Benefits for Employees

 
Berkshire County Arc (BCARC) is pleased to present a brief description of many of the benefits offered to all regular employees with at least 30 regular hours per week upon successful completion of 90 day orientation status. All benefits will be discussed in detail during your meeting with the Benefits Administrator.

Health Insurance
The agency currently offers Health New England as its medical health provider. BCARC currently pays a significant portion of medical insurance premium costs for individual and family coverage. Employees pay their contribution of premium costs on a before-tax basis. There is a 90 day waiting period to enroll in this plan.

Dental Coverage
The agency currently offers The Guardian. Employees pay 100% of premium cost on a before-tax basis. There are individual and family plans available. There is a 90 day waiting period to enroll in this plan.

Section 125 Flexible Spending Account
Employees are given the option of setting aside a portion of their income on a pre-tax basis through payroll deduction for reimbursement of out-of-pocket health care (i.e. office visits, co-payments, prescriptions, over the counter medication, dependent care, etc.).

Pension Fund (403B)
The agency provides this Thrift Plan (403B) to enable employees to accumulate long-term savings for retirement. Most importantly, the agency has made contributions on behalf of staff for the past several years and will continue to do so upon the availability of funds. Employees are eligible to participate in the plan after 90 days of employment.

Life Insurance
A $20,000 per employee term life insurance program is cost-shared by BCARC and employee. Supplemental life insurance may be purchased for self, spouse or children.

Short Term Disability (STD) (insurance funded)
Starting on the 8th day of illness/accident, STD coverage is provided up to a maximum of 180 days. STD provides benefits of 60% of gross weekly pay week earnings. The agency pays a portion of the cost.

Long Term Disability (LTD) (insurance funded)
Starting after an employee is disabled and absent for a six-month period, LTD provides benefits of 60% of gross monthly to age 65. This benefit is paid in full by BCARC.

Personal Days
BCARC allows 3 personal days per year, pro-rated to a 40 hour work week.

Holidays
BCARC has a list of holidays which is published yearly, to a maximum of 12 days.

Sick Days
BCARC policy allows full time employees to be paid for 6 sick days, with a maximum of 48 hours per calendar year. Pro rated on a 40-hour basis. Eligible staff may receive up to 96 hours (12 paid sick days) as a maximum amount.

Vacation
Vacation is allocated after 180 days of employment based on a 40 hour pre-determined schedule:

6 months-1 year	1 week (40 hours)
1-5 years	3 weeks (120 hours)
5-10 years	4 weeks (168 hours)
10 years+	5 weeks (200 hours)

Vacation is prorated for employees who resign.

Bereavement
Per schedule.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
In order to provide a confidential process that employees can turn to for counseling when dealing with issues that may interfere with their job performance, BCARC has contracted with our Long Term Disability provider for all employees who work 30 hours or more per week at no cost the employee. This is a 24/7 hour Hotline for employees and their family members.

Educational Assistance
Partial tuition reimbursement from BCARC to employees who work at least 30 hours per week and are employed a minimum of six months. Reimbursement is limited to a first come first serve basis. This program applies to any public or private college or university.

Tuition Remission
Full payment to all MA state schools for undergraduate studies only to all employees who work at least 30 hours or more and have been employed a minimum of six months.

Discounts
Employee discount passes offered to the Great Escape and Six Flags (amusement parks) and discounted movie passes with significant savings. Discounts available to staff on Verizon phone services as well.