Liberal benefits add significant value to the compensation of full-time employees of the Polk County Sheriff's Office. Benefits for Sworn/Certified employees equal 45.30% or more, while civilian employee benefits equal 37.85% or more.
This means that, for every $100 of salary paid, sworn employees receive an additional $45.30 in benefits.
Employee benefits include:
FLORIDA RETIREMENT SYSTEM
Sheriff pays the majority of the retirement contributions. In addition, a mandatory 3% pretax contribution is paid by employee. Employee is fully vested and eligible for benefits after 8 years. Benefits based on length of service, percentage value and average of eight highest years of compensation.
Sworn and Certified employees classified as Special Risk receive higher percentage value and qualify for full benefits when:
- Age 60 with 8 years of Special Risk creditable service; or
- 30 years of Special Risk creditable service regardless of age; or
- Age 57 with 30 years of combined Special Risk Service and military service.
Civilian employees classified as Regular qualify for full benefits when:
SALARY INCENTIVE
Sworn and Certified employees are eligible for up to $130.00 monthly in state education incentive payments as follows:
- 2-year degree: $30.00 monthly; or
- 4-year degree: $80.00 monthly and/or
- Masters Degree: $80.00 monthly plus $600.00 annually and/or
- Approved law enforcement performance-enhancing courses: $20.00 monthly for each 80 hours instruction
Civilian employees are eligible for up to $80 monthly (paid in 2 lump sums per year) for college degrees as follows:
- 2-year degree: $30.00 monthly; or
- 4-year degree: $80.00 monthly
LEAVE TIME
Full-time employees are granted the following paid leave benefits:
- Vacation Leave: 8 hours monthly. Increases with length of service.
- Sick Leave: 8 hours monthly.
- Holiday Leave: 80 hours annually.
- Funeral Leave: 24 hours for family members.
- Military Leave: up to 17 days annually.
SICK LEAVE POOL
Up to 130 working days of paid sick leave in event of catastrophic illness or injury after all other leave exhausted. Employee donates 8 hours of sick leave to join.
HEALTH INSURANCE PLANS
Choice of OA Select, Health Reimbursement Account or Health Savings Account plans. Sheriff pays between 73% to 77% of monthly premium for employee and dependents.
LIFE INSURANCE
Sheriff provides $10,000 free Term Life policy. Includes additional $10,000 Accidental Death and Dismemberment. Employee may purchase additional coverage on self and dependents through payroll deduction.
EDUCATIONAL REIMBURSEMENT
Employees eligible after one year of service. For approved courses, employee is reimbursed at Florida university system rate for tuition and laboratory fees. Must successfully pass course with grade of "C" or higher.
FLEXIBLE BENEFITS PROGRAM
Reduce taxable income through contributions to Flexible Spending Account and/or Dependent/Child Care Reimbursement Account as well as through insurance Premium Conversion.
SUPPLEMENTAL INSURANCE PLANS
Various supplemental plans available at employee cost through payroll deduction.
LONG TERM DISABILITY
Salary protection if disabled 180 days or longer. Sheriff pays 60% of salary up to maximum of $1,000 monthly. Employee may purchase additional coverage.
DENTAL INSURANCE PLANS & VISION INSURANCE
Payroll deduction service. Employee contribution only.
DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLANS
Reduce income taxes and build supplemental retirement capital with deferred compensation plan. A variety of investment options including mutual funds are available through payroll deduction. (Nationwide/Pebsco, ICMA)
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Confidential counseling services available for employees and for family members. Includes personal, credit, stress, marital and other counseling services.
WORKERS' COMPENSATION BENEFITS
Sheriff pays 100% of premiums. Provides income protection for employees injured on the job. Sheriff pays salary for first 40 hours not covered by Worker's Compensation. Also pays difference in regular salary and Worker's Compensation payments.
EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION
Administers blood bank account; provides emergency loans; presents service awards; sponsors social events; etc.
MISCELLANEOUS BENEFITS
Uniforms, weapons and equipment provided; uniform cleaning allowance; clothing allowance (for eligible officers); take-home vehicles (sworn officers); and others.
An application for employment can be downloaded from this site or contact hr@polksheriff.org to have one mailed.