• Connecting people to an abundant life with Jesus Christ and preparing them for His return

hr

Personal Accident Insurance

Personal Accident Insurance 150 150 nccsadmin

Personal Accident Insurance

Accidents are bound to happen, so we need to be prepared. Personal Accident Insurance (AD&D) can offer the extra coverage you and your family may need to meet and overcome sudden unexpected problems. By participating in the voluntary AD&D plan with ING, a monetary bridge is available to assist employees and their families get through troubled times when income is lost due to covered accidental injury or death.

You are eligible to purchase this coverage if you are an active part-time or more, regularly employed Northern California Conference employee working a minimum of 19 hours per week. If eligible, you can purchase coverage from $10,000 up to $500,000 for yourself; you may also cover your spouse at up to 100% of the covered employee’s amount; dependent children are eligible for the lesser of 100% of the covered employee amount up to $25,000. Only dependent, unmarried children under age 26 are eligible. Coverage may be elected at any time during eligibility. The premium cost will be deducted from your payroll.

Conversion is not available for employees who change employers, terminate employment or retire.

FORMS
Personal Accident Enrollment Form

(Submit to Human Resources)

Navia Flexible Spending Arrangement

Navia Flexible Spending Arrangement 150 150 nccsadmin

Navia Flexible Spending Arrangement

Due to the current COVID 19 situation, the NAVIA FSA open enrollment is postponed until further notice.

NCC Eligible Employees:

Human Resources is pleased to announce open enrollment for Health Care and Day Care Flexible Spending Arrangements through Navia Benefits Solutions. These are optional pre-funded benefits that are employee paid using tax-free dollars and are payroll deducted.

The Health Care FSA allows you to pay for out-of-pocket medical expenses with tax-free dollars. Think of it as a tool to pay for your regular medical expenses throughout the plan year. Maximum enrollment for this plan year is $2,700.

Child care can be one of the single largest expenses for a family with children. A Day Care FSA can be used to pay for qualified daycare expenses with pre-tax dollars, which can save you up to $1700 per year. Maximum enrollment for this plan year is $5,000.

Please open the attached Enrollment Kit for details about the FSA program.

You can also go online to www.naviabenefits.com and explore.

It’s easy to enroll: Determine your election amount and enroll online.

It’s easy to manage: Your elected amount will be available July 1, and payroll will be deducted evenly within the Plan Year (24 payroll deductions).

It’s easy to use: Simply use your Navia Debit Card or submit your receipt for reimbursement. Be sure to keep your receipts in case verification is requested.

It’s easy to connect: Go online or upload the MyNavia mobile app for claims submission, balance, etc.

Extra Benefit: $500 carryover of a remaining balance up to $500 for the next plan year.

FORMS

Please review the Navia FSA Enrollment Kit for details about the FSA program.

Online Registration Instructions
Click to Enroll Now
Navia Debit Card Information
Claim Form

You can also go online to www.naviabenefits.com and explore by clicking on “Health Care FSA” and “Day Care FSA” under the Benefits & Info drop down.

HEALTH CARE FSA

The Health Care FSA allows you to pay for out-of-pocket medical expenses with tax-free dollars. Think of it as a tool to pay for your regular medical expenses throughout the plan year.

Maximum enrollment for this plan year is $2,650.

Common Eligible Expenses, but not limited to:
• Prescription Drugs
• Copays
• Deductibles
• Dental Work
• Prescription Glasses
• Contact Lenses
• Hearing Aids
• Heart Monitors
• Humidifier
• Insole/Shoe Inserts
• Chiropractic Massage
• Prenatal Vitamins
• And much more
Health Care FSA – List of Eligible & Ineligible Expenses

DAY CARE FSA

Child care can be one of the single largest expenses for a family with children. A Day Care FSA can be used to pay for qualified day care expenses with pre-tax dollars, which can save you up to $1700 per year.

Maximum enrollment for this plan year is $5,000.

