Section 31IAC5-8-9. Special leave

   (a) Subject to the approval of the director, employees occupying positions in the state classified service may be granted special leaves of absence to accept appointment to positions in the unclassified service.

  (b) The special leave may be granted originally for any period of time up to a maximum of four (4) years. Such leave may be extended annually after the end of the fourth year to cover entire period of employment in the position.

  (c) Upon termination of service in the position in the unclassified service, the employee shall be returned to the same or a reasonably comparable position as the position held at the time leave was granted. The rate of pay upon return to the state classified service shall be no less than that being paid at the time leave was granted unless such rate of pay is precluded due to change of salary grade or range for the class. (State Personnel Department; 31 IAC 5-8-9; filed May 10, 2012, 2:32 p.m.: 20120606-IR-031110446FRA)