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Paid Parental Leave Policy

In order to assist and support new parents in their balancing work and family matters, Duke provides Paid Parental Leave. This program provides staff with a period of time off for activities related to the care and well-being of their newborn or adopted child(ren).

Description

Duke will provide up to three consecutive weeks of 100 percent paid parental leave to the parent serving as the primary caregiver following the birth or adoption of a child.

  • The individual must take Paid Parental Leave during the first 12 weeks following the birth or adoption of a child.

Note: If both parents work for Duke, then only one parent can be designated as a primary caregiver.

Definitions

  • A "primary caregiver" is defined as someone who has primary responsibility for the care of a child immediately following birth. "Primary Caregivers" are also those individuals who have recently become parents through actions of custody. This definition thus applies to both births and adoptions.
  • An "eligible parent" is defined as a natural parent, same-sex partner, or a new adoptive parent who is the primary caregiver (see the "Primary Care Giver Affidavit" for further definition). An individual who adopts a spouse or partner’s child(ren) is not eligible for this benefit.

Benefit Calculation

The amount of the benefit will be base salary determined by one’s regularly scheduled work hours.

Eligibility

University and health system staff regularly working 30 or more hours per week that have been employed for at least 12 months and have worked for at least 1,250 hours during the prior 12-month period are eligible to apply for the Paid Parental Leave (excludes House Staff).

Staff are eligible to receive Paid Parental Leave during the first 12 weeks following the birth or adoption of a child.

Request for Leave

To apply for Paid Parental Leave, staff must complete and submit a Paid Parental Leave of Absence Request Form to Duke Corporate Payroll (Box 90484, Durham, NC 27708) at least 30 days in advance of the first day of leave.  For Personal Leaves of Absences without pay, send an additional copy to HRIC at 705 Broad Street (Box 90496, Durham, NC 27708).

  • Application forms are available on (1) our forms website, (2) entity and department Human Resources representatives, (3) or can be obtained by contacting the Staff & Labor Relations office at 684-2808 (P.O. Box 3904, 1527 DukeSouthClinicBuilding, Durham, NC27710).
  • The department payroll representative must also prepare a Payroll Leave of Absence Form in order to ensure accurate and timely payment. The Payroll Leave of Absence form should be submitted according to HR/Payroll policy.
  • Paid Parental Leave will run concurrently with associated Family Medical Leave. Please see the Family Medical Leave pages of this Policy Manual for additional information.

Use of Accrued Time during Three-Week Waiting Period

Before the benefit will go into effect, there should be a consecutive three-week waiting period commencing from the last day worked.

  • The staff member must use accrued time in the form of vacation, sick leave, discretionary/designated holidays or PTO before taking time without pay during the 3-week waiting period.
  • Payment for Paid Parental Leave will be paid on regular payroll dates.

Job Guarantee

At the end of the leave period, the staff member will normally return to his or her former position. However, if his or her position had to be filled by another regular staff member during the leave period, the employing department is responsible for placing the returning staff member in a position of equal status and pay.

Additional Information

For detailed information about Paid Parental Leave, contact the Staff & Labor Relations office at 684-2808 (P.O. Box 3904, 1527 Duke South Clinic Building, Durham, NC27710) or review the Parental Leave website.

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