Featured Coronavirus Information
Updated guidance for mandatory telecommuting
Emergency childcare for first responders & essential workers
Help needed to support COVID-19 efforts
Cleaning and disinfecting facilities during COVID-19
News
Featured Job: Senior Applications Developer
Salary: $96,926.40 – $122,032.80 Annually Location: Seattle, WA Job Type: Regular, Full time, 35 hrs/week Department: KCSC – Superior Court Job Number: 2020-11646 Closing: 7/31/2020 11:59 PM Pacific Learn more about this position or view all available positions.
Sharp increases in COVID-19 driven by cases among younger adults
Crossposted from Public Health Insider Two weeks of sharp increases in COVID-19 cases in King County points to a concerning sign that our community is moving in the wrong direction to contain the virus. The daily average number of cases has more than doubled in the past two weeks, from an average of 40 daily cases in mid-June to 87 daily cases the week of June 21. Our target is to have about 39 cases or fewer per day. This is the number of cases that meets the statewide target of fewer than… Read More
Donations Connector making a difference
The King County Donations Connector is making a big difference in our community during the COVID-19 pandemic! As of June 19, King County had received: More than 47,000 N95 respirators More than 2,000 KN95 respirators More than 144,000 surgical masks About 105,000 gloves More than 1,800 gallons of hand sanitizer More than 37,000 face shields Nearly 2,400 gowns 200 thermometers More than 5,300 “ear savers” You can still help or get help in the COVID-19 response through the King County Donations Connector! Check the Donations Connector for an updated list of current needs. If you are… Read More
Navigating a pandemic within a pandemic: Coping and care for Black communities
Crossposted from Public Health Insider Prior to and throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, another crisis has been taking place for communities of color, particularly for Black individuals of all genders. We are facing ongoing racial trauma and distress that impact every aspect of daily life – including mental health. Racism is a public health emergency that affects us all. As we experience, educate, and encounter it on a systemic and institutional level, we must commit to taking care of ourselves and our communities as well. Below are several resources and ideas to consider: Determine what amount… Read More
BECU discount available for employees
With BECU, King County employees who apply by Sept. 30, 2020, can receive a $150 statement credit on cash back credit cards. There is also a 0% intro APR for 12 months. This offer is valid July 1 – Sept. 30, 2020. Find out more. Free financial education webinars are also available: self-paced and in-person. View all available discounts at www.kingcounty.gov/employeediscounts.
Featured Job: Positive Family Connections Program Manager – PPM II TLT
Salary: $37.42 – $47.44 Hourly Location: Seattle, WA Job Type: Term Limited Temporary, Full Time, 40 hrs/wk Department: DCHS – Community & Human Services Job Number: 2020SC11822 Division: Children & Youth Services Closing: 7/19/2020 11:59 PM Pacific Learn more about this position or view all available positions.
Pet of the Week: Mouse
Hi! My name is Mouse and I am available for adoption. Generally, I’m a nervous kitty and I like to hide in the back of my kennel. But if you go slow and give me little scratches, I’m super duper friendly! With that being said, if you give me lots of awesome hidey spots at my new home I will be even friendlier because I will feel safer! My personality color is BLUE. I am a gentle and loving cat who likes to take things slow. I may get nervous in new situations, so… Read More
Increasing cases of COVID-19 in King County highlight the need to limit close contact
Crossposted from Public Health Insider Public Health—Seattle & King County continues to monitor cases, hospitalizations and deaths from COVID-19 and has noted an increase in cases over the past two weeks. Public Health expects to see some increase in cases as we get back to work and other activities in the community because there are more opportunities for COVID-19 to spread. It’s been one week since King County moved into Phase 2 of the Governor’s Safe Start plan. With more re-opening of businesses, community activities and contact with one-another, Public Health—Seattle & King County is… Read More
Webinar for employees: How are you?: A Conversation on Emotional Health, July 8
As we continue to navigate life during the COVID-19 era, our mental and emotional health is likely shifting. We may experience waves of different emotions, ranging from fear and anxiety to grief and gratitude. And, we may struggle with how to understand or regulate them. Join Shawna Johnson, Balanced You Employee Health Specialist, and Heather Steffensen, Interim Employee Assistance Program Manager, for How are you?: A Conversation on Emotional Health. During this live, interactive webinar facilitators will share some of the feelings that may be arising during the pandemic, techniques and tools to regulate… Read More
Guidance for Workforce, Operations, and Customer Service Recovery
Dear employee: These unprecedented times have challenged us in ways we never imagined. Throughout, you have demonstrated unfailing commitment to our community and personal and professional resilience in the face of massive change. You have proven time and again your expertise and dedication to public service, inspiring the country to follow your lead and inspiring me daily with your efforts. We have a True North guiding vision to make King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. Our value of Racial Justice is foundational and will guide us in all… Read More
Consider donating to the Emergency Leave Program
