Featured Coronavirus Information
Updated guidance for mandatory telecommuting (updated July 28, 2020)
Emergency childcare for first responders & essential workers
Help needed to support COVID-19 efforts
Cleaning and disinfecting facilities during COVID-19
News
The benefits of King County’s Return-To-Work Transitional Duty Program
Getting all those tasks done at work can be a challenge, especially the “non-essential” ones that just seem to pile up. Does your team have stacks of filing sitting in boxes? Need help staffing a front desk or hotline? Have some documents ready to be scanned so you can go paperless? That’s where King County’s Transitional Duty Assignment (TDA) Program comes in. Providing light duty work to a TDA worker gives you valuable labor you don’t have to pay for while also keeping temporarily disabled workers connected to King County. It’s a win for… Read More
Reasonable Accommodations in King County Superior Court
by Linda K. Ridge, Deputy CAO, King County Superior Court Access to justice for all persons is a fundamental right; however, for individuals with a sensory, cognitive, or physical disability, this access can be filled with challenges. Implemented in 2007, Washington State General Court Rule 33 (GR 33) was designed to assure that persons with disabilities have equal and meaningful access to the judicial system. GR 33 requires courts to provide prompt response to requests for accommodation in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 and the Washington State Law Against Discrimination… Read More
Support Domestic Violence Awareness Month through the 2020 Annual Giving Drive
For Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we’re highlighting nonprofits whose work supports survivors in our region. These and hundreds of nonprofits are participating in this year’s Annual Giving Drive. API Chaya (9617): API Chaya empowers and serves South Asian, Asian, and Pacific Islander survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking, assault, and other crimes. They offer confidential support, information, and referrals for housing, legal and immigration assistance, mental health, food and financial assistance programs. Consejo Counseling and Referral Service (9404): For over 30 years, Consejo has been providing intervention, prevention, and outreach services for Latino survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault,… Read More
Disability Awareness Month: Ableism and ally-ship in the workplace
For people with disabilities, navigating a society constructed by and for people considered to have “typical” abilities can be a constant battle, and one that further entrenches the discrimination they face. According to the 2010 census, nearly 1 in 5 Americans experience disability. Some people’s disabilities are visible to others and include physical disabilities such as blindness, deafness, prosthetic limbs, or wheelchair usage. Other people’s disabilities may be less visible or not visually apparent at all, such as behavioral health conditions (depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress), Traumatic Brain Injuries, developmental and intellectual disabilities,… Read More
Working to end domestic violence
Dear employees, This month, we observe Domestic Violence Awareness Month in King County to raise awareness about the signs of abuse and how we can stop it. On average, nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the United States – more than 10 million people each year – according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. There is also concern that these numbers will jump as a result of social distancing and quarantine during COVID-19. King County is committed to stopping domestic violence in our community and at work…. Read More
Pet of the Week: Annie
Hi! My name is Annie and I am available for adoption. My personality color is GREEN. I am an adaptable dog who loves to go with the flow! I am outgoing and carefree, and I just can’t wait to find my forever home! I am a very smart dog! At the shelter I am practicing how to “sit”, “stay”, “come”, “down” and “shake”. I am an affectionate lovebug who would be thrilled to cuddle up with you at home! I am full of energy and I love to play! I tend to calm down more… Read More
October is a three-payday month
Most King County employees get paid on a biweekly basis, every-other-Thursday, resulting in 26 pay periods per year. You usually receive two paychecks per month, but Oct. 29 will be your third payday of the month. The net dollar amount of these “third” paychecks may be larger because not all deductions are taken out. For example, Deferred Compensation, supplemental insurance premiums, Benefit Access Fees, and Employee Giving donations are not deducted from these checks. For more information about your paycheck, go to Payroll or speak with your department Payroll representative or timekeeper.
Which fare is right for you? King County and Sound Transit offer new subsidized annual pass for riders in greatest need
Crossposted from Metro Matters Discounted passes allow more people to ride transit, even if they would otherwise face financial barriers. Some customers have their transit passes covered by their work or school, while others qualify for reduced fares due to their age, disability, or income level. You may qualify for a discounted transit pass if you are: Age 19-64? Check with your employer or school to see if they help with transit costs, or purchase a monthly pass Age 6-18? You may qualify for an Youth ORCA card Read more.
Onsite employee flu clinics now closed
Balanced You thanks King County employees for a successful 2020 flu clinic season. Together, we were able to distribute 1,200 flu shots to onsite employees across King County this year. Onsite flu clinics have now ended. If you or your family members have not received your flu shots, please visit this blogpost for information on how to do so.
