Department of Human Resources
Benefits Overview
Frederick County offers full-time employees the opportunity to enroll in one of two group medical insurance plans. The County covers the entire cost for the employee under our standard plan. The employee may choose to purchase spouse, child, or family coverage. The health plan also contains vision coverage, which includes an annual routine eye exam, eye glasses, and contact lens fitting as well as network discounts. Additionally, a three-tier prescription plan for both retail and mail-in prescriptions is included.
Frederick County offers a basic dental plan to full-time employees. The plan provides 100% coverage for preventive care, which includes cleanings and x-rays. Basic treatments, such as filling and extraction, are covered at 80% after a $50 deductible.
All full-time employees participate in and are governed by the Virginia Retirement System (VRS). An employee may retire at a reduced rate beginning at age 50 with 5 years of service. Full service benefits may be received at age 50 with 30 years of service. Sworn law enforcement personnel and uniformed firefighters can retire beginning at age 50 with 25 years of service. Non job-related disability retirement may be granted if medical conditions warrant and all other qualifications established under VRS are fully funded by Frederick County. Frederick County contributes up to 10% annually of each employee's salary to their individual retirement account.
All full-time employees are provided group term life insurance, accidental death, and dismemberment insurance through the VRS. Life insurance coverage is computed by doubling the next highest thousand dollars above the annual salary. Example: If the annual salary is $23,271, life insurance coverage is $48,000.
Employees may choose to purchase additional insurance coverage on themselves and family members. Frederick County offers supplemental benefits to include life, cancer, accident, and disability insurance.
Frederick County offers full-time employees the opportunity to enroll in flexible spending accounts to pay for dependent care and qualified medical expenses.
All full-time employees may participate in our Deferred Compensation Plans. The plans allow the employee to defer a portion of salary which will not be subject to current federal or state income taxes. The deferred amount is invested with firms under contract with Frederick County and is not available for withdrawal until retirement or termination. The overall purpose of the plan is to lower current income taxes and increase the money available for retirement income.
To help employees and their family members with personal problems, Frederick County has available an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). This program provides up to three free treatment visits in a twelve-month period to employees and their family members living in their household. The EAP also provides a 24-hour confidential counseling intervention service for employees experiencing such problems as alcohol and drug related problems, marital conflicts, family problems, emotional difficulties, legal problems, and financial concerns.
All full-time employees are granted annual leave as follows:
- 0 to 5 years - 12 days per year
- 5 to 10 years - 15 days per year
- 10 to 15 years - 18 days per year
- 15 to 20 years - 21 days per year
- 20 to 25 years - 24 days per year
- 25 + years - 27 days per year
Vacation may be taken in any manner mutually agreeable to the employee and their supervisor or department head.
Frederick County's sick leave policy provides unlimited accrual of sick leave at the rate of ten hours per month worked.
Frederick County observes at least 14 holidays. Essential personnel are compensated up to eight hours of straight time pay when they are required to work.
Frederick County employees are paid on a semi-monthly basis and direct bank deposit is required.
Employees are evaluated annually by their supervisor and department head, and may be eligible for a yearly merit increase based on job performance. Merit amounts are set by the Frederick County Board of Supervisors.
Qualified employees are able to take up to twelve work weeks of unpaid family and medical leave as a result of the birth, adoption or placement of a child for foster care, to care for a spouse, child or parent with a serious health condition, or a disabling illness of the employee.
When there is a death of a close family member, a full-time employee will be excused from work with pay. Funeral leave will not exceed three consecutive work days. If more than the allotted time is needed, or if leave is desired for a death other than the employee's family, other leave policies may be used.
All full-time employees may elect to participate in the Sick Leave Bank. New employees must enroll within the first three months of employment. The bank is designed for extenuating health circumstances where an employee does not have adequate leave to meet the medical need without adversely impacting his/her income.
Frederick County employees who are required to fulfill military obligations are entitled to 15 days of leave per federal fiscal year.
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