Common Eligible Expenses, but not limited to:
• Child Care by a relative
• Babysitter
• Preschool
• Before and After School Care
• Day Camps
• Elder Care
Day Care FSA – List of Eligible & Ineligible Expenses

NCC Eligible Employees are Regular Employees scheduled to work 19 hours or more per week.

WHEN BOTH SPOUSES ARE NCC EMPLOYEES

When both spouses are NCC employees and are choosing an election amount for the Health Care FSA, please note that both spouses can opt up-to the maximum annual election amount of $2,700.

When both spouses are NCC employees and are choosing an election amount for the Day Care FSA, please note that both spouses can opt up-to half of the annual election of $5,000. If maximum amount is chosen, then both spouses would elect their annual election to be $2,500 each.

Human Resources

Human Resources 150 150 nccsadmin

Welcome to the Northern California Conference Human Resources Department

Please contact the HR department by emailing hr@nccsda.com

HR TEAM


Jose Marin

Interim Director
(916) 886-5605
Jose.Marin@nccsda.com

Lydia Paredes

Associate Director
(916) 886-5660
Lydia.Paredes@nccsda.com

Raven Threatt

HR Specialist
(916) 886-5663
Raven.Threatt@nccsda.com

Denise Lange

HR Analyst
(916) 886-5658
Denise.Lange@nccsda.com

EMPLOYEES

Visit the links above to find information about your benefits, forms, wellness and other information.

We recognize that our regular, temporary, and volunteer employees are an important asset to the success of our organization and strive to make NCC a desirable place to work.

CHURCHES, SCHOOLS & MINISTRIES

The Northern California Conference is one employer with various entities throughout the Northern California territory. We work with our schools, churches, camps, community services centers, and retirement centers to ensure positive outcomes for approximately 1,400 employees.

There are many state and federal legal requirements, and we are here to help our entities stay in compliance with all the laws that govern employment. We provide this service not only as a mandate, but to help protect our ministries.

CONSTITUENTS

The NCC Human Resources Department also provides our constituents with connections to trainings and other resources that will help them grow spiritually and physically.

Our constituents can count on HR to keep them connected to what is going on in the conference by directing them to other departments that can provide them with the services they need to help them in their personal and spiritual growth.

You can even benefit from some of our wellness resources to help you live a healthier and happier life.

If you are interested in working for the Northern California Conference or know someone who is, please check out our Job Opportunities page for open positions and job application forms.

QUICK STATS

0

EMPLOYEES

0

SCHOOLS

0

CHURCHS & GROUPS

Family and Medical Leave Act

Family and Medical Leave Act 150 150 nccsadmin

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

We are pleased that the Northern California Conference is able to provide a Group Life Insurance policy, (survivor benefit), to eligible employees. Each active full time regular (38 hours per week) employee, their spouse, and dependent children is eligible. Coverage under the Basic Life policy is as follows: Employee, $100,000; Spouse, $50,000; Dependent Children, $10,000; Stillborn, $750. Only dependent unmarried children under age 26 are eligible. Because this is an employer-provided benefit, there is no cost to you.

FORMS
FMLA Cover Letter (PDF Document)
Family and Medical Leave Policy (PDF Document)

(Submit to Human Resources)

Basic Group Life

Basic Group Life 150 150 nccsadmin

Basic Group Life Insurance  (ING)

We are pleased that the Northern California Conference is able to provide a Group Life Insurance policy, (survivor benefit), to eligible employees. Each active full time regular (38 hours per week) employee, their spouse, and dependent children is eligible. Coverage under the Basic Life policy is as follows: Employee, $100,000; Spouse, $50,000; Dependent Children, $10,000; Stillborn, $750. Only dependent unmarried children under age 26 are eligible. Because this is an employer-provided benefit, there is no cost to you.

FORMS
Life and Disability Income Insurance Enrollment Form

(Submit to Human Resources)

Auto Insurance Assistance

Auto Insurance Assistance 150 150 nccsadmin

Auto Insurance Assistance

Eligible salaried employees can receive assistance with their auto insurance under the Conference’s Flat Rate benefit.

