The probationary period is a period of time constituting the final step of the competitive process for potential Career Service employees, normally constituting a period of thirteen accruable pay cycles or as otherwise established, unless extended up to a maximum of seven additional pay cycles at the request of the Appointing Authority and approval of the Human Resources Director. A probationary employee may, without cause, be terminated or demoted to a prior class in which the employee held Career Service status if a position is available.