HUMAN RESOURCES SPECIALIST V - OAHU

Human Resources Specialist

The State of Hawai'i offers a range of benefits for its employees. Some benefits are offered as a result of collective bargaining agreements and changes may occur. A summary of the benefits available to State of Hawaii employees is listed below.

Paid Holidays You may be eligible for 13 paid holidays each year; 14 holidays during an election year.

Paid Vacation You may earn vacation leave at a rate that other employers find tough to match 21 days each full year from the FIRST year of employment. This compares to an average of 10 days offered by private companies. You may accumulate up to a total of 90 days (720 hours) of vacation.

Paid Sick Leave You may earn sick leave at the same rate as vacation 21 days per year from the FIRST year, and there is no limit on the amount you can accumulate. Expectant mothers may also use sick leave for pre-natal or post-natal check-ups or any illness related to pregnancy. Plus, unused accumulated sick leave may eventually be used to increase your retirement benefits in certain situations.

Other Leaves Reasonable time off with pay may be provided for jury or witness duty, a death in the family, some military duty, and donation to the Blood Bank. Leave sharing donations may be granted to eligible employees who have serious personal illnesses or injuries or need to care for a seriously ill or injured family member. Various leaves without pay may also be granted with full re-employment rights.

Health Insurance The State pays a part of the premiums for each employee's enrollment in a State sponsored Medical, Drug, Vision, and Dental Plan. For more information, visit the Employer Union Trust Fund website www.eutf.hawaii.gov for coverage and options.

Group Life Insurance The State provides a free life insurance policy for employees.

Retirement Plan The State contributes to a retirement plan for eligible employees. Generally, employees under the Hybrid Plan with 10 years of credited service and who have reached 65 years of age or have 30 years of credited service and have reached 60 years of age may retire and receive benefits. To find out more about the options you have, go to http : / / ers.ehawaii.gov.

Premium Conversion Plan Participating employees may increase their take-home pay by having the State deduct the cost of health care premiums before payroll taxes are withheld.

Flexible Spending Accounts Eligible employees can reduce their federal and state income taxes and social security taxes through a tax-savings benefit program called Island Flex. This program allows employees to set aside money from their paychecks to pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and eligible dependent care expenses on a BEFORE-TAX basis.

Transportation Benefits Participating employees may increase their take-home pay by having the State deduct qualified transportation expenses (i.e. eligible parking fees, monthly bus passes for TheBus, fare coupons for The Handi-Van, Vanpool Hawaii participation fee, etc.) through pre-tax payroll deductions.

Deferred Compensation The State offers employees a voluntary pre-tax retirement savings plan designed to give employees a tax break today and an opportunity to build a retirement nest egg through voluntary payroll deductions. Several types of investment options are available.

Temporary Disability Insurance Qualified employees may be eligible to receive benefits for a disability caused by a non-work related injury or illness under this program.

Social Security As an employer, the State also contributes to an employee's social security account.

Promotions & Transfers For employees with membership in the civil service, the State offers promotion and transfer opportunities throughout the State Executive Branch.

Training & Continuing Education The State supports developmental activities related to an employee's work. In many departments there are numerous in-service training opportunities available. Sabbatical leaves with pay are available for qualified employees.

Travel Expenses The State may pay for certain business related travel expenses including mileage reimbursement for use of a personal car during work, airfare, meals and lodging expenses for trips to neighbor islands or out of state.

Incentive & Service Awards The State has a program that recognizes employees for their years of service and provides cash awards for their superior accomplishments and other contributions that improve State operations.

Union & Collective Bargaining Employees have the right to join the union for collective bargaining with the State and employee representation. Some employee unions provide discounts, insurance and other opportunities. Employees may also decide not to join a union, however, employees are required to pay union service fees unless the employee's job is excluded from collective bargaining.