In order to enroll in or continue this assistance benefit download, complete and submit theAutomobile Insurance Assistance Application Form when you begin employment and at each renewal thereafter with proof of coverage within the NAD requirements as listed in the Auto Insurance Assistance Policy document.

Please notify Human Resources when there are any changes such as adding or removing cars or dependents, or changes in job assignment.

TRAINING

TRAINING 150 150 nccsadmin

ABOUT HR TRAININGS

The Human Resources Department hosts employee trainings throughout the year.  All employees, whether they are new to Northern California Conference or are currently employed, are welcome to attend.   Please contact HR if you would like an invitation to be added to our guest list.

  • Level I – Boot Camp (Employee Orientation)
  • Level II – Employment Processing Training
  • Level III – Supervisor Training (HR Best Practices)
  • General HR Training – In-Person and Online
  • Wellness Training

LEVEL II - Employment Processing Training, held Oct. 20, 2022

Slides from presentation – HR Practices Relating to Employment

Boot Camp Chat – Questions and Answers

Steps to Hiring an Employee – Hop (Don’t Skip) Your Way Through the Employment Process! 

New Form (effective Jan. 1, 2023) – Intent to Hire for Locally Funded Position

The HR web pages offer help!
Employment Guidelines
Sample Job Descriptions
Employment Paperwork

TESTIMONIALS

“I have to say the HR Bootcamp was the best orientation I’ve ever attended.  It was very insightful and informative.  A detailed, yet fun presentation on the benefits that are available and the support that is always there. Being able to meet the NCC staff made me feel like part of the NCC family. Thank you HR Department!  God is truly blessing your ministry here at NCC.”

Robin Warfield – Former Conference Clerk and Administrative Assistant Risk Management Department

“Transitioning to a new city, new church, new administration, a and new Conference can be a frustrating and an overwhelming experience.  However, serving at the Northern California Conference with the amazing HR leadership team has made this transition as smooth as it gets. The professional and thoroughness of preparing and planning; has allowed us as pastors and workers of this Conference, to be better and wiser because of the HR Bootcamp.  God bless you HR leadership and all the areas of your remarkable thoughtfulness in instruction and information with intention to make us better to serve in our respective areas on ministry and administration.“

Marvin G. Clarke – Associate Pastor – Market Street SDA Church

Payroll

Payroll 150 150 nccsadmin

X

X

X

WELLNESS

WELLNESS 150 150 nccsadmin

CREATION LIFE CONVERSATIONS

COVID -19 Tips

Creation Life has created some valuable videos to help maintain wellness for our mind body and soul during these times. Click on the link below. Take a look and visit the site often to view new videos.

https://www.creationlife.com/covid-19/

RESOURCES

Aerobic Mile Chart
100 Ways to Add Steps
Juice and Smoothie Recipes – Courtesy of the Fall River Mills Church, Bob Parrish, Pastor

ERGONOMIC SAFETY AT HOME

Working from Home? Remember to practice good ergonomic safety at all times. Here are some good tips to help you stay safe while you work at home:

If you experience any work-related illness even while working at home, please follow our standard work injury reporting requirements found on our Workers’ Compensation Page.

What to Eat While You Shelter-in-Place:

Show your co-workers you care. Share a simple healthy recipe. Email your healthy recipe to wellness@nccsda.com and we’ll post it on the Wellness Website.

SHIRTS

Show your commitment to wellness by purchasing a WOW polo or t-shirt. These shirts come in a variety of colors and sizes and are available at the Adventist Book Centers in Pleasant Hill and Sacramento. The price is $15.99 for a t-shirt and $20.99 for a polo shirt. Don’t delay. Get yours today!

RECIPES


  • Try these bars for a quick and healthier way to satisfy your sweet tooth!

