness at least one single company drill directed by the probationary officer during his/her probationary period.
- Witness at least one multi-company drill hosted by the probationary fire officer during his/her probationary period.
- Witness at least one pre-fire plan hosted by the probationary officer during his/her probationary period.
- Witness at least one company level commercial building inspection by the probationary officer during his/her probationary period.
- Witness at least one class taught by the probationary fire officer during his/her probationary period.
- Review at least 12 EMIRs written by probationary officer during his/her probationary period.
- Ensure all required TFD station paperwork is completed and forwarded as required (e.g. monthly school and drill, IRS, BITS, SCBA check off sheets, Special Orders and Bulletins signed off, etc.).
- Ensure all station responsibilities are completed (e.g. Day Book completed, daily and monthly station duties complete, equipment and apparatus maintained, etc.).
- Complete City of Tacoma Probationary Review Record as required.
Supervisors of Probationary Fire Officers (Operations)
Individuals charged with this responsibility
Who shall:
- Provide adequate guidance to ensure TFD performance standards are being met.
a. Ensure Battalion Chief and those under his/her direction adhere to department policies and procedures.
b. Ensure Battalion Chief uses correct radio terminology, size up, tactics and procedures to mitigate emergency situations. - Ensure that the following activities are taking place in the battalion as required:
a. Single and multi-company drills
b. Pre-fire plans
c. Commercial building inspections
d. Training classes
e. Timely and accurate completion of EMIRs, FIR 861s, school and drill reports and IRS reports
f. Timely completion of station paperwork and other daily and monthly station responsibilities (e.g., Day Books, equipment and apparatus maintenance, etc.)
g. Complete City of Tacoma Probationary Review Record as required.
Supervisors of Probationary Battalion Chiefs Individuals charged with this responsibility