The Director shall approve leaves of absence for certified employees who accept appointment in a position which is exempt from the Code. Such leaves of absence may be for a period of one (1) year or less and may be extended for additional one (1) year periods. At the expiration of the leave of absence, an employee shall be restored to the same or similar position upon making application to the department with continuous service including the period of such leave.
Ill. Admin. Code tit. 80, § 630.270