    Total Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Yields: 9-12 bars

    INGREDIENTS

    • 1/4 cup + 3 tablespoons peanut butter (or allergy-friendly sub)
    • 1/4 cup + 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup, honey, or agave
    • 1/4 cup virgin coconut oil (48g)
    • 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
    • 1/4 teaspoon salt
    • 2 cups quick oats (180g)
    • 1/4 cup cocoa powder or substitute carob powder

    INSTRUCTIONS
    Line an 8-inch square pan with parchment or wax paper. Set aside. Stir together the first three ingredients. Gently heat until the oil is melted, and peanut butter is easily stir-able. Whisk in the vanilla extract and salt, stirring until completely smooth. Stir in the quick oats and cocoa powder until evenly coated. Smooth into the prepared pan and press down with a spoon as hard as you can. Really pack it in. Freeze until firm enough to cut. Leftovers can stay out a few hours, but you can keep them in the freezer for optimum freshness, where they last a few weeks.

    “I am trying to eat more oatmeal as I have read that it takes the bad cholesterol out of your system.   I am now experimenting with the ingredients in this recipe.   I always use organic maple syrup that you can buy at Home Goods for the same price as regular syrup.  I have lowered the amount of peanut butter and coconut oil a bit and increased the oatmeal and still got a tasty breakfast bar.  You can leave out the cocoa powder for a peanut butter version too.” Sherry Starr, former NCC Office Executive Administrative Assistant, Treasury

  • INGREDIENTS
    2 cups potatoes, diced large
    1 cup carrots, diced large
    1/2 cup water
    1/3 cup olive oil
    2 tsp. salt
    1 tbsp lemon juice
    1/2 cup nutritional yeast flakes
    1/4 tsp onion powder (opt.)
    1/4 tsp garlic powder (opt.)
    dash of cayenne (opt.) I use 1/4 tsp
    1/2 tsp McKay’s Chicken-style Seasoning (from the ABC Store)

    INSTRUCTIONS
    Boil the potatoes and carrots until soft.
    Blend potatoes and carrots together along with the rest of the ingredients on high in a blender(food processor) until the cheese is extremely smooth.
    Serve hot over chips, in burritos, with veggies… it’s delish!

    Submitted by: Gynna Clemes, former NCC Human Resources Information Systems Specialist

  • How about taking off the chill of January with a nice hot bowl of what’s been called “The Best Vegan Chili Ever!!!”

    INGREDIENTS

    For the Chili:

    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 1 yellow onion, diced
    • 4 cloves garlic, minced
    • 2 28 oz can diced tomatoes
    • 1 19 oz can black beans (2 cups) , drained and rinsed
    • 1 19 oz can kidney beans (2 cups), drained and rinsed
    • 1 cup water (plus more if needed)
    • 2 tablespoons chili powder
    • 1 tablespoon cumin
    • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
    • 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon cayenne powder

    For the Tofu:

    • 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
    • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 1 350g block extra-firm tofu

    Instructions

    1. For the Chili: Add the olive oil to a large pot and heat over medium-high heat. Add in the onion and garlic and sauté until the onion is translucent and just begins to brown. Add in the tomatoes, beans, water, and all of the spices. Bring to a boil and reduce to simmer and continue to simmer for 1 hour. If the chili gets too thick, just splash in more water to reach desired consistency.
    2. For the Tofu: In the meantime, preheat your oven to 350F (180C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, or lightly grease the pan.
    3. Mix nutritional yeast, soy sauce, and olive oil together in a large bowl. Open and drain the tofu (no need to press it), then break off chunks and crumble with your fingers into the bowl. Do this with all of the tofu until you have a large bowl of crumbles. Stir the tofu crumbles well making sure all of the tofu is evenly coated in the nutritional yeast mix.
    4. Spread the tofu mixture evenly over the pan. Bake for about 45 mins, stopping to stir the tofu every now and then. Keep a close eye on it towards the end so that it doesn’t burn. You want the tofu to be nice and browned. The smaller crumbles will be darker than the larger crumbles, and that’s ok because it will provide a variety of texture.
    5. When the chili and tofu are both prepared, stir in the tofu crumbles and continue to cook the for another 5 minutes. This will allow the tofu to absorb the sauce and get gloriously chewy. Serve hot with a dollop of vegan sour cream and a sprinkle of chives if desired.

