VACATION
Length of employment with the State determines the amount of vacation leave earned, as follows:

0-4 years = 10 days per year		20-24 years = 22 days per year
5-11 years = 15 days per year		25+ years = 25 days per year
12-19 years = 20 days per year

Some contract-covered employees earn vacation in a somewhat different manner.

SICK LEAVE
Sick leave is accumulated at the rate of one and a half workdays a month with no maximum. Employees may exchange unused sick leave hours upon retirement at the hourly rate up to a maximum of $2,000. Permanent employees who have earned 240 hours of sick leave may elect to exchange a specific amount of sick leave for 4 hours of vacation each month in which they do not use any sick leave. This allows an employee to earn an additional 6 days vacation per year. Sick leave may also be used to care for family members who are ill or injured, to attend funerals of family members, and to serve as a pallbearer.

HOLIDAYS
Currently there are nine paid state holidays each year. Due to staffing needs, many employees are required to work on holidays but will receive holiday pay or time off for working a holiday.

INSURANCES
Health insurance is available to each full time employee. Coverage for family members is partially paid by the employee. Various plans and premiums are available. Married couples both employed by the State of Iowa are eligible for reduced premium rates on family coverage.

Single and family dental coverage is available. The State pays the cost of a single plan, but you may purchase family coverage.

The State of Iowa provides $20,000 free life insurance for each employee. You have the option to purchase additional term life insurance.

The State provides disability insurance at no cost to the employee after one month of employment with benefits based on disability and length of service.

The Unemployment Insurance Program covers state employees.

You may choose to pay your portion of health, dental, and life insurance premiums or the care expenses for a dependent child or adult with salary dollars that are not subject to federal or state income taxes or social security taxes.

IOWA PUBLIC EMPLOYEE’S RETIREMENT SYSTEM
Starting with your first paycheck, it is mandatory that a percentage of your gross pay be deducted from each check. The State also contributes a percentage for your retirement program. If you leave state employment, the portion that has been withheld from your paycheck plus any accumulated interest is refundable to you. The money may be left in IPERS if you leave employment before the age of 55 after four years of service or retire at age 65 with less than 5 years of service. Upon retirement, you are eligible to receive a monthly benefit based on the accumulated contributions paid by you and your employer or take a lump sum payment. Employees in protected occupation job classes may retire with full benefits at age 55 if they have 22 years of service.

F.I.C.A.
All employees have a portion of their wages deducted for F.I.C.A. (Social Security taxes). This is matched by an amount contributed by the State.

WORKER’S COMPENSATION
Medical and hospital expenses are paid for injuries or illnesses incurred while on duty.

DEFERRED COMPENSATION
Deferred compensation is a long-term savings program emphasizing preparation for financial security during retirement years. You may elect to defer a portion of your income each month into a variety of savings program. This money is not subject to state or federal taxes until withdrawn.

AUTOMATIC DIRECT DEPOSIT OF PAYROLL CHECKS
The State offers automatic direct deposit of your payroll check into an account at the financial institution of your choice.

CREDIT UNION
You are eligible to become a member of the State Employee’s Credit Union and may elect to join through payroll deduction. Applications for low-interest loans may be made to the Credit Union if you have been a state employee for at least six months.

PAYROLL DEDUCTION FOR PURCHASE OF UNITED STATES SAVINGS BONDS AND FOR CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS

EDUCATION AND TRAINING PROGRAMS
The Department provides a five-week training program for all new employees who work with inmates. In-service training is provided to all employees and there are opportunities to take advantage of training programs away from your institution.

MEALS
Institution employees are provided a free mid-shift meal at each institution.

UNIFORMS
Uniforms are provided for those employees required to wear them. Uniforms include appropriate outdoor wear when required to perform your duties.

SAFETY EQUIPMENT
Safety equipment appropriate to your job duties will be issued where required.

PERSONAL PROPERTY LOSS REIMBURSEMENT
If your personal property is damaged in the performance of your duties, you may be reimbursed for that loss up to a set amount.

EMPLOYEE LIABILITY PROTECTION
You have liability protection while performing your duties unless you are purposefully negligent or intentionally act in a wrongful manner. This protection includes legal representation and payment of any financial damages that may be awarded.

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
A counseling/evaluation program is available for any employee or family member with problems that may be interfering with successful job performance. Initial assessments are available at no cost and ongoing services are available at sliding scale fees.

IOWA PRISON INDUSTRIES
State employees may purchase the following products and services through Iowa Prison Industries at a moderate cost: soap products, printed products, metal signs, furniture, clothing, custom woodshop products, and upholstery services.

1998