The City of Spokane is proud to offer employees a rich benefits plan. The below information is intended to be a general overview of benefits that the City provides. Specific benefits vary depending on the collective bargaining agreement for each classification.
For Police and Fire, please see the benefits tab on the specific job post you are interested in applying for.
Vacation Leave
Employees earn paid vacation hours each pay period. Vacation accruals vary depending on the collective bargaining agreement for each classification. Unused vacation hours carry over each year but are subject to maximum accrual amounts per the collective bargaining agreements.
Sick Leave
Sick leave accrues accruals vary depending on the collective bargaining agreement for each classification on a biweekly pay period basis. Employees must be in paid status for 80% of that pay period to accrue sick leave. Unused sick leave hours carry over each year.
Holidays
The City observes select official holidays as paid. Due to the essential nature of some positions, some employees will be required to work on holidays. In such instances, additional compensation is provided to those who work on observed holidays.
In addition to official holidays, employees are awarded up to 48 hours of floating holidays a year. This benefit allows employees to take a paid day off at a time of their choosing. Floating holidays cannot be carried over from one year to the next.
Personal Leave
Depending on the bargaining unit, some employees are granted personal leave. Personal leave cannot be carried over from one year to the next.
Medical Insurance
Qualified employees may select from two health carrier options: Kaiser Permanente Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) or Premera Preferred Provider Option (PPO).
Dental Insurance
Dental insurance is provided by Delta Dental of Washington.
Vision Insurance
Vision coverage is included in the medical plan selected.
Life Insurance
Employee – Basic Term Life Insurance is provided to employees at no cost. Specific amount varies depending on the collective bargaining agreement for each classification.
Eligible Dependents – Basic Term Life Insurance is provided to employees at no cost. Specific amount varies depending on the collective bargaining agreement for each classification.
Long-term Disability
Only applicable if negotiated by Union/Group/Association. The City pays the monthly premium in full.
Voluntary Life Insurance
Provided through The Standard Insurance Company and is subject to application review and approval. Additional coverage up to $300,000 is available for employees and their spouse/domestic partner. Dependent children can be insured for up to $10,000 each. The employee pays 100% of the monthly premium.
Aflac Supplemental Insurance
Supplemental insurance is optional and is provided by AFLAC to help pay benefits that major medical insurance does not cover. The employee pays 100% of the monthly premium.
Flexible Spending Accounts (Dependent Care & Healthcare)
The City offers two optional Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) – Health Care FSA and Dependent Care FSA. The Health Care FSA allows an employee to use pre-tax dollars to receive reimbursement for eligible medical, dental, and vision expenses. The Dependent Care FSA allows an employee to receive reimbursement for eligible daycare expenses for dependent children up to age 13 and other eligible dependents as defined by IRS Code.
AudioNet Hearing Aid Benefit
The City of Spokane has partnered with AudioNet America to offer a discounted Hearing Aid Program with fixed out-of-pocket costs.
Voluntary Pet Insurance
Get cash back on the everyday care your pet needs to stay healthy.
Spokane Employees Retirement System (SERS)
The Spokane Employees’ Retirement System (SERS) is a defined benefit pension plan covering non-uniformed employees whose positions are classified under the Civil Service Merit System. As a participant, you contribute a set percentage of your salary, and the City also contributes the same percentage to the fund. Contributions are tax-deferred, and participation is mandatory with employment. Employees hired on or after Jan. 1, 2015 become vested (eligible for a monthly benefit at retirement age) at 7 years of service.
457 Deferred Compensation Plan
This is a voluntary benefit that employees can opt-in for. Participants can set aside a portion of their income for future use, typically in retirement. The City will match contributions up to a predetermined amount agreed upon by the collective bargaining unit.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
City Employees can enroll in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. Please view the Federal Student Aid website for eligibility information.
Employee Assistance Program
The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a referral and counseling service administered by Deer Oaks. It provides a myriad of services to employees and their household members. Services include receiving confidential assistance for personal issues, such as managing stress, depression, parenting, alcohol/drugs, grief, etc.
Employer-Sponsored Bus Pass Program
The City of Spokane encourages employees to use alternatives to driving alone to work and provides an STA bus pass for unlimited rides free of charge.
LegalShield/ID Shield
Prepaid legal services and/or prepaid identity theft programs are optional. These programs pay for a limited number of documents to be reviewed, limited trial defense representation, the preparation of a standard will, identity theft consultation, restoration and monitoring according to contract terms.
*Information updated as of 10/1/2024 and is subject to change.
*Benefits vary by bargaining unit. For detailed information on benefits for a specific classification, please visit the City Benefits website.
Human Resources
4th Floor, City Hall
808 W. Spokane Falls Blvd.
Spokane, WA 99201
509.625.6363
