Rule 115 Program

Information about the program designated for the exempt employment of individual who are severely disabled.

Civil Service Commission Rule 115 provides for the exempt employment of qualified individuals who are severely disabled.  The program defines an alternative process through which individuals with severe disabilities can join the City's permanent workforce WITHOUT going through the civil service examination process.

Positions in the Rule 15 program are filled by permanent exempt appointment.  While employees in these positions are not subject to examination, appointees filling such positions are subject to a one-year evaluation period.  If the appointee performs the job satisfactorily during the evaluation period, he or she will be advanced to regular permanent civil service (PCS) status.

How It Works

1. A departmental appointing officer designates an entry-level position to be filled by an exempt appointee under the terms of Rule 115.  (Entry-level classifications encompass a wide variety of positions including skilled labor, clerical, accounting, food service, social work, management assistant, administrative analyst and other positions.)
2. The Equal Employment Opportunity Unit of the Department of Human Resources then works with the Department to develop a job announcement and notifies over 60 agencies with potential disabled applicants.  The applications of qualified individuals are forwarded directly to the hiring department for review, interviews and appointment.
3. The permanent exempt appointee serves a one-year evaluation period during  which there must be three performance evaluations.
4. After one year of successful work performance, the appointee is then advanced to regular permanent civil service (PCS) status.

Although the program is designed around open recruitment, departments may work directly with community agencies to identify Rule 115 applicants.  Community agencies have successfully advocated for Rule 115 designations with specific departments.  We encourage community-based organizations to develop relationships with City departments to advocate on behalf of their clients.

The Job Announcement

Job announcements for positions designated for the exempt employment of individuals who are severely disabled will be posted on the Department of Human Resources web page.

The Application

Applications may be filed on the date noted on the announcement, and only for the position announced.  A separate application must be submitted for each position.

Be sure to carefully and completely fill out the application.  Give complete information about  your experience and background, and make sure that your experience, training and education meet the minimum requirements for the position.  Do not forget to sign the application.

Applications must be submitted with a valid certification of severe disability from the State Department of Rehabilitation or the Veterans Administration in San Francisco.