You will find that Catawba County has one of the best benefits packages around. Below is a brief listing of our benefits.

Retirement: For employees assigned to work 20 hours per week or more, participation in the NC Local Governmental Employee’s Retirement System is required. Fully vested after 5 years of contributing service.

Paid Holidays: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr’s Birthday, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and the day after, and three days at Christmas

Annual Leave (Vacation Leave): Full-time employees earn from 10-21 days annually based on years of service. New employees may purchase up to 80 hours of unused, paid annual leave from a previous employer.

Paid Sick Leave: Full-time employees earn one day (8 hours) of sick leave per month, with the unused accumulation applying toward retirement benefits after meeting basic retirement qualifications.

Pay Periods: County employees are paid every two weeks (in arrears). Direct deposit is required.

Longevity Pay Supplement: After 5 years of creditable service, employees, receive an annual longevity payment that rewards length of service to Catawba County.

Health Care: Major Medical benefits are provided, at no cost to employees, for regular employees scheduled to work 40 hours per week. Coverage is available, at current group rates, for eligible dependents. The Health care plan also includes a drug and a vision plan.

Dental Care: At no cost to employees, the County provides for 100% of twice annual preventive care procedures and, after an annual deductible, the plan pays 80% of routine procedures and 50% of non routine procedures. Coverage is available, at current group rates, for eligible dependents.

Life Insurance: Death Benefit of one times annual salary is provided by the Retirement System and the County, minimum $25,000.

Supplemental Life and Dependent Life; Cancer and Heart/Stroke Insurance; Vision: Optional coverage plans are available.

Short Term Disability: Short-term benefits are available after a 55 day waiting period. 60% of the weekly salary is paid up to 26 weeks. Each claim must be approved by our STD insurance carrier.

Long Term Disability: Employees whose permanent positions are budgeted for 30 hours or more a week are covered by the County’s long-term disability (LTD) plan. Each claim must meet the eligibility criteria of the plan.

Flexible Spending Accounts: Pre-tax accounts which can be used to pay for out-of-pocket medical, dental, vision or dependent care expenses, or uninsured medical, dental, or vision expenses.

Tax Deferred Programs: Tax-sheltering programs are available through IRS Code 125 (Cafeteria Plan), 401 (k) and 457 (Deferred Compensation).

Employee Assistance Program: Counseling Services available to all County employees and eligible dependents to assist in the treatment of problems. Services are provided in a private and confidential setting. The County provides coverage for the first six visits.

Employee Health Clinic (EHC): A walk-in medical clinic for all County employees is available. Among the services provided include primary care, first aid, workers' compensation injuries, pre-employment screenings and preventative healthcare screenings and education.

Wellness: The County recognizes the importance of our health and well-being. We maintain a very proactive and effective Wellness Program. We invite and encourage you to become involved.

Fitness Center: Catawba County employees are offered a discounted price to join Catawba Memorial Hospital’s Health and Fitness Center.

YMCA: A corporate membership exists between the County and the Catawba County YMCA's which allows for the joining fee to be waived, and discounts on rates IF the monthly fee is made through payroll deduction AND as long as we maintain at least 50 employees as members.

Credit Union: The North Carolina Local Government Employees' Federal Credit Union offers a variety of savings and other financial plans including direct deposit of payroll checks. You must personally contact the Credit Union to arrange these services. Services are administered through the State Employees Credit Union.