DLS Employee Benefits

The Department of Legislative Services provides a package of subsidized employee benefit programs for eligible regular employees. Some contractual employees are eligible to enroll in the same health benefits as regular employees, with the exception of flexible spending accounts. Contractual employees who work 30 or more hours a week (or on average 130 hours per month) may be eligible for subsidized medical and prescription coverage for themselves and any eligible enrolled dependents. Contractual employees who do not meet the minimum work requirements may apply for unsubsidized health insurance at a cost determined by the State Department of Budget and Management.

Full-time and Part-time Benefits Employees who work at least 50% are eligible for the following benefits: Health insurance, including vision, prescription, and dental coverage for employees and their eligible dependents* Retirement* Pre-tax Flexible Spending Accounts Group Term Life Insurance Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance 401(k) and 457(b) Traditional and Roth accounts Paid Leave Payroll Online Service Center (POSC) State Employees Credit Union (SECU) Free Parking *Costs partially subsidized by the State.
Student Loan Forgiveness Employees with the State of Maryland are eligible to participate in the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Participants that meet all requirements may qualify for forgiveness on the remaining balance on his or her Direct Loans after making 120 qualifying monthly payments under a qualifying repayment plan while working full-time in a qualifying public service position. The application must be certified by the Human Resources Manager. The program is administered by the U.S. Department of Education and loan forgiveness is contingent on the federal government.
Tuition Reimbursement Regular employees who have completed at least 12 months of employment may be reimbursed for tuition costs for courses taken at a recognized institution, subject to available funds.
Teleworking The department provides a teleworking program which allows selected employees to work from home, a satellite office, or a telework center.
Conferences and Training Ongoing training opportunities, both on and off site, may be provided in functional assignments, general training, policy issues, individual skills, and professional development. For example, the National Conference of State Legislatures provides support, research, and training for legislators and legislative staff.
The Softball Team The department has fielded a co-ed softball team in the Anne Arundel Bar Association softball league. Slow pitch games are played on Thursday evenings in the summer.
Picnic Since its establishment in 1997 DLS has held an annual picnic at Sandy Point State Park. The picnic gives the staff and their families a chance to reconnect and unwind over lunch, games, a dessert bake-off, and the annual OLA-OPA softball game.
Wellness The Healthy Recipe Exchange and Potluck Lunch Club meets once a month. Members prepare and bring a healthy recipe of their choosing to lunch, as well as copies of the recipe to share. This club is a great way to socialize with coworkers while enjoying a delicious and healthy lunch! On Tuesdays, DLS employees who show ID receive a $2 discount at Potato Valley Café toward a healthy lunch. Yoga is offered on Wednesdays at lunchtime during the interim. All skill levels are welcome to participate. As part of the State Highway Administration’s Adopt-a-Highway program, DLS cleans up the sides of the road several times a year between May and September. The stretch of road that DLS maintains is on Route 450 from Route 50 down to just before the Severn River Bridge. The department is always looking for volunteers to join in the fun. The department sponsors a DLS Toastmasters Club, which meets about twice a month over the interim during work hours. Toastmasters provides an opportunity to practice public speaking, thinking quickly and clearly on your feet, and building leadership skills. The DLS Walking Club is a casually paced, conversational walking club that meets to walk around Annapolis for 30 minutes during lunch hours and 45 minutes to an hour after work on select days. The club typically meets on weekdays during the interim in the summer and early fall. All State employees can take advantage of the wellness programs offered through the State of Maryland Wellness Program.