Benefits
Health and financial security
At WSDOT, we understand that maintaining health and financial security for you and your family is an essential part of life. That is why choice is a key component of our benefits packages. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you are able to mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you receive, but also your personal contribution to them. Washington State Government offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation with services including:
Insurance Benefits
Employees who meet PEBB eligibility requirements may elect to enroll in medical (including vision) insurance. Employees who meet PEBB eligibility requirements are covered by dental and basic life and LTD insurance. Family members may also be covered. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending plan, which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses, and/or a limited-purpose flexible spending plan, which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their dental and vision expenses. Represented employees whose rate of pay on November 1, 2021, results in an annual salary of $50,004 a year or less will receive a $250 Medical FSA contribution in January 2022. You will receive this employer-paid benefit even if you don't enroll in a Medical FSA. The contribution will not come out of your paycheck. Keep in mind, you cannot receive this benefit if you enrolled in a CDHP with an HSA for 2022 or waived PEBB medical coverage for 2022. For more information on Medical Flexible Spending Arrangement (FSA) and the qualifications for the $250 Medical FSA Benefit, please visit HCA's FSA website.
In addition, employees are covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts. To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area, and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website.
Please note: As a new employee you also have the option to shop for health insurance at the Marketplace (also known as the Health Insurance Exchange). For more information Visit www.healthcare.gov or also get help by phone, or in person. Call 1-800-318-2596, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (TTY: 1-855-889-4325).
Retirement and Deferred Compensation
WSDOT employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information regarding retirement, check out the < href="https://www.drs.wa.gov/"Department of Retirement Systems' website. DRS offers live webinars for Plan Choice, as well as other retirement related topics and on-demand videos. We recommend new employees review information on the Plan Choice section of the DRS website and review the Plan Choice Guide.
Vacation (annual/leave)
We value your loyalty, the amount of vacation you can accrue increases the longer you work with us. Washington State generously supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.
| Year | Vacation Hours Earned Per Month |
|---|---|
| 1st and 2nd Year | 9.33333 |
| 3rd Year | 10 |
| 4th Year | 10.66667 |
| 5th and 6th Year | 11.33333 |
| 7th, 8th and 9th Year | 12 |
| 10th, 11th, 12th, 13th, and 14th Year | 13.33333 |
| 15th, 16th, 17th, 18th and 19th Year | 14.66667 |
| 20th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 24th Year | 16 |
| 25th Year and thereafter | 16.66667 |
A maximum of 30 working days (240 hours) may be accumulated. Accrual rates may vary depending on your collective bargaining agreement.
Holidays
| Holiday | Date |
|---|---|
| New Year's Day | January 1 |
| Martin Luther King, Jr's birthday | Third Monday in January |
| Presidents' Day | Third Monday in February |
| Memorial Day | Last Monday in May |
| Juneteenth | June 19 |
| Independence Day | July 4 |
| Labor Day | First Monday in September |
| Veterans' Day | November 11 |
| Thanksgiving Day | Fourth Thursday in November |
| Native American Heritage Day | Friday immediately after Thanksgiving |
| Christmas Day | December 25 |
| Personal Holiday | Employee's selection each calendar year |
Employees covered by a Marine Collective Bargaining Agreement may have different holiday dates. Please refer to your CBA.
Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Paid sick leave can be used for the following reasons: illness, injury, preventative health care, exposure to a contagious disease that might endanger others, disability due to pregnancy or childbirth, illness injury or death of relatives.
Commute Trip Reduction
Many WSDOT employees don't use a single occupancy vehicle to travel to and from work. Some ride a bus, train or bicycle; and some employees choose to walk or share the ride in a carpool or vanpool. They are saving money, helping to relieve traffic congestion and keeping our air and water clean. WSDOT offers several different programs to support commute trip reduction. Employees who meet eligibility and tracking requirements may receive a free or subsidized transit pass; vanpool fare subsidy; or an incentive for walking, biking, and carpooling. To learn more about your commute options contact your employee transportation coordinator.
Wellness Program
WSDOT also is a participant in the Smart Health Program as part of our commitment to employee wellness. The SmartHealth Program combines on-line personalized challenges, social activities and interactive learning to help employees improve overall well-being and reconnect to what motivates them in their jobs. For those eligible, you can earn points toward a $125 SmartHealth incentive. You can learn more at SmartHealth (smarthealth.hca.wa.gov)
Modern Work Environment
WSDOT is working on building a modern work environment and create an organizational culture that empowers employees with choice, enables excellent performance, supports all generations, and is mindful of our impact on the environment by taking actions outlined in this order. Take a look at some of things we offer to support this initiative to including telework and flexible work hours, and will maintain the technology necessary to provide the ability to work in a variety of locations. Read more about WSDOT's modern work environment and watch a video of what our workforce has to say about it.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) helps employees and their family members resolve personal or work-related problems. EAP can help employees with a wide range of issues, including but not limited to depression, stress anxiety, anger, parenting issues, workplace issues, marital or relationship issues, grief and loss. For more information, check out the Washington State Department of Enterprises EAP website. Your first consultation is free.
Employee & Business Resource Groups
WSDOT is committed to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (YouTube video). Our Diversity Advisory Group (DAG) is an employee resource group serves as the advisory body to agency executive leadership in supporting strategic diversity efforts throughout WSDOT. The DAG is a work group of employee representatives from all WSDOT regions and headquarters. Additionally, Washington State Enterprise have several Business Resource Groups (BRGs) that were created for state employees as a way of supporting and encouraging diversity throughout our workforce. Contact your local HR office for more information on WSDOT DAG groups.
Loan Forgiveness & Tuition Reimbursement
Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF): The PSLF Program forgives the remaining balance on Direct Loans after 120 qualifying monthly payments under a qualifying repayment plan while working full-time for a qualifying employer. The Washington Student Achievement Council has additional information, webinars, tools and resources regarding the PSLF Program.
Tuition Discounts/Tuition Reimbursement: As a State Employee, you may be eligible to receive tuition discounts at the state community colleges or universities (CWU, EWU, UW or WSU, WWU). Additionally, WSDOT is proud to offer up to $4,000 per year for tuition reimbursement for permanent employees.
Productivity Board Program
The Productivity Board incentivizes state employees to help our government operate more efficiently. The program encourages employees to submit suggestions under two main categories:
- The Employee Suggestion Program, which awards 10% of net savings.
- The Teamwork Incentive Program, which awards up to 25% of net savings.
- Individuals can be awarded up to $10,000.
Please visit our website at https://sos.wa.gov/productivity-board
Charities & Additional Deductions
Memorial Foundation: The Foundation provides financial assistance to State Department of Transportation employees who become disabled in the line of duty, to surviving spouses and children of Fallen Workers and for the families of employees impacted by catastrophic injury or illness.
Combined Fund Drive: This program allows employees to make donations via check and payroll deduction to their favorite charities, including the Memorial Foundation.
Parking
Depending on the office location you work from, there will be different processes for parking. Most facilities have free parking; though you should speak with your supervisor regarding specific parking procedures.