Announcing the 2020 Online Nonprofit Expo Series
Crossposted from KC Employee Giving The 2020 Nonprofit Expo Series will kick off on Thursday, Oct. 22. Join the Employee Giving Program via Zoom from 11 a.m. to noon every Thursday through Nov. 20 to learn about nonprofits engaged in the work you care about. Each week will feature organizations working in the following key service areas: Oct. 22, from 11 a.m. to noon: Social and Economic Justice Oct. 29, from 11 a.m. to noon: Animals Nov. 5, from 11 a.m. to noon: Frontline COVID-19 Assistance Nov. 12, from 11 a.m. to noon: Serving Children during the COVI-19 pandemic Nov. 19, from 11 a.m. to noon: Housing and Employment Each Expo will… Read More
Join us: The Annual Giving Drive is happening now
Dear friends, Earlier this month, we kicked off our Employee Giving Program Annual Giving Drive — the most fun time of the year! Now through Nov. 20, we can make a difference by supporting the causes that are most important to us. This is year is different. While we may be physically apart, we are still together through this important work. As you know, we are in a critical moment – locally and globally. Across our region, nonprofits are simultaneously facing a drop in funding while working on the front lines responding… Read More
Recognizing 2020 Disability Awareness Month
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), signed into law in 1990 by former U.S. President George H. W. Bush. Every October we celebrate the many contributions that people with disabilities make to our community and workforce here at King County. To honor these contributions, on Oct. 13, 2020, the King County Council officially proclaimed October 2020 as Disability Awareness Month. In a meeting held virtually to allow for safety and social distancing measures, the King County Council welcomed King County councilmembers and members of the… Read More
Training Spotlight for October 20
Decision Making through North Seattle College – Online – Expand your decision-making skills by identifying problem-solving styles. Find creative solutions in decision-making and build the ability to search for and find facts that relate to the situation and put them together in ways that work. Learn to tap into the knowledge of others to help expand available options. This workshop will give you better problem-solving steps and tools to make decisions. This class is tomorrow, Oct. 21, from 1-4 p.m. The fee is $89.00 and space is limited. Register here Mentorship Lunch and Learn – Online… Read More
Look for Open Enrollment information in your mailbox
It’s in the mail Look for Open Enrollment information Check your home mailbox for important benefits and Open Enrollment information mailed recently to the address you have listed in PeopleSoft. Open Enrollment takes place Nov. 1 – 15 and you can start preparing now. What’s changing? New online enrollment tool: This year, we’ll be using an updated PeopleSoft tool featuring a new look and feel and a mobile-friendly interface—making it easier to complete Open Enrollment using your smart phone or tablet. For details, step-by-step instructions, and screenshots, watch the Completing Open Enrollment… Read More
Featured Job: End the HIV Epidemic (EHE) Program Manager (Project/Program Manager IV)
Salary: $100,134.11 – $126,926.18 Annually Location: Seattle, WA Job Type: Career Service, Full Time, 40 hrs/week Department: DPH – Public Health Job Number: 2020NH12265 Division: Prevention Closing: 10/26/2020 11:59 PM Pacific Learn more about this position or view all available positions.
Training Spotlight for October 15
Introduction to Mindful Self-Compassion – Online – Mindful Self-Compassion combines the skills of mindfulness and self-compassion, providing a powerful tool for emotional resilience. This class is being offered through Balanced You and is free. To view available opportunities and register, please follow this link. Register here. More opportunities are available on our King County Eventbrite page. For more information, contact the Learning and Development Team at KCTraining@kingcounty.gov or visit Learning and Development at www.kingcounty.gov/learning.
Learn how to boost your retirement savings
You and your spouse or significant other are invited to learn more about saving for retirement with the King County Deferred Compensation Plan. Several webinars are coming up Oct. 20, and 21, Nov. 2, and Dec. 4, including the following. See details and registration. Social Security Simplified Retirement Ready Savings Strategies Creating and Balancing a Budget Financial Wellness Women and Retirement If you would like to meet individually with a retirement specialist who can help you review your retirement goals, schedule a virtual check-in. For more information about Deferred Compensation Plan education, go… Read More
A Conversation on the Impacts of the Pandemic While Living with a Disability, October 29
The Disability Awareness Committee, Balanced You, and the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) are hosting a panel featuring employees with disabilities who will share their experiences and stories living through this pandemic. Resources to support employees with disabilities will also be shared during this panel discussion. All King County employees are welcome to join. Thursday, Oct. 29, from 10-11:30 a.m. Register here. If you have questions about this opportunity, please email JaChristensen@kingcounty.gov.
Love your King County employee benefits?
Want to help spread the word about the great employee benefits King County provides? The Benefits Team is looking for employees who utilize and love their employee benefits. If this is you—and you’d like to find out even more and help your coworkers learn about their benefit choices during Open Enrollment, Nov. 1–15, let us know! Later this month, you will be provided with virtual training and materials, so that you can encourage participation in Open Enrollment, answer questions, and offer support to the people you work with. Participation is strictly voluntary, on… Read More
Facilities Management Division staff tackle big challenges
Crossposted from DES Express It takes a team to manage the challenges that 2020 has brought to King County and the world. The need for cleaning has increased incredibly from both COVID-19 and protests associated with racial injustice. Repeatedly, downtown county buildings have been tagged with graffiti. Facilities Management Division (FMD) employees have all stepped up, from trades workers to custodians, Utility workers and security officers, to name a few. “I am just so proud of all the work FMD employees put in each and every day for this county,” said Aaron Bert,… Read More
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Our 15,000 employees work every day to make King County
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