    Submitted by: Elizabeth Miller, NCC Administrative Assistant, Planned Giving and Trust Services/Property Management

    https://itdoesnttastelikechicken.com/the-best-vegan-chili-ever/

     

RETIREMENT

RETIREMENT 150 150 nccsadmin

UPDATES FROM NAD RETIREMENT

1. As of September 14, 2017, only percentage contributions will be accepted.
2. Every July, beginning July 1, 2018, your contribution percentage will automatically increase by 1% on a yearly basis up to 7%.

Click on the link below more information.

NAD Retirement Notice August 16, 2017

PLANNING FOR YOUR FUTURE

It’s never too early to start thinking and planning for your future.

Information you should know as you start planning for your retirement:

Adventist Retirement Plan – Plan Summary
www.empowermyretirement.com

NEWS | ATTENTION ALL NCC EMPLOYEES

ADVENTIST RETIREMENT PLAN
Automatic Enrollment/Automatic Escalation Notice


The Adventist Retirement Plan (“Plan”) makes saving for retirement even easier by offering an automatic enrollment feature for all newly-hired employees. As a new hire, you are automatically enrolled in the Plan starting with your first paycheck, at which time Empower Retirement, the Plan’s record keeper, will create an account for you. This means that 3% will be taken from your eligible compensation each pay period and contributed to the Plan as a salary reduction contribution. You can choose to contribute more, less, or even nothing at any time by signing into your Plan account on the Empower Retirement website and electing a different contribution percentage (including a 0% contribution). Generally, your employer will make dollar-for-dollar matching contributions on amounts you contribute, up to 3% of your eligible compensation.

Beginning in 2018, the Plan will also implement an automatic escalation feature. All Plan participants who are not making salary reduction contributions of at least 7% on July 1, 2018 will automatically have their salary reduction contribution increased by 1% at that time. Thereafter, each July 1 your salary reduction percentage will increase by an additional 1% until your contribution percentage reaches 7%. This automatic escalation feature will not change your salary reduction contribution level if you already participate at a 7% (or greater percentage) level. You can change your contribution level at any time on Empower Retirement’s website. Any employer matching contributions will be based on your new contribution level.

  • The Plan’s automatic enrollment feature applies to all newly hired employees. This means 3% of your eligible compensation for each pay period will be contributed to the Plan as a salary reduction contribution, starting with your first paycheck and continuing through the end of June. Every July 1, your contribution level will increase by 1% (see question 2 below for more information on the automatic escalation feature), until your salary reduction contribution reaches 7% of your eligible compensation.

    To learn more about the Plan’s definition of eligible compensation, you can review the Plan’s summary plan description. Your salary reduction contributions to the Plan are taken out of your compensation on a pre-tax basis and are not subject to federal income tax at that time. Instead, they are contributed to your Plan account and will change over time based on any market gains or losses. Your account will be subject to federal income tax only when withdrawn.

    This helpful tax rule is a reason to save for retirement through Plan contributions. You are in charge of the amount that you contribute. You may decide to do nothing and contribute 3%, or you may choose to contribute an amount that better meets your needs.

    You must notify Empower Retirement if you want to opt out of the Plan’s automatic enrollment feature and receive a refund of any salary reduction contributions made within the first 90 days of your employment (see question 6 for more information on opting out and receiving a refund). You can change your contribution level at any time on the Empower Retirement website. Be aware that there are limits on the maximum amount you may contribute to your account. You may want to contact Empower Retirement or your tax advisor to find out how these limits affect you. The limits are described in the Plan’s summary plan description.

  • If you are not contributing at a 7% level on July 1, 2018, your salary reduction contributions will automatically increase by 1% at that time. Every July 1 thereafter, your contribution level will increase another 1% (unless you choose a different level or notify Empower Retirement each year that you want to opt out of the Plan’s automatic escalation feature), until your salary reduction contributions reach 7% of your eligible compensation.

