liz parker, ree work/life &wellness program manager phone: 301-504-1387 email:...
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LIZ PARKER, REE WORK/LIFE &WELLNESS PROGRAM
MANAGERPHONE: 301-504-1387
EMAIL : L [email protected]
REE Work/Life Programs
Today’s Objectives
Provide an overview of Work/Life Programs
Discuss Wellness
Share My Wellness Journey
Brainstorm how you may support wellness for your locations
Striving for Work/Life Balance
Transit Subsidy & Pre-Tax Parking
Child Care Tuition Assistance
Telework
Employee Assistance Program/WorkLife4You
Maintaining Personal Wellness
Transit Subsidy Program
Up to $245 per month for public transportation expenses for National Capital Region employees;
Up to $120 per month for field employees
Administered by Department of Transportation Each REE Agency has a Transit Benefit Coordinator
AFM Website for application forms and more information: http://www.afm.ars.usda.gov/hrd/worklife/transit_subsidy_contacts.htm
How Transit Subsidy Benefits are Paid
Benefits may be downloaded to… SMARTrip Card
To pay for Metro or Metro bus Debit Card
To pay for MARC, VRE, Commuter Vans, or other vendors See http://transerve.dot.gov/debit-card.html for more info
Vouchers To pay for public transit means outside the
Washington, DC Area and other locations using debit cards
HQ Transit Benefit Coordinators
Tamara McKinney, 301-504-1449, or
Liz Parker, 301-504-1387, or
Mari Gomez, 301-448-5597
Pre-Tax Parking Program
Allows employees to use up to $245 of their pre-tax income to pay for parking when using public transit (2013 IRS maximum)
Application form and instructions for submission are available on the AFM website at: http://www.afm.ars.usda.gov/hrd/worklife/pre-tax-parking.htm
Call Liz Parker, 301-233-2995, for more information
Child Care Tuition Assistance (CCTAP)
Provides up to $500 per month to eligible employees in ARS, ERS, and NIFA to use safe, reliable day care
Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) must be $60,000 or less for the household to be eligible
Must use a licensed or accredited child care center May be home- or center-based Includes qualified summer camps and before/after school programs
Dependent must be under the age of 13 or under the age of 18, if mentally or physically disabled
CCTAP (continued)
Contract to administer program expired 9/30/13; in process of obtaining a new contract
Managing program internally in interim Bulletin 13-403 dated 12/18/13 expired on 9/30/13
Contact Mari Gomez for more information 301-448-5597 or [email protected]
REE Telework Program
Alternative workplace flexibility that allows eligible employees to work from home or other approved alternative location typically closer to their home
REE Telework Policy and Procedure 402.5, v2, 3/28/12 Defines eligibility criteria and procedures for
participating P&P found at
http://www.afm.ars.usda.gov/ppweb/PDF/402-5v.2.pdf
REE Telework Program (continued)
Your supervisor should inform you in writing of your eligibility to participate in the telework program within your first 90 days
If eligible, a written telework agreement must be submitted to your supervisor for approval Form REE-45 for ARS Employees
AFM Website for more information: http://www.afm.ars.usda.gov/hrd/worklife/flex-workplace.htm
Employee Assistance Program
Helps employees resolve personal problems that may adversely impact their work performance, conduct, health, and well-being. Services include: Assessment, counseling and referral; Financial and legal services; Advance directives; Presentations on various topics and EAP orientations
Help is just a phone call away!Call 1-800-222-0364 (24/7/365), or visit http://www.foh.hhs.gov/services/EAP/EAP.asp
WorkLife4You
New in FY 2013; will continue for many locations in FY2014
Comprehensive resource and referral program. Examples of information available: Child/elder care resources and referrals Education resources (financial aid, special education, Nursery-
Grad School) Financial/legal educational materials Daily life services referrals
Call 1-800-222-0364, or visit www.WorkLife4You.com
More Information about Work/Life Programs?
Contact:Liz Parker, REE Work/Life & Wellness
Program Mgr Located in Beltsville, MD Phone: 301-233-2995 Email: [email protected]
Mari Gomez, Work/Life and Wellness Specialist Located in College Station, TX Phone: 301-448-5597 Email: [email protected]
What is Wellness?
Many wellness definitions, but my favorite so far is from the National Wellness Institute (http://www.nationalwellness.org/): Wellness is a conscious, self-directed and evolving
process of achieving full potential .
Wellness is multidimensional and holistic, encompassing lifestyle, mental and spiritual well-being, and the environment.
Wellness is positive and affirming.
An Integrated Wellness Model(from Dr. Bill Hettler, National Wellness Institute)
All of Us May Contribute to Wellness!
Exercise personal responsibility Lead by example! Attend to your own wellness across all six
dimensions Engage through USDA Connect Health and Wellness
Community
Organize and/or promote wellness activities locally Become a Wellness Ambassador Activities can include workshops, health screenings,
presentations, competitions, or other events Remind others of resources available to them Ensure compliance with existing regulations and policies
My Personal Wellness Journey
Set personal goalsTook Action…Sought EAP
CounselingBegan a walking
programJoined Weight
WatchersLost 50 lbs since
3/2013!Now setting new
personal goals for 2014
Promoting Wellness Locally
What kinds of wellness activities are going on in your location?
What kinds of wellness activities would you like to see in your location?
What can you do to promote wellness locally?
Questions?
Thank you!