in-person training period for recent Fed hires?

[Anonymous]

I recently received a job offer on the hill that allows for up to 3 days/week of telework. During the interview they mentioned to me there is a training period up front of "several months" that requires 100% on-site. I'm waiting to get more details but it may be a while because they are currently doing the security check. Can any recent hires tell me how long this training period is, and if it's at all negotiable with your direct supervisor? Is it agency specific? Can you potentially ask for 1 day a week at home? I know some of the training entails mandatory stuff every new fed employee has to go through, but I can't imagine there will be enough of that to fill 40 hours a week.

Any insight will be appreciated, I have very young children and a very long commute, so full-time on site is very tough for me logistically, even if it's only a couple of months.

[Anonymous]

Are you working for congress (on the Hill) or an executive branch agency?

This is all agency specific and if you're on the Hill, it is probably specific to the committee or entity you are working for. Now that you have the offer, you should also check in with the office on how frequently people *actually* telework three days a week. It may be the case that while telework is theoretically an option, it doesn't actually work for your particular office/job.

[Anonymous]

They told you the expectation /requirement, and you agreed to the job.

You should assume it is what they said.

Plan your life accordingly.

[Anonymous]

Didn't we recently have a thread from the manager's POV who said new employee agreed to the in-office during training period, but then just kept coming up with excuses for not actually being in the office?

The general consensus as I recall was fire employee before probation was over since person was clearly not doing what they agreed to do.

[Anonymous]

Some places require 1 year in the office. You should get the time frame on writing.

[Anonymous]

I don't about the hill, but most fed "training" modules are online. By "training" they may mean they want you to shadow and get to know what goes on in an active office. I would assume that's not negotiable or else they'd have to offer that to everyone. And if there's that many people there for you to shadow I would be wary that the job isn't particularly flexible or telework friendly.

I would have a conversation with the hiring manager and get clarity on what "several months" means. Does this mean that you are guaranteed to the three days telework after a fixed period of time? Or does it mean that you can "apply" for a remote or telework agreement, which may or may not be approved?

[Anonymous]

The Hill is not a standard federal workplace. They have their own set of rules for employees (such as health insurance). Don’t expect the usual civil service protections there.

[Anonymous]

Which agency/department?