Full-time Civil Service Employees
Benefits
The following benefits are available to Civil Service Staff who meet eligibility requirements:
Health Insurance
There are approximately thirteen plans available through the City of New York Employee Benefits Program that offers basic medical coverage for doctors and hospitalization. Coverage under some plans require no contribution while others require a payroll deduction. Enrollment forms should be returned to the Office of Human Resources within five (5) days after the date of appointment. All employees appointed from Civil Service lists, or in Exempt, and Non-Competitive catergories for whom there is an experience or education requirement, coverage begins on their appointment date, provided that the application has been received. All are available to eligible dependent family members and registered domestic partners.
DC 37 Health and Security Plan Benefits
Employees are eligible for fringe benefits as of their first day of employment, as long as they meet the required credited service hours in a job title covered by the DC 37 Health and Security Plan and once they have completed a DC 37 Health and Security Plan enrollment card. Employees must continue to work the required number of hours to remain eligible for benefits. Dental, optical, prescription drug coverage, term life insurance, disability, podiatric and audiology benefits are covered through District Council 37 (DC 37).
Flexible Spending Account
Flexible Spending Accounts are available for health and dependent care. Gross salary can be reduced for federal and social security taxes. The Medical Spending Conversion Program, permissible under IRC Section 125, administers the Health Benefits Buy-Out Waiver Program and the Premium Conversion Program. The Buy-Out Waiver Program permits eligible employees to receive an annual cash incentive payment. The Premium Conversion Program enables eligible employees to pay for their health plan premium deductions on a pre-tax basis and can also reduce gross income for tax purposes.
Retirement Plan
The retirement plan option is through the New York City Employees' Retirement System (NYCERS). Employees must contribute 4.85% of annual salary and are vested after 5 years of continuous full-time employment. Those who have prior work in NYS, NYC or a NY municipality should notify the Office of Human Resources (OHR) at the time of enrollment. Applications for Membership should be returned to OHR within five (5) days after the date of appointment.
Union Dues
Most Civil Service staff are represented by DC 37. All eligible staff are charged an amlunt equivalent to union dues whether or not they elect to join. However, an appllication must be completed in order to receive welfare fund benefits.
Payroll
Pay Days are bi-weekly on Thursdays. Checks are issued on the preceding Wednesday beginning at 3:00 p.m. at The Graduate Center in the Payroll Office on the 8th floor. Direct deposit is available for all full-time employees.
Identification Card
In addition to serving as official CUNY identification, ID cards may be used in the Mina Rees Library, in Information Resources, and at other CUNY campuses.
Annual Leave
All new Civil Service staff must work for four (4) months before they can use annual leave. New employees earn annual leave at a rate of 1 day 1 hour and 45 minutes per month. Employees must complete a Request For Leave form prior to using Annual or Unscheduled holidays. Requests must be approved by the immediate supervisor in advance.
Sick Leave
Civil Service Staff earn sick leave at a rate of 1 day per month. Employees must call the Office of Human Resources when absent and indicate it on their timesheets. Request For Leave forms should be completed prior to all scheduled medical appointments.
Holidays
Civil Service Staff receive thirteen (13) paid holidays annually. In addition, they receive unscheduled holidays earned on a quarterly basis that are available in each full year of appointment. Those who begin after the beginning of the academic year receive a pro-rated number of unscheduled holidays.
Probable Permanent
Appointments are for 1 year from the date of appointment from a certified Civil Service list and may be extended at the request of the supervisor with approval by the Director of Human Resources.
Evaluation
Staff are evaluated four times annually during probation and annually thereafter. Special evaluations may be conducted at any time.
Tuition Reimbursement
Eligible DC 37 members can receive tuition reimbursement when they attend an accredited college, university or registered institution. The Education Fund reimburses for courses on an undergraduate, graduate and post-graduate level. Presently, members may apply for reimbursement of $700 per year for a maximum of $350 per semester for tuition that is not reimbursed through other forms of assistance. http://www.dc37.net/benefits/education/offerings/tuition.html
Tuition Waiver
CUNY employees and Adjuncts who meet eligibility criteria may apply for a waiver of tuition fees within The City University of New York. Service requirements needed to be eligible for waivers differ by title. Click here for tuition waiver procedures, eligibility requirements and forms.
Breaks
A 20-minute coffee break scheduled between 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. may be taken when office conditions permit it.
