Criteria for Unpaid Leaves. Leaves of absence without pay may be granted for health, educational, personal, or military reserve purposes. Leaves of absence may only be granted by the Sheriff. Leaves may be granted with the following understanding between the employer and the employees: Whether the position is held open is a determination to be made by the Sheriff. In cases where the position is held open, the position may be filled with a temporary employee. In cases where the position is not held open, employees on leave wishing to return will be considered for the first position open of the like pay and classification. During the Leave of Absence, an employee does not accrue credit for benefits.