SUBSECTION 4.2.3.4
PROSPECTIVE EMPLOYEE INTERVIEW EXPENSES

4.2.3.4.1

Statement of Policy

Effective Date:

Sept. 1, 1998

RCW 43.03.130 provides in part that any state agency may pay a qualified prospective employee, as defined in Subsection 4.2.3.4.2, the necessary travel expense in connection with interviewing or examining the prospective employee. It is the responsibility of the agency head to determine that prudent judgment is exercised in the payment of interview expenses.

4.2.3.4.2

Qualified Prospective Employees

Effective Date:

Sept. 1, 1998

Qualified prospective employees are limited to applicants for the position of director, deputy director, assistant director, state supervisor or equivalent or higher position, engineers or other personnel having both executive and professional status. (Refer to definitions contained in WAC 356-05-165 and WAC 356-05-315.) In the case of institutions of higher education, prospective employees are limited to applicants being considered for academic positions above the rank of instructor, or professional, or administrative employees in supervisory positions. In the case of community and technical colleges, such travel expenses may be paid for applicants being considered for full-time faculty positions or administrative employees in supervisory positions.

4.2.3.4.3

Allowable Travel Expenses

Effective Date:

Sept. 1, 1998

4.2.3.4.3.a

Allowable travel expenses are defined as necessary expenses, reimbursable by law which have been incurred by a prospective employee in traveling to and from a designated place for an interview or merit system examination. Travel expenses authorized for this purpose shall be payable at rates not to exceed the rates prescribed in these regulations for state employees.

4.2.3.4.3.b

Reimbursement for travel is to be limited to the time required to travel by the most expeditious means.

4.2.3.4.3.c

Transportation expenses are to be authorized in an amount not to exceed the tourist round trip air fare.

4.2.3.4.3.d

Other reimbursable expenses may include necessary costs incurred in travel by taxicab, bus, rental vehicle, or other conveyance from and to the common carrier terminal or place of abode of the prospective employee, as required for the interview or examination.

4.2.3.4.4

Mode of Payment

Effective Date:

Sept. 1, 1998

4.2.3.4.4.a

The agency is to reimburse the prospective employee for travel expenses incurred after the prospective employee submits an itemization of such expenses on an Invoice Voucher (form A19-1A) or on a Travel Expense Voucher (form A20-A) in the same detail as required for travel reimbursement to state employees.

4.2.3.4.4.b

When an applicant is called to be interviewed by or on behalf of more than one agency, the travel expenses may be paid directly by the Department of Personnel or other corresponding personnel agencies, subject to reimbursement by the interviewing agencies on a pro rata basis.

4.2.3.4.5

Prior Authorization Required

Effective Date:

Sept. 1, 1998

If the prospective employee is applying for a classified position, the interviewing agency is to secure prior authorization of the Department of Personnel or other corresponding personnel agency before offering to pay said prospective employee's travel expenses.