Skip to main content

link to Human Resources home page

U.S. Department of Justice Worklife Program

Contact Us

Worklife Fact Sheet

The Department of Justice Worklife Program
“A Program that works for everyone!”

The Department's Worklife Philosophy…

The only way we will continue to achieve our goal of strengthening the nation’s law enforcement efforts is through employees’ improved performance, creativity and dedication. As technology improves, jobs are redefined, and we move into the 21st century, we will strive to support employees and maximize their performance by making available practical and workable solutions to balancing the demands of work and personal lives.

What are some of the benefits employees can derive from the Worklife Program?

Finding a workstyle that works for you and the organization…

Alternative Work Schedules -- Varying the starting and ending time of the workday.  Flexible work schedules may encompass the more traditional 8-hour day and the 5/4/9 maxi-flex schedule. The 5/4/9 maxi-flex schedule and the compressed work schedule provide full-time employees the option to complete their 80-hour biweekly work requirements in fewer than 10 workdays. The incentive is to work longer hours each day to obtain one "off day" once a week or once a pay period.

Part-Time or Job Sharing opportunities assist the individuals who want to work fewer hours. Employees work between 16 and 32 hours per week, within the scope of OPM and DOJ guidelines, and consistent with office workload requirements. Job Sharing is a form of part-time employment in which two employees cover a single full-time position.

Telework allows an employee to work from a satellite office—a GSA Telework Center, a home office, or a satellite DOJ office—for an agreed upon portion of the work week. It affords a quiet, uninterrupted work environment and freedom from the time constraints and costs associated with commuting to a primary office site.

Credit Hours are similar to compensatory time, however, credit hours provide greater flexibility in managing overtime work. Through credit hours, the employee can work occasional overtime without the burdens associated with approval and scheduling of overtime.

To request a flexible work option, use the DOJ Flexible Work Option Request  form in PDF format. You may also obtain a copy by contacting your Component Worklife Coordinator or your Personnel Office

Family-Friendly Leave Programs — the Federal Government has established several leave programs intended to support employees in managing special family situations such as the birth or adoption of a child and the serious illness or death of a loved one. Those leave programs include:

  • The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) - an employee can request up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave per year for such things as the birth and care of a child, adoption or foster care or caring for a seriously ill member of the immediate family.
  • Federal Employee Family Friendly Leave allows an employee to request up to 104 hours of sick leave per leave year, with an existing sick leave balance of 80 hours, to provide care for a family member because of illness, injury, pregnancy or childbirth; a medical, dental or optical treatment; or to make funeral arrangements or attend the funeral of a family member.

For more information on these and other Federal leave programs, contact your Personnel Office.

Dependent Care Support — as a service to those of you who have dependent care responsibilities, the Department of Justice has undertaken several initiatives to provide information and support:

  1. In 1992, the Department opened its near site child care center called, Just Us Kids. The Center accommodates up to 68 children, ages 12 weeks through kindergarten. The Center offers a tuition assistance program for low income families. Call (202) 353-3300 for information.


  2. The Department is also a sponsoring partner for the U.S. Kids Child Development Center (202-233-4623).


  3. Several Components have contracted for the LifeCare dependent care resource and referral service which offers assistance in resolving child care, elder care, higher education and financial planning, and other personal issues. In addition, LifeCare provides backup child care-access to the NAEYC-accredited, ChildrenFirst backup care centers around the country (employees pay only $35 per child per day, plus a one-time $39 registration fee per family). To find out if your Component is participating click on the link above or contact your Personnel Office to be sure the list represent the most recent update.

Take advantage of the Worklife Program to reduce the pressure and perform at your best. Find the name and phone number of your Component Worklife Coordinator at: http://www.usdoj.gov/jmd/ps/wpc-dic.htm

Return to the TOP