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On Oct. 1, 2024, the FDA began implementing a reorganization impacting many parts of the agency. We are in the process of updating FDA.gov content to reflect these changes.

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  1. Jobs and Training at FDA

Quality of Worklife

Alternative Work Schedules (AWS)

AWS allows employees to work several types of schedules other than the traditional 8 hours per day, 40 hours per week schedule with fixed starting and quitting times. There are two categories of alternative work schedules: flexible work schedules (FWS) and compressed work schedules (CWS). FDA's AWS Master Plan outlines the broadest parameters within which organizations may develop scheduling schemes that best fit that particular organization and the needs of employees. Organizations may set more stringent requirements than allowed in the master plan, i.e., establish local plans, or adopt the FDA AWS Master Plan. Remember, using any of the AWS options is not an entitlement. Supervisors and managers decide when to use the AWS and which scheduling options employees may use.

Child Care Tuition Assistance Program

Tuition assistance is available for employees who meet the total family income criteria and who have a child/children age 13 or under (or, 18 and under, if physically or mentally unable to care for him/herself) in licensed or registered child care.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is available to assist with concerns that affect the quality of our work and family lives. The FDA has entered into an Inter-Agency Agreement with the Federal Occupational Health EAP Services to provide Employee Assistance services for all FDA employees. The EAP provides valuable assistance, intervention and/or information that can assist you in successfully addressing a job-related or personal problem.

Transhare Program

This incentive program offers transit subsidies to employees who commute to work by public transportation or registered vanpool (vanpools at NCTR or vanpools in FDA Regional/District locations may not be registered with a Transit Authority). Simply complete and submit the application.

Flexible Workplace Arrangements Program

The FDA-wide Flexible Workplace Arrangements Program (FWAP) Plan provides the broadest parameters allowed by the Public Health Service. Plans may vary within the various components of FDA. This program applies to work which is performed away from the employee's official duty station on a long-term basis, i.e., more than two consecutive workweeks. It also applies to employees who, due to compelling reasons, need to work at home on special assignment/project on a short-term basis, i.e., two consecutive workweeks or less. Short-term flexible work arrangements may be based on the need to complete special assignments/projects, medical conditions (e.g., illness, injury), etc. Full-time and part-time permanent, temporary (appointments at least one year or more), and term employees and PHS Commissioned Corps Officers are covered by this Plan.

Voluntary Leave Transfer Program (VLTP)

This program gives employees additional flexibility for balancing work and personal needs through greater accessibility to leave. It allows employees who do not have enough leave to cover medical or family emergencies to request donated leave from other Federal employees.

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