The Benefits of Working for America

Pay is only part of the compensation you will earn working for the Federal Government. We offer a broad array of benefits programs and family friendly flexibilities to meet the needs of you and your family. Here are some highlights. Look for additional information along with links to pages that spell out the details below.

• Our health insurance program is a nationally recognized model that offers you choice and flexibility along with a substantial employer contribution to premiums. And you can pay your share of premiums as well as your out-of-pocket costs with pre-tax dollars.
• Our leave policy provides ample time off to take care of your personal, your recreational and your health care needs. In addition to 10 paid holidays every year, you will accumulate 13 days of sick leave each year along with from 13 to 26 vacation days, depending on your years of employment.
• To help you manage responsibilities outside of your jobs and enhance your peace of mind while you are at work, Federal agencies offer a range of family friendly flexibilities including flexible work schedules, telework; child care and elder care resources; adoption information and incentives programs; child support programs, including subsidies and dependent care flexible spending accounts; and employee assistance programs.

To read more on this article see Volume 20, Number 79, March 2010 issue of eoejournal.

Veterans with Service Connected Disabilities in the Workplace

According to government statistics, between October 2001 and February, 2008, more than 30,000 veterans serving in Iraq, Afghanistan, and surrounding duty stations have been wounded in action.1 Many of them have lost a hand or limb or been severely burned or blinded. Others have been diagnosed with hearing loss, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), and other service-connected disabilities.2 Despite their injuries, many veterans who leave active duty are able to work.

This article answers questions that veterans with service-connected disabilities may have about the protections they are entitled to when they seek to return to their former jobs or look to find their first, or new, civilian jobs. It also explains changes or adjustments that veterans may need, because of their injuries, to apply for, or perform, a job, or to enjoy equal access to the workplace. Finally, this guide includes resources on where veterans can find more information about the employment rights of individuals with disabilities.

To read more on this article see Volume 20, Number 79, March 2010 issue of eoejournal.

Jobs in Health Care

As one of the largest industries in 2008, healthcare provided 14.3 million jobs for wage and salary workers. About 40 percent were in hospitals; another 21 percent were in nursing and residential care facilities; and 16 percent were in offices of physicians.

Occupations in the Industry

Healthcare firms employ large numbers of workers in professional and service occupations. Together, these two occupational groups account for 76 percent of jobs in the industry. The next largest share of jobs, 18 percent, is in office and administrative support. Management, business, and financial operations occupations account for only 4 percent of employment. Other occupations in healthcare made up only 2 percent of the total.

Professional occupations, such as physicians and surgeons, dentists, registered nurses, social workers, and physical therapists, usually require at least a bachelor’s degree in a specialized field or higher education in a specific health field, although registered nurses also may enter through associate degree or diploma programs. Professional workers often have high levels of responsibility and complex duties. In addition to providing services, these workers may supervise other workers or conduct research. Some professional occupations, such as medical and health services managers, have little to no contact with patients.

To read more on this article see Volume 20, Number 79, March 2010 issue of eoejournal.

Women in High Tech Jobs

Why is there is so much excitement about “high-tech” in today’s economy?

Over the past decade, high-tech jobs have shown substantial growth. Women, therefore, need to recognize that in addition to paying well, these jobs are keys to the changing economy of the Twenty-First Century and should receive serious consideration as career choices. Projections for future growth indicate that computers, software, and applications for information technology will continue to have a substantial impact on lives and employment opportunities in the United States.

Use of the Internet and wireless technologies has exploded, creating phenomenal growth and new challenges for manufacturers of this equipment. “High-tech,” however, goes beyond computers, software, and the Internet. A broad spectrum of industries and occupations are considered “high-tech.

” What does “high-tech” or “high-technology” mean in the United States today? The term “high-tech” is used today to describe industries, occupations and products in which cutting-edge, state-of-the-art technologies are used. The technologies shape the design, development, and introduction of new products and innovative production processes. As high-technology firms systematically apply scientific and technical knowledge to problem solving, they conduct a substantial amount of research and development.

To read more on this article see Volume 20, Number 79, March 2010 issue of eoejournal.