The diocesan Office of Human Resources administers a comprehensive benefits program to nearly 2,200 participants employed at our parishes, schools and institutions. A brief summary of each program is provided below. More detailed information is contained in the respective benefit carrier’s plan booklets, which can be obtained by contacting personnel@diometuchen.org
Please note that the information contained on this website is intended as SUMMARY INFORMATION ONLY and that any error or omission is unintentional. If a discrepancy exists between the information provided here and the Plan Document for the respective program, the Plan Document will prevail.
New Hire/Enrollment Process
Reporting A New Employee - On hiring an employee, a New Hire Form (Microsoft Word file) must be completed by the Local Benefit Administrator and then forwarded to the Diocesan Office of Human Resources for entry into the ChoiceOne Benefits system within 7 days of the employee’s hire date.
A Benefits Enrollment Kit will then be prepared by The Daniels Group (our 3rd party administrator) and forwarded to the employee’s home address approximately two weeks after being entered into the system. The employee is advised to review the benefits information carefully, and then indicate their desired elections by accurately completing the Enrollment Kit. To ensure timely enrollment, completed election forms MUST BE RETURNED WITHIN 30 DAYS to the Daniels Group.
Benefit cards will typically arrive at the employee’s residence within two weeks.
Changes in Personal Information or Status - A Personal Information Change Form (Microsoft Word file) must be completed by either the employee or the Local Benefits Administrator If there is a change in an employee’s personal information or employment status. Completed forms should be sent to the Diocesan Office of Human Resources as soon as possible.
Please note that, except in circumstances where there is a Qualifying Life Event (change in employment status, birth, death, marriage, divorce, loss of coverage, etc.), changes in benefits coverage can only be made during the open enrollment period (July 1 - June 30).
Health Insurance Continuation
As church organization, the Diocese of Metuchen (and its parishes, schools, and facilities are exempt from the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (P.L. 93-406), and therefore from all requirements with respect to continuation of benefits prescribed under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA).
The Diocese does, however, provide an opportunity for employees who lose coverage due to termination or reduction in hours to purchase health insurance coverage at their own cost for a period not to exceed six (6) months from the first day of the month following their status change.
For more information on this program, please contact personnel@diometuchen.org
Eligibility
Health Plan - Available to employees who regularly work 25 or more hours per week. Coverage is effective the first of the month following two full months of employment. Newly hired teachers who are beginning a school year are eligible for coverage effective September 1st.
Dental Plan - Available to employees who regularly work 25 or more hours per week. Coverage is effective the first of the month following two full months of employment. Newly hired teachers who are beginning a school year are eligible for coverage effective September 1st.
Orthodontia Plan - Optional benefit available to employees enrolled in the dental program under Employee/Child(ren) or Family.
Vision Plan – All lay employees may purchase coverage through Spectera Vision (Clergy are automatically covered under VSP). Coverage is effective the first of the month following two full months of employment. Newly hired teachers who are beginning a school year are eligible for coverage effective September 1.
Lay Employee Retirement Plan - Mandatory benefit provided to all employees who regularly work 1,000 or more hours during the plan year, which runs from 7/1 to 6/30.
403(b) Plan - Available to all employees.
Workers’ Compensation - Mandatory benefit provided to all employees. Coverage is effective on your first day of employment.
Temporary Disability Plan - Mandatory benefit provided to all employees who regularly work 20 or more hours per week. Coverage is effective on completing 6 months of continuous employment.
Long Term Disability Plan - Mandatory benefit provided to all employees who regularly work 20 or more hours per week. Coverage is effective on completing 30 days of employment (60 days for Catholic Charities employees).
Life Insurance Plan - Mandatory benefit provided to all employees who regularly work 20 or more hours per week. Coverage is effective on completing 30 days of employment. A voluntary Supplemental Life Insurance program is also available on completing 30 days of employment.
Adoption Assistance Program - Available to employees who regularly work 25 or more hours per week, and who have completed 1 year of service.
Paid Time Off - All policies with respect to vacation, sick days, personal days, and holidays are determined by the Pastor or Administrator at your respective location.