    You can elect to make a different percentage contribution to the Plan or to not contribute on Empower Retirement’s website. Each year, Empower Retirement will send a communication reminding you of the upcoming automatic escalation. If you do not want your salary reduction contributions increased for the year, you must follow the instructions from Empower Retirement on how to opt out of the automatic escalation feature.

  • Your employer may make contributions to your Plan account. Your employer generally will match, on a dollar-for-dollar basis, the first 3% of eligible compensation you contribute each pay period. Your employer generally will also make an additional basic contribution of 5% of your compensation.

    Your employer determines which employees are eligible for matching or basic contributions – if you have questions about whether you are eligible for employer contributions, please contact your employer.

  • The Plan lets you invest your account in a number of different investment funds. Unless you choose a different investment fund or funds, your Plan account will be invested in the target date default fund based on your assumed retirement age. You can change how your Plan account is invested among the Plan’s offered investment funds on the Empower Retirement website.

    Information about the Plan’s investment funds and procedures for changing how your Plan account is invested can be found on the Empower Retirement website.

  • You are always fully vested in all contributions to the Plan (both employer and employee contributions). Even though you are vested in your entire Plan account, there are limits on when you may withdraw your funds. These limits may be important to you in deciding how much, if any, to contribute to the Plan. Generally, you may only withdraw money after you leave your job, reach age 59½, or become disabled. Also, there is generally an extra 10% tax on distributions before age 59½. Any amount remaining in your Plan account upon your death will be paid to your designated beneficiary. You also can borrow certain amounts from your Plan account, and may be able to withdraw your salary reduction contributions if you have a hardship.

    Hardship distributions are limited to the dollar amount of your salary reduction contributions and may not be taken from earnings, matching or basic contributions. Hardship distributions must be for a specified reason – for qualifying medical expenses, costs of purchasing your principal residence (or preventing eviction from or foreclosure on your principal residence, or repairing qualifying damages to your principal residence), qualifying post-secondary education expenses, or qualifying burial or funeral expenses.

    Before you can take a hardship distribution, you must have taken other permitted withdrawals and loans from qualifying employer plans, unless doing so would be counter-productive. If you take a hardship distribution, you may not contribute to the Plan or other qualifying employer plans for 6 months. You can learn more about the Plan’s hardship withdrawal and loan rules in the Plan’s summary plan description. You can also learn more about the extra 10% early distribution tax in IRS Publication 575, Pension and Annuity Income.

  • Yes. You can always change the amount you contribute to the Plan at any time on the Empower Retirement website. If you know that you do not want to contribute to the Plan, you must notify Empower Retirement that you wish to opt out of the Plan’s automatic enrollment and escalation features. You must notify Empower Retirement each year that you want to opt out of the Plan’s automatic escalation feature.
    If you are a new hire and do not wish to have automatic enrollment contributions taken from your compensation, you must decrease your contributions to zero on the Empower Retirement website. During the 90 days after automatic contributions are first taken from your pay, you can also withdraw the prior automatic contributions by contacting Empower Retirement. (Note: this withdrawal right is not available for the annual 1% automatic escalation amounts.) If you withdraw your automatic contributions, you lose any employer matching contributions associated with the automatic contributions. Also, your withdrawal will be subject to federal income tax (but not the extra 10% tax that normally applies to early distributions) and reported on a Form 1099-R at the end of the year. If you decrease salary reduction contributions to zero, no further contributions will be taken from your compensation until the next annual automatic escalation period occurs. You can always choose to continue or restart your contributions on the Empower Retirement website.

    If you would like a copy of the Plan’s summary plan description or other Plan documents, please visit the Adventist Retirement website at www.adventistretirement.org.

    If you wish to start, stop or change your contributions to the Plan, or want information on the Plan’s investment fund options, please sign into your Plan account on Empower Retirement’s website: participant.empower-retirement.com

    If you have questions about how the Plan works or your rights and obligations under the Plan, please contact Adventist Retirement:

    Adventist Retirement
    North American Division
    9705 Patuxent Woods Drive
    Columbia, MD 21046

    Email: NADRetirement@nadadventist.org
    Telephone: 443-391-7301