When you have been ranked as one of the best places to work in the federal government, you know you’re doing a lot of things right. The agency’s extremely collegial environment fosters collaboration and teamwork. The flexibility of the office, the business casual dress code, and various agency policies aim to foster a healthy work–life balance. And CBO offers a very strong benefit package:
Health Benefits
CBO employees participate in the Federal Employees Health Benefits program, which offers a range of options for health care coverage. Staff members may choose individual or a family coverage from a variety of HMOs, PPOs, and fee-for-service plans. Prices vary depending on the coverage you choose, but CBO generally pays about 70 percent of the total cost of coverage.
Dental and Vision Benefits
Employees are eligible to participate in the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program, which offers pretax dental and vision benefits.
Flexible Spending Accounts
Participating employees can save on a pretax basis for covered medical and dependent care expenses.
Retirement
The Federal Employees Retirement System provides an monthly retirement annuity based on an employee’s age, years of federal service, and highest three consecutive years of salary.
Thrift Savings Plan
Employees can contribute to the before-tax or after-tax Roth Thrift Savings Plan, similar to a 401(k) plan, for retirement. The agency contributes 1 percent of the employee’s base pay and matches a portion of additional contributions by the employee. CBO’s matching funds vest immediately, and CBO’s automatic 1 percent contribution vests on the employee’s second anniversary.
Annual and Sick Leave
CBO employees who are new to federal service accrue 6 hours of annual leave each pay period. Those with previous federal service may start at a higher level. Employees accrue 4 hours of sick leave each pay period.
Holidays
CBO observes 10 federal holidays each calendar year.
Life Insurance
Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance provides basic coverage for the employee and offers options for additional coverage. Basic insurance is based on an employee’s annual salary. CBO shares the cost for basic coverage.
Long-Term Care Insurance
Employees can enroll in the Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program to purchase additional insurance to protect against the high costs of long-term care.
Commuting Assistance
CBO subsidizes the cost of commuting on public transportation. Limited parking is available, and space is offered to staff members based on their length of service.
Professional Development and Training
CBO sets aside funds each year for employee training and development. Analysts regularly attend local and national conferences such as those sponsored by the American Association for Budget and Program Analysis, the American Economic Association, the Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management, the National Economists Club, and the National Tax Association. Analysts regularly attend and present their work at conferences and seminars. CBO also provides in-house and offsite training in various skill areas.
Health Club Membership
Employees are eligible for discounted rates at two local gyms.
Credit Union
All CBO employees are eligible to join Congressional Federal, the credit union serving employees of the U.S. House of Representatives. A branch office is located on the first floor of the Ford House Office Building, which also houses CBO.
Community Service
Altruism is an important component of the CBO culture. Employees regularly contribute their time, money, or both to local community activities such as the Combined Federal Campaign, American Red Cross blood drives, and holiday toy, gift, and food drives. CBO employees also tutor at our neighborhood elementary school, and the agency’s National Race for the Cure team is regularly among the top fundraisers on Capitol Hill.
On-Site Services
CBO is housed in the Ford House Office Building, just steps away from the Federal Center SW Metrorail stop and within walking distance of the National Mall and many of the Smithsonian Institution’s museums. The Ford building is home to a cafeteria, a post office, shower and locker facilities, and a shoe shine and repair stand. An employee assistance program and various wellness programs help keep staff members healthy and happy.