At the City of Newcastle, we believe supporting our employees helps us better serve our community.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the health, financial security, and work-life balance of our employees.

Benefits are available to regular full-time employees, with many benefits prorated for regular part-time employees in accordance with City policy.

The City contributes significantly toward the cost of employee health benefits and provides a variety of programs to support employee well-being and financial stability.

Detailed Benefit Documents and Plan Information are available in the City’s Document Center.

Health & Wellness

The City provides employees with access to comprehensive health coverage through the Association of Washington Cities (AWC) program. The City pays a substantial portion of employee health insurance premiums.

Medical Plans

Employees may choose from several medical plan options:

• Regence HealthFirst 250
  
• Kaiser Permanente 200
  
• Regence HealthFirst High Deductible Health Plan with Health Savings Account (HDHP with HSA)
  

Dental

• Delta Dental of Washington – Plan F
  
• Orthodontia – Plan III
  

Vision

• Vision Services Plan (VSP)
  

Employee Wellness Support

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP), offering confidential counseling and support services for employees and their families
  

Financial Security

The City provides retirement and investment programs designed to help employees plan for long-term financial stability.

Retirement

• Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS) through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (DRS)

Investment Programs

• 401(a) Defined Contribution Plan (with employer match)
  
• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan (Roth and traditional options)
  

Insurance Benefits

Employees also receive additional protection through City-provided insurance programs.

• Life Insurance
  
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
  

Paid Leave

The City of Newcastle supports work-life balance by providing a variety of paid leave options for eligible employees.

Vacation Leave
Employees accrue between 12 and 23 days of vacation per year, depending on years of service.

Sick Leave
Employees accrue paid sick leave in accordance with City policy and Washington State law.

Paid Holidays
The City observes 12 paid holidays each year.

Floating Holidays
Eligible employees may receive up to two floating holidays per year, which may be scheduled with supervisory approval.

Bereavement Leave
Paid bereavement leave is available to employees in the event of the death of an immediate family member.

Merit & Executive Leave
Certain employee classifications may be eligible for Executive Leave in recognition of additional responsibilities associated with exempt positions.

Employees may also earn up to two Merit Days per year, awarded in recognition of outstanding performance.

Optional & Voluntary Benefits

Employees may choose to participate in additional voluntary programs, including:

• Supplemental Life Insurance
  
• AFLAC Supplemental Insurance
  
• Pre-Paid Legal Services
  
• Guaranteed Education Tuition (GET) Program
  
• HomeStreet Inside Edge Mortgage Program
  

Temporary & Seasonal Employees

Temporary and seasonal employees are generally not eligible for City benefit programs, including insurance and paid leave, unless otherwise required by law.

Sick leave for temporary and seasonal employees accrues in accordance with Washington State law.