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1. During the hiring process how do I request reasonable accommodations for a disability?

Requests for reasonable accommodation by applicants may be made by submitting a written request to the Human Resources Director at the address below, prior to the job closing date or prior to the event for which an accommodation may be needed:
City of Charlottesville
Department of Human Resources
605 E Main Street
P.O. Box 911
Charlottesville, VA 22902

You may also contact the Human Resources Department by calling 434-970-3490 or email Human Resources to begin the request for reasonable accommodation procedure.

2. I have a criminal record. Will the city consider my application?

Yes. The City does not have blanket exclusion for offenders. However, convicted felons cannot be hired for certain positions due to requirements by state or federal law.  For example, certain positions in our Social Service and Human Services departments cannot be filled by applicants that have been convicted of specific barrier crimes as required by state or federal law. 

Applicants with criminal histories will be assessed on an individual basis with respect to time, circumstances, seriousness, and the extent to which the offense is related to the job for which you are applying. To provide support services for ex-offenders, the City partners with OAR: Jefferson Area Community Corrections.

3. What pre-employment checks does the City conduct?

In accordance with federal, state, and local law, the City of Charlottesville conducts job related background checks and pre-employment drug tests of applicants who reach the final stages of the employment selection process. Background checks may include but are not limited to: confirmation of education, training and experience; criminal history; credit history; driving records; and reference checks, and are dependent on the nature of the position sought and the public duties associated with such position.

Applicants will be asked to sign a release authorizing the City to conduct the necessary background checks for their position. For certain positions, a conditional offer of employment may be made prior to completion of a drug test and all applicable background checks. All applicants who receive a conditional offer of employment with the City will be required to pass all of the pre-employment background checks including a pre-employment drug test. A decision as to whether the offer will be confirmed shall be made after the results of the background checks and drug test are reviewed.

4. The position I am applying for requires a valid driver’s license. What is the City’s Vehicle Use Policy?

Some City positions require employees to drive either a City or personal vehicle to perform an essential duty of their job. When applying for a position that requires driving, you may be asked specific questions about your driving experience, driving record, specific convictions, or points balance. Applicants selected for positions that require driving will be asked to provide a certified copy of their DMV driving record and must meet the City’s driving eligibility requirements.

Eligibility

At a minimum, to be eligible to be a driver with the City, you must have:

1. A current appropriate valid driver’s license
2. No currently restricted driving privileges or suspended or revoked licenses. In addition, 24 months shall have passed since the most recent:
   1. Date of restoration of driving privileges after license revocation or declaration, determination or adjudication as a Habitual Offender
   2. Ending date of a period of suspension. Administrative suspension may be exempt. Examples of administrative suspensions include, but are not limited to: failure to pay fine, insurance monitoring, failure to pay child support, or for medical conditions that no longer exist or are under control with or without medication. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a decision to exempt a suspension within the twenty-four month period is within the sole-discretion of the City.
3. No convictions of driving while intoxicated with, or under the influence of, alcohol or drugs within the past 36 months
4. A current Virginia DMV point balance of no less than negative five.

Special Provisions

In addition to the driving standards outlined above, depending on assignment, City drivers must comply with all special provisions that may apply for certain positions based on State statutes, licensing boards, operation of emergency vehicles/equipment, etc. Some positions may have more stringent requirements and a determination will be made based on those standards.

Driving Records

Prior to starting employment with the City, your driving records must be approved by the hiring manager, who may consult with Risk Management. Authorized City drivers are subject to ongoing driving record status monitoring through DMV, for the duration of time that driving remains necessary to perform essential job duties. Additionally, if you are required to operate personal vehicles for City business, proof of valid automobile insurance coverage must be submitted. A complete copy of the City’s Vehicle Use Policy can be provided upon request.

5. I am unemployed. Where do I learn about services and benefits?

The Virginia Employment Commission (VEC) has a Workforce Center where many resources and services are available. This office is located at:
2211 Hydraulic Road
Charlottesville, VA 22901

The office phone number is 434-984-7630.

6. Where can I find information about employment with Charlottesville Public Schools?

You must contact Charlottesville City Schools directly. For more information, please call 434-245-2400.