New Employees

We understand that the first days, weeks and months of employment are filled with many questions. To that end, we’re here to provide you with the help and support you need to be successful in your new role.

Expect a call from your manager to:

• Confirm your start date, arrival time, dress code, etc.
• Complete key tasks on Workday
• Sign up for Licensed New Hire Orientation
• Sign up for Classified/Pro/Tech New Hire Orientation
• Complete I-9 information
• Complete W-4
• Complete Direct Deposit Information

Partner with your manager to identify your initial assignments; how your work fits into your department or school's overarching goals; and how you can begin making immediate contributions. Clarify your first week’s schedule, and confirm required and recommended training.

Schedule, Duties, and Job Expectations

• Set up your personal workspace.
• Ask your manager for an overview of the functional area – its’ purpose, organizational structure, and goals.
• Review your job profile in Workday, outline of duties, and expectations. Ask how your job fits in the department, and how your job and department contribute to the department/school. 
• Review hours of work. Ask questions about policies and procedures for overtime reporting, and use of vacation or off-track time, sick time, holidays, as well as any flexible work policies or procedures.
• If you haven't already, submit your completed I-9 documentation to your manager.

Socialization

• Be prepared to meet co-workers on the first day.
• Introduce yourself to others in the workplace.

Work Environment

Ask your manager about:

• Employee key(s) and building access card.
• Parking.
• Department-specific safety and emergency information.
• Taking a tour of your building.
• How to get supplies.

Technology Access

• Ask about your computer and setting up voicemail.
• If you have trouble with computer access, contact the IT Support Center at 303-387-0001.

As you settle into your new environment, your comfort level will increase each day as you meet more people, gain familiarity with your new surroundings, and begin your work projects. Debrief with manager after attending initial meetings and trainings.

Schedule, Duties, and Job Expectations

• Begin work on first assignment.
• Complete any outstanding Onboarding tasks in Workday.
• Ask for additional information about the department/school and organization to increase your understanding of it’s goals and initiatives.
• Request time to go over the performance review and goal-setting process with your manager.
• Review the process related to your probationary period.

Socialization 

• Plan lunch with a co-worker.
• Check out the Insights newsletter to learn about activities and events that may be of interest to you.

Settling In and Making Meaningful Contributions

As you continue to develop in your new role, learn about the organization, build relationships and ensure you’ve met your deadlines for benefits enrollment. Sign up for required professional development training courses.

Schedule, Duties, and Job Expectations

Schedule regular one-on-one meetings with your manager.

• Feel free to ask questions about the performance management process and compensation system.
• Discuss performance and professional development goals.
• Take on an additional assignment.

Socialization

• Continue introducing yourself to those inside and outside your department.
• Attend DCSD events of interest to you.

Training and Development

• Sign up for necessary training. The links to required training are a part of your onboarding tasks in Workday.

In your first three months, you should become fully aware of your role and responsibilities, begin to act independently and produce meaningful work.

Schedule, Duties, and Job Expectations

Continue meeting regularly with your manager.

• Prepare for an informal three-month performance check-in. Write down any questions or concerns you may have.
• Develop performance goals and professional development goals.

Socialization

• “Shadow” your manager and/or co-workers at meetings to gain exposure to others and learn more about the department/school and organization.
• Plan lunches with someone you have met from another department or school.

Training and Development

• Ask your manager if you need to complete additional training.
• Seek information about continued learning opportunities through the Professional Development Website.

As you gain momentum in your work and take the lead on some initiatives, this is a great time to assess what you have done well and what you could have done differently in your first six months. As your work moves forward, continue to develop relationships with peers as go-to partners.

Schedule, Duties, and Job Expectations

Review progress on performance goals and professional development goals.

Socialization

Plan to attend or be involved in an activity outside of your work area.

From Six to Twelve Months

At this point in time, you should feel fully engaged in your new role. You’re able to utilize your skills and knowledge, make sound decisions, contribute to team goals, and understand how your assignments affect others in the organization. You’ve developed effective working relationships and have a strong understanding of DCSD’s mission and culture.

Schedule, Duties, and Job Expectations

• Celebrate the successes of your contributions.
• Continue to seek regular informal feedback; prepare for formal feedback during the annual review.
• Are your skills and knowledge being fully utilized and are there ways to better utilize them? What’s working well, what could work better?
• Do you need additional support or resources?
• Begin discussing the year ahead.

Socialization

• Consider participating on either a committee or cross-functional team.
• Provide feedback to your manager on ways to improve the environment/culture, or operations within your department/school or with the District overall.

Trainings and Development

• Discuss your professional development goals and identify relevant learning opportunities.

Learn About DCSD's Benefits Program

Explore this site to learn more about the complete depth and breadth of DCSD benefits. And remember, you must sign up within 31 days of starting your job, so you'll want to get acquainted with your options as soon as possible. After this 31 day window, you may only elect or change your Benefits during open enrollment or if you have a life status change. Log into Workday to elect your Benefits.