Benefits
*All benefits are subject to plan eligibility requirements
Retirement Program
At ARA, we offer a benefits mix that addresses our employees’ needs now and in the future through our generous retirement program. The ARA Retirement Program consists of an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), a 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan, and a Roth 401(k) Plan.
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
ARA is an employee-owned company. Through the ESOP plan, the company buys stock on behalf of eligible employees, allowing them to share in the company's success.
Being an employee-owner presents a unique opportunity for employees to influence the value of their retirement. The ESOP is not a passive investment – employees have a vested interest in making sure their accounts' value grows. Their performance every day on the job contributes to achieving overall company goals and profitability, which in turn may help increase the value of the company and the shares in the employees' accounts.
401(k) Profit Sharing Plan and Trust
Employees may defer a percentage of their salary on a pre-tax basis as a means of saving for retirement. ARA also contributes to the 401(k) plan annually on behalf of our employees through match and/or discretionary profit sharing contributions.
ARA utilizes Vanguard as our 401(k) provider, and offers over 24 funds for employees to choose from for their investments.
Roth 401(k) Plan
Similar to the traditional 401(k), employees may contribute a percentage of their salary to the plan. However, with a Roth 401(k), contributions are made on a post-tax basis. By offering a Roth 401(k), ARA is providing its employees the opportunity to diversify their taxes much the same way as they would diversify their investments for their retirement needs.
Health Care
Medical Care Options
We offer comprehensive coverage through a PPO Plan which includes a prescription drug benefit. The PPO Plan provides access to services at discounted rates through Blue Cross Blue Shield's network of preferred providers. ARA contributes generously to the cost of coverage and eligible employees may purchase coverage for eligible dependents, including domestic partners. Coverage is effective the first of the month coincident with or following date of hire.
Dental Plan
Employees may choose to enroll in ARA's dental plan, which utilizes Delta Dental's Premier Network. The plan is designed to offer preventative care as well as a broad range of services including orthodontics for dependents up to age 19.
Individual Premium Reimbursement Program
Some employees choose to opt out of our medical and dental plans because they have alternate medical coverage. These employees have the option to participate in our Individual Premium Reimbursement Account which reimburses for the premiums they pay for their coverage. ARA will reimburse up to the cost for its employee-only coverage, this amount is updated annually.
Vision Plan
ARA is pleased to offer vision insurance through Vision Service Plan (VSP). The Vision Plan is a voluntary benefit and offers eligible employees and their dependents coverage for eye exams and prescription glasses or contact lenses. Eligible employees can also receive discounts on laser vision correction.
Hearing Service Plan
All employees enrolled in the PPO Plan have access to discounts on hearing health care through TruHearing. Enrolled employees are welcome to use this benefit for themselves, their family members and even parents and grandparents. The plan has no additional cost to join and employees enjoy reduced rates for most fees and costs associated with hearing health care.
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
Through a Health Care FSA you can use pre-tax dollars to pay for out-of-pocket medical and dental expenses that your health insurance plan does not cover such as co-pays, deductibles, coinsurance amounts, and some over-the-counter medications. ARA also offers a Dependent Care FSA option which allows you to use pre-tax dollars to pay for dependent care expenses allowing you (and your spouse) the ability to work or attend school full time. Employees who participate in the FSA account(s) make contributions on a pre-tax basis through payroll deductions
Life, AD&D and Disability Insurance
Through a comprehensive coverage plan that includes company-paid life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance, and long-term disability coverage, as well as voluntary supplemental plans and voluntary short-term disability insurance, ARA helps to provide eligible employees and their families with substantial financial protection. The affordable voluntary life and AD&D plans extend coverage to a spouse or domestic partner and dependent children.
Work/Life Balance
Paid Holidays
Most employees receive 9 paid holidays each year. Employees who work on-site follow the holiday schedule of the client.
Personal Leave
Employees accrue Personal Leave based on years of service, number of hours worked and exempt status. Personal Leave gives employees a choice in how they spend their paid time off as it may be used for any reason.
Employee Assistance Program
Employees have access to experienced counselors who can assist with complicated work/life matters with information, resources and advice. Employees access the plan independently with complete confidentiality. Other services offered include legal and financial issues, parenting, and child care.
World-wide Travel Assistance
Provides assistance when traveling more than 100 miles from home, including access to medical services, legal and interpreter referrals, and lost luggage assistance.
