U.S. Department of Energy
Benefits
Committed To A Family Friendly Workplace
Alternate Work Schedules
Many Department of Energy organizations permit some 'or all employees to work schedules which vary from the eight hours a day, 80-hours a pay period standard. One of the approaches is the use of compressed schedules, which allow employees to work their 80 regular hours in fewer than the 10 working days of a "normal" pay period. Often, alternative arrangements assist individuals in caring for children or other dependents. For some, work schedule flexibilities means extra "personal time" to pursue educational or other developmental activities, or is helpful in reducing work related stress.
Elder Care
As our population ages, more and more employees find themselves responsible for the care of elderly or infirm family members. Some Department of Energy organizations now have begun to provide information and assistance to employees in arranging for such care during working hours.
Child Care
On-site facilities at which employees can leave their children during working hours. Fees vary by location and age of the child.
Family-Friendly Federal Leave Policies
Legislation has provided to Federal employees permission to:
Use sick leave for purposes related to the adoption of a child.
Up to 7 days of paid leave (in addition to sick or annual leave) to serve
as bone marrow or organ donor.
Excused absence to attend the funeral service of a fellow employee killed
in the line of duty.
Use sick leave when caring for family members or when arranging for/attending
funeral services for a family member.
Leave Transfer Program
The Department of Energy was one of the first agencies to pilot the Federal leave transfer program. This program allows employees to donate their annual leave to fellow employees who have used up their own sick and annual leave and would otherwise be in a non-pay status.
Physical Fitness/Health Services
The Department encourages employees to maintain their physical well-being in a number of ways. For example, employee sponsored and supported fitness centers are located on-site at a number of Departmental facilities.
Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)
Support employees who have performance or conduct problems or conflicts with supervisors or co-workers, or whose health, personal or family circumstances could affect job performance or workplace behavior.
Telecommuting/Flexiplace
Telecommuting arrangements allow employees to work at home (or at a satellite location close to home) rather than commuting to the office every day.
Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993
This legislation grants to most federal employees up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave during any 12 month period, to allow them to take care of family and medical needs.
Community Service
The Department encourages its employees to volunteer during official work hours to help local communities through several initiatives. Some examples include: Day of Caring, Blood Drives, and Adopt-A-School.
Annual Leave
All career employees earn . vacation or "annual leave. The amount earned varies with the length of Federal service. Employees earn 13 days of annual leave each year the first three year of employment, 20 days per year for three to 15 years of service, and 26 days per year after 15 years. Under certain conditions, time spent in the military service is creditable towards leave earning rates for annual leave.
Training Opportunities
DOE is committed to improving workforce performance related to the mission and strategic objectives of DOE, utilizing a systematic approach to assessing, planning, delivering and evaluation of training. This includes formal and informal training, education, developmental, and other learning assignments. The Department of Energy will cover part or all of training activity related costs, such as, tuition, fees, books, materials; equipment, salary and benefits, travel and limited change of duty station related costs. DOE also has an active Web-based online learning center accessible at employees desktops. Currently there are over 300 online courses available.
Awards
DOE has an incentive awards program that is intended to encourage high productivity by acknowledging superior performance. The recognition may be by means of cash awards, special salary increases for performance, a cash award for suggestions, or time off from work.
Thrift Savings Plan
(TSP)The TSP was established by the Federal Employees’ Retirement System (FERS) Act of 1986 to provide a tax-deferred retirement savings plan for Federal employees. Benefits include:
Retirement
The Federal Employees Retirement System, or FERS, became effective January 1, 1987. Almost all new employees hired after December 31, 1983, are automatically covered by FERS. Certain other Federal employees not covered by FERS have the option to transfer into the plan. FERS is a three-tiered retirement plan. The three components are:
Promotions
Employees may be eligible for promotion without competition to the full performance level if they demonstrate the ability to perform progressive responsible duties. Whether or not they are promoted will depend upon their qualifications and performance. Promotions above the full performance Level normally will be made competitively, as vacancies occur. In addition, opportunities exist for reassignment to other positions for which the employee qualifies.
Health Insurance
Employees can enroll in one of a variety of health plans. Regardless of the plan selected, employees and the government contribute to the plan.
Life Insurance
Federal employees are given an opportunity to select low-cost life insurance coverage. This coverage will be based on their annual salary and will include payments for loss of .limbs and/or eyesight in addition to accidental death.
Sick Leave
Regardless of the length of service employees earn 13 days of sick leave each year. Sick leave not used accumulates year after year and protects employees from loss of salary due to an extended illness.
Holidays
Federal employees receive 10 paid holidays per year.
Student Loan Repayment
DOE may repay part or all of a federally insured student loan (Subject to certain limitations)