Human Resources

Policies & Benefits

101 Alaska Native/American Indian Preference

In accordance with Public Law 93-638, SEARHC practices Alaska Native/American Indian hiring preference. Public law 93-638, Section 7(b) states that any contract, subcontract, grant, or sub-grant pursuant to this Act or any other Act authorizing Federal contracts with or grants to tribal organizations or for the benefit of Alaska Natives/American Indians shall require that, to the greatest extent feasible, preference and opportunities for training and employment in connection with the administration of such contracts or grants shall be given to Alaska Natives/American Indians.

Employee Benefits

• Holidays
  There are twelve paid holidays per year for employees. This includes four floating holidays.
• Annual Leave/Sick Leave
  New employees accrue about fifteen days of annual leave per year. The amount of leave increases with the longevity of employment. Employees also earn about fifteen days of sick leave per year.
• Wellness Days
  Employees who have accrued sick leave hours equal to, or in excess of, their bi-weekly work schedule may convert a regular workday of their unused sick leave to a "wellness day." Wellness Days are available for employees to rejuvenate and promote their own wellness and positive health status. Employees are limited to four Wellness Days per year.
• Health Insurance
  SEARHC provides medical, dental, and optometry coverage for employees. Employees pay only a small part of the premium for this. Coverage for dependents is also available, but there is a monthly payroll deduction for this option.
• Access to SEARHC Medical Facilities
  Benefited employees and their covered dependents may receive care at any SEARHC medical facility at no cost. Care received at a SEARHC facility is not subject to the deductible and co-payment requirements of the regular employee insurance plan.
• Retirement Plan
  SEARHC offers a Tax Sheltered Annuity (TSA) plan as the employee retirement benefit. Employees may contribute up to $15,500 of their salary for 2007. For benefited employees, SEARHC matches that contribution from a minimum of two percent up to a maximum of five percent of their salary. An employee does not pay taxes on his/her contribution to the TSA plan.
• Life Insurance
  SEARHC pays the premium for a term life insurance policy for each benefited employee. The amount of the policy is equal to two times an employee's annual salary, with a minimum of $50,000 and a maximum of $300,000.
• Employee Assistance Program
  SEARHC contracts with local mental health counselors to provide assistance to employees and their family members with personal or work-related problems. The plan covers up to three visits a year and provides total confidentiality.