Thank you for visiting the Vermont Department of Human Resources web site and reviewing our Privacy Notice. This notice addresses collection, use, and security of and access to information that may be obtained through use of the Vermont Department of Human Resources web site. This notice covers the following topics:
Information Collected and How it is Used
If you do nothing during your visit to the Vermont Department of Human Resources web site but browse or download information, we automatically collect and store the following information about your visit:
- The Internet Protocol Address and domain name used but not the e-mail address. The Internet Protocol address is a numerical identifier assigned either to your Internet service provider or directly to your computer. We use the Internet Protocol Address to direct Internet traffic to you;
- The type of browser and operating system you used;
- The date and time you visited this site;
- The web pages or services you accessed at this site; and
- The web site you visited prior to coming to this web site.
The information we automatically collect or store is used to improve the content of our web services and to help us understand how people are using our services. We analyze our web site logs to continually improve the value of the materials available on our site. Our web site logs are not personally identifiable, and we make no attempt to link them with the individuals that browse the Vermont Department of Human Resources web site. If during your visit our web site you apply for a job, take part in a survey, or send an e-mail, the following additional information will be collected:
- The e-mail address and contents of the e-mail;
- Information provided to apply for a job; and
- Information volunteered in response to a survey.
The information collected is not limited to text characters and may include audio, video, and graphic information formats you send us. The information is retained in accordance with the Vermont law on access to Public Records, 1 V.S.A. §§ 315-320. We use your e-mail to respond appropriately. This may be to respond to you, to address issues you identify, to share your comments without attribution with others, to analyze and track user comments and feedback to further improve our web site, or to forward the e-mail to another agency for appropriate action. With regard to electronic job applications, your application will be processed and forwarded in accordance with the policies and procedures that describe our recruitment systems.
Personal Information and Choice
"Personal information" is information about a natural person that is readily identifiable to that specific individual. Personal information may include such things as an individual's name, address, and phone number. A domain name or Internet Protocol address is not considered personal information. We collect no personal information about you unless you voluntarily participate in an activity that asks for information (i.e. sending an e-mail, applying for a job, or participating in a survey). If you choose not to participate in these activities, your choice will in no way effect your ability to use any other feature of the Vermont Department of Human Resources web site. If personal information is requested on the web site or volunteered by the user, state law may protect it. However, this information is a public record once you provide it, and may be subject to public inspection and copying if not exempted by state law from being produced pursuant to a request. Users are cautioned that the collection of personal information requested from or volunteered by children on-line or by e-mail will be treated the same as information given by an adult, and may be subject to public access.
Public Disclosure
Vermont law provides that government is open and that the public has a right to access appropriate records and information possessed by state government. At the same time, there are exceptions to the public's right to access public records that serve various needs including the privacy of individuals. Exceptions are provided by state law. All information collected at this site becomes part of the public record that may be subject to inspection and copying by the public, unless an exemption in law exists. 1 V.S.A. § 315 provides:
It is the policy of this subchapter to provide for free and open examination of records consistent with Chapter I, Article 6 of the Vermont Constitution. Officers of government are trustees and servants of the people and it is in the public interest to enable any person to review and criticize their decisions even though such examination may cause inconvenience or embarrassment. All people, however, have a right to privacy in their personal and economic pursuits, which ought to be protected unless specific information is needed to review the action of a governmental officer. Consistent with these principles, the general assembly hereby declares that certain public records shall be made available to any person as hereinafter provided. To that end, the provisions of this subchapter shall be liberally construed with the view towards carrying out the above declaration of public policy.
In the event of a conflict between this Privacy Notice and the Public Records Act or other law governing the disclosure of records, the Public Records Act or other applicable law will control. The statutory list of exemptions is found at 1 V.S.A. § 317. Anyone interested in the privacy of information contained in a job application submitted to the State of Vermont should consider the Vermont Supreme Court interpretation of the exemption found at 1 V.S.A. § 317(c)(7). Trombley v. Bellows Falls Union High School District No. 27, 160 Vt. 101 (1993).
Access and Correction of Personal Information
You can review any personal information we collect about you. You may recommend changes to your personal information you believe in error by submitting a written request that credibly shows the error. If you create a job applicant profile, you may update that profile by accessing your account and editing the information. If you believe that your personal information is being used for a purpose other than what was intended when submitted, you may contact us. In all cases, we will take reasonable steps to verify your identity before granting access or making corrections. See Contact Information section.
Cookies
To better serve our users we are now using "cookies" to customize your browsing experience on our web site. Cookies are simple text files stored on your computer by your web browser. They provide a method of distinguishing among visitors to the Vermont Department of Human Resources web site. Cookies created on your computer by using this web site do not contain personally identifying information and do not compromise your privacy or security. We use the cookie feature only to store a randomly generated identifying tag on your computer. You can refuse the cookie or delete the cookie file from your computer by using any of the widely available methods, however, you will not be able to create a job applicant profile or submit an electronic job application if you refuse to accept our cookies.
Security
The Department of Human Resources has taken steps to safeguard the integrity of its telecommunications and computing infrastructure, including but not limited to authentication, monitoring, auditing, and encryption. Security measures have been integrated into the design, implementation, and day-to-day practices of the entire operating environment as part of our continuing commitment to risk management. When you submit information in your account profile, your information is protected through the use of encryption, such as the Secure Socket Layer ("SSL") protocol. SSL makes it difficult for your personal information to be intercepted or stolen while being transmitted. This information should not be construed in any way as giving business, legal, or other advice, or warranting as fail proof, the security of information provided via our web site.
Disclaimer
The Vermont Department of Human Resources web site has links to other web sites. These include links to web sites operated by other government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and private businesses. When you link to another site, you are no longer on the Vermont Department of Human Resources web site and this Privacy Notice will not apply. When you link to another web site, you are subject to the privacy policy of that new site. Neither the State of Vermont, nor any agency, officer, or employee of the State of Vermont warrants the accuracy, reliability or timeliness of any information published by this system, nor endorses any content, viewpoints, products, or services linked from this system, and shall not be held liable for any losses caused by reliance on the accuracy, reliability or timeliness of such information. Portions of such information may be incorrect or not current. Any person or entity that relies on any information obtained from this system does so at his or her own risk.
The Vermont Department of Human Resources web site Contact Information
To access your personally identifiable information we collect, if any, or request correction of factual errors in your personally identifiable information, contact the Department of Human Resources.
To offer comments about the information presented in this Privacy Notice, contact:
By Phone: (802) 828-3491
By Fax: (802) 828-3409
By Mail: Commissioner's Office
Department of Human Resources
110 State Street, Drawer 20
Montpelier, VT 05620-3001
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