Flexible Scheduling: Employee Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is flexible scheduling?

USA Health uses flexible scheduling for all positions in the health system. Flexible scheduling allows supervisors to assign employees time off based on the needs of the department.

2. My department has notified me that I may only work a few days a week. Will I be paid for the hours I do not work?

Regular full-time and regular part-time employees, who have their regularly scheduled work hours reduced, may choose to use their PTO if available during this time or may choose to take unpaid leave. Employees should notify their immediate supervisor if they choose to use PTO.

3. How will I know about changes in my work schedule?

Each employee’s supervisor will communicate with him or her regularly regarding work schedules. If an employee’s contact information needs updating, to include personal phone number or mailing address, the employee should provide the updated contact information to their supervisor and to USA Health Human Resources immediately.

4. What happens if I call in and cannot work a scheduled shift?

Our normal attendance policy is still in effect during this time. Use of PTO will be required.

5. Can I apply for unemployment benefits if my scheduled hours are reduced?

Yes. Employees may be eligible for unemployment benefits under certain circumstances based on a reduction of work hours. Alabama Department of Labor has announced that workers in the state who are not able to work due to COVID-19 will be eligible to file for unemployment benefits. For more information visit: https://labor.alabama.gov/unemployment.aspx. You may also contact USA Health Human Resources if you have questions.

6. What happens to my benefits (health, life, vision and dental) if I run out of paid time?

At this time, your employee benefits (health/dental and additional life) will not be cancelled due to you running out of paid time.

7. Will I continue to be eligible for the Employee Educational Benefit for myself and/or my dependents?

Yes. Employees will continue to be eligible for the Employee Educational Benefit for themselves and their dependents during this time of flexible scheduling.

8. Will my seniority with USA Health be impacted by flexible scheduling?

No. Employees will retain their seniority with USA Health.

9. My physician has indicated that I cannot risk being exposed to COVID-19 due to an existing health condition. What should I do?

Please contact Human Resources and complete the necessary leave request form for Human Resources to determine if this qualifies for FML for which your serious health condition would keep you from working your normal work schedule. Physician documentation will be required.

10. Can I take a hardship withdrawal from my 403(b) plan related to COVID-19?

Yes, the USA 403(b) Supplemental Retirement Plan, USA 457(b) Deferred Compensation Retirement Plan, the USA HealthCare Management, LLC 403(b) Matching Retirement Plan and USA Health Care Authority 401(a)/457(b) Combination Matching Retirement Plan will be amended in accordance with the Federal guidelines recently approved.

If you are interested in taking a hardship distribution from the plan, due to the impacts of COVID-19, please contact TIAA at 1-800-842-2252 or VALIC at 1-800-448-2542, as applicable.

11. I am experiencing unusual stress and anxiety. What resources are available to help?

USA’s Employee Assistance Program counselor, Julie Barker Hubbard, is available by telephone consultation at no cost to the employee. You may contact her at (251) 460-1346 or at jbarker@southalabama.edu.