Hyv posts jobs that have been contracted to commercial employers by the government. This means that, in most cases, if you accept a job posted on Hyv by one of our partner staffing company employers, you will be working at a federal location like a military base or federal medical facility, but you will not be a federal employee. You will enjoy some of the benefits of federal work, others will not apply. That said, you will experience some freedom and some of the benefits generally not available to federal employees. As with all things, there are positives and negatives of both routes. Some of the specific differences include:

1. Health insurance

• Federal employees: Directly employed federal workers receive health insurance coverage through the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB).
• Civilian healthcare workers employed by government contractors: Benefits are provided through the staffing company employer. Each employer offers a different set of benefits that must be considered during the hiring process.

2. Retirement

• Federal employees: Federal employees typically participate in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), including a Basic Benefit Plan, Social Security, and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) (similar to a 401(k).
• Civilian healthcare workers employed by government contractors: Benefits are provided through the staffing company employer. These often do include perks such as 401(k) but each plan must be carefully reviewed during the hiring process.

3. Paid time off

• Federal employees: Federal employees are entitled to a very specific pre-determined amount of paid time off (PTO), sick leave, and paid holidays.
• Civilian healthcare workers employed by government contractors: Each staffing company employer has their own policy. It may or may not mirror the federal policy. This is another item to review closely during the hiring process. Most federal locations are closed on federal holidays, and most workers get paid for those holidays.

4. Compensation and Security 

• Federal employees: 
  • Federal employees typically have lower compensation rates that are strictly bound by the Salaries and Wages Tables established by the US Office of Personnel Management. 
  • They have historically enjoyed a certain level of job security. There is usually little flexibility in federal positions. 
  • Many healthcare workers who chose this route pursue and maintain federal careers based on the opportunities available for advancement and professional development.
• Civilian healthcare workers employed by government contractors:
  • Compensation is higher for the healthcare workers employed by staffing companies. 
  • Their positions are typically as stable as they desire, but they can expect some periodic management changes. 
  • They are not candidates for moving up the ladder in federal positions.
  • Most healthcare workers who choose this route are interested in a healthcare career that allows them to serve those who serve, and enjoy the day-to-day benefits of the work while maintaining flexibility. These healthcare workers can expect higher salaries and can move more easily.