The Emergency Leave Donation Program was developed so that King County employees who have been affected by COVID-19 can request donated leave. When the program debuted, many employees generously donated personal leave to support their colleagues. Now, the program is asking employees to again consider donating personal leave to the program, as the paid leave available is running low. Employees interested in supporting colleagues affected by COVID-19 can donate accrued sick and vacation leave in two different ways: Using PeopleSoft to make donations. Learn how by viewing this PeopleSoft Emergency Leave Donation guide (SharePoint), or viewing this short video (also below) from the… Read More
If you’re living with a long-term health condition, these free programs can improve your quality of life
We know that for many people, daily life looks a little different right now. As we continue to adapt, it’s more important than ever to take care of ourselves — especially if you’re living with a long-term health condition. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 6 in 10 adults in the United States have a long-term health condition (also known as an “ongoing condition” or a “chronic disease”). Doctors generally define long-term health conditions as lasting three or more months, and many don’t have cures. Diabetes, cancer, heart disease,… Read More
A call to #RecreateResponsibly guides reopening of King County’s parks and trails, and encourages ways to enjoy the outdoors safely
King County moved into Phase 2 of the state’s Safe Start plan on June 19. For the Parks Division of the Department of Natural Resources and Parks (DNRP), going through these phases has meant taking steps to encourage new habits while re-opening its parks and trails following the COVID-19 closures. As it re-opens, King County Parks has put several measures in place, including on-site signs, recreation policies, and operational adjustments. Parks is also part of the Recreate Responsibly Coalition, a statewide group that has come together during the pandemic to educate the… Read More
Fireworks safety in a pandemic
Every year in the U.S., about 9,000 people are injured using fireworks at home, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Most of these injuries take place around the July Fourth holiday. This year, we have been dealing with the dual pandemics of COVID and racial injustice. Most public fireworks displays have been cancelled. If you decide to use consumer fireworks, please do so with caution and follow local rules and regulations. In addition, remember that social distancing, wearing a face covering and hand-washing are still very important. Fireworks are banned… Read More
Routine dental care again allowed
Dentists began seeing patients for routine visits again on May 19. Prior to reopening, dental offices have implemented new protocols, including additional Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), to further protect the health and safety of you and your family members. Some employees have reported that their dentists are charging them for the additional PPE needed to prevent the transmission of COVID 19. Delta Dental is now paying dentists an additional amount for each visit to cover the cost of PPE. Covered members are not required to pay any additional charges for PPE. Delta… Read More
Featured Job: COVID Homeless Testing Program Manager (Project / Program Manager III)
Salary: $87,640.80 – $111,089.89 Annually Location: Seattle, WA Job Type: Special Duty Assignment or Term Limited Temp (TLT) Department: DPH – Public Health Job Number: 2020NH11771 Division: Community Health Services Closing: 7/8/2020 11:59 PM Pacific Learn more about this position or view all available positions.
COVID-19 update: Increased ridership, restored trips, required masks and face coverings
Crossposted from Metro Matters Ridership on King County Metro has increased in recent weeks as more people choose to ride public transportation and the state allows more activities under its “Safe Start” plan. Metro continues to require masks or face coverings be worn on transit. Buses currently have reduced passenger limits to support social distancing and limit the spread of COVID-19. Metro analyzed preliminary extrapolations to create an unofficial estimate of weekly ridership, which remains lower compared to a year ago but shows early signs of recovery. Read more.
July and August Mindfulness Class Schedule now available
As we continue to maneuver through this very difficult time in our society, it is important that we manage our mental health and stress levels. Balanced You heard from employees that mindfulness classes have helped alleviate some of the anxiety many are experiencing, so we are continuing to provide these classes through August. What is mindfulness? Mindfulness is a practice that uses breath work, visualization, and other skills to support you in reducing stress at work and at home. Mindfulness techniques are especially useful now, as we move through the uncertainty of… Read More
Road to Retirement classes offered online, July 8, multiple times
Are you planning to retire in the next six months? In honor of National Retirement Planning Month and to better fit your schedule, the Road to Retirement class will be offered online at four different times on Wednesday, July 8, being offered at 7 a.m., 10 a.m., 2 p.m., and 7 p.m. Join your Retirement Team for this informative 90-minute online class. We’ll discuss procedures and forms, medical coverage options, and pension plans—so you’ll be on a smooth road toward a happy retirement. Please register for a session that works best for you. You will… Read More
Volunteer to be a Ballot Drop Box Closer for August 4
Looking for some Election Day excitement? Meet your neighbors and continue your commitment to public service by volunteering as a drop box closer. Drop box closers are the friendly face the public sees on Election Day, ensuring that every vote is counted, and every voice is heard. Who: You and your co-workers What: Closing ballot drop boxes across King County When: Election Night – August 4 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Where: A drop box location near you Most voters wait until Election Day to return their ballots and drop boxes are often busiest in the last… Read More
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a welcoming community where every person can thrive.
