Benefits

Below is the list of NWEA's comprehensive benefits package. You can also download the PDF of our benefits package here.

Flex-Pay
Eligible employees receive up to an additional $400 per month (reported and taxed as salary) which they may use to cover programs or items not currently offered by NWEA.

• Eligibility begins on the first day of employment. Payments are prorated based on hours worked.

Group Retirement Plan
NWEA contributes 15% of eligible employee’s base salary to a defined-contribution 403(b) retirement plan.

• Eligibility begins the 1st day of the month following a 30-day waiting period. Funds contributed are subject to a 3 year incremental vesting period.

Supplemental Retirement Account
Eligible employees may also contribute up to the federal maximum per year to one of two 403(b) retirement plans.

• Eligibility begins with the first paycheck.

Health Plans
Employee medical insurance is provided through NWEA's Group Health Plan (preferred-provider plan) and paid at 100% for eligible employees. Dental, vision and prescription insurance are also provided and paid at 100% for employees.

• Eligibility begins the 1st day of month following a 30-day waiting period; dependent coverage is paid by employee.

Section 125 Flexible Spending Account
Eligible employees may set aside money on a pre-tax basis to pay for out of pocket medical expenses, independent insurance premiums and/or dependent and elder care.

• Eligibility begins the 1st day of month following a 30-day waiting period.

Employee Assistance Program
A confidential no-cost counseling and referral service including legal and financial services is available to employees and their families.

• Eligibility begins the first day of employment.

Long-term Disability Insurance
NWEA pays premiums for long-term disability insurance with a benefit equal to 60% of base salary (subject to policy maximum) after 90 days of disability or partial disability.

• Eligibility begins the 1st day of month following a 30-day waiting period.

Life Insurance and AD&D Insurance
Employees receive policies equal to 1 times annual salary ($50,000 minimum) for Life and AD&D Insurance. These premiums are 100% employer-paid.

• Eligibility begins the 1st day of month following a 30-day waiting period.

Voluntary Benefits
Employees have the option to purchase voluntary life insurance through Principal, as well as Short Term Disability, Accident, and Critical Illness through Colonial Life. Pet insurance is also available through the Banfield Pet Hospital.

Paid Time Off
Regular full-time employees are eligible to accrue 4 weeks paid time off during the first year of employment, 5 weeks paid time off after the first year anniversary, and 6 weeks paid time off after the second year anniversary and all years thereafter. Additionally, employees receive 8 paid holidays per year. 

Tuition Reimbursement Policy
NWEA will reimburse up to a maximum of $1,500 per year for full-time employees and up to a maximum of $750 per year for part-time employees for continuing education through an accredited program that offers growth in an area related to the employee’s position or advancement (promotional) opportunities.