Workforce Equity and you: Disability as a protected class
As an employer, King County has a reputation for being a place where all people can succeed and thrive. Diversity, inclusion, equity, and social justice are part of our True North for both residents and employees. This means that employees with disabilities, whether visible or not, all have the same rights and resources as employees in other protected classes.
The Workforce Equity Team is part of the Director’s Office of the Department of Human Resources (DHR). Workforce Equity provides oversight, guidance, support, and compliance functions that ensure an inclusive and diverse workforce, and a welcoming workplace and work culture throughout King County. Which includes, implementing workplace practices that align with the King County Equity and Social Justice (ESJ) Strategic Plan, state and federal law, and County policy.
Among its responsibilities, Workforce Equity manages and administers the Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action (EEO/AA) program and conducts internal investigations related to allegations of discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and inappropriate conduct.
Disability is a protected class
Workforce Equity investigates alleged violations of King County’s Nondiscrimination, Anti-Harassment & Inappropriate Conduct Policy & Reporting Procedures (the “Policy”). This includes allegations of harassment, discrimination, retaliation, failure to provide reasonable accommodations, and other inappropriate conduct based upon a protected class. Disability is a protected class under federal, state and local laws, and King County policy. If an employee believes that they have been the subject of inappropriate, discriminatory, retaliatory, or harassing conduct due to a disability, they should report the conduct to a Human Resources (HR) Manager, the Workforce Equity Manager, or the Equal Opportunity Officer for Metro Transit.
Examples of complaints could be:
- Being denied promotional opportunities due to a disability;
- Being denied a reasonable accommodation for a disability;
- Being treated differently or unfairly due to a disability; and/or
- Being subject to comments, jokes, or slurs related to a disability.
Once Workforce Equity receives a complaint, an investigator will conduct an initial intake interview with the employee and, in consultation with the department’s HR Manager and Equity Inclusion and Belonging (EIB) Manager, will determine the best course of action. If an investigation takes place, the employee must give Disability Services and their department permission to release relevant medical and disability-related information to the Workforce Equity investigator. The investigator will collect evidence, may interview witnesses, and will make a determination of whether the Policy has been violated. The investigator will take reasonable steps to be responsible and discrete with the information gathered throughout the investigation process, including only requesting documents and evidence that have a legitimate relevance to the investigation. Documents may be redacted to avoid releasing unnecessary information.
Once an investigation report is finalized, the employee who made the complaint and their department HR Manager will be notified of the results. Even if there is not a policy violation, there may be opportunities for increased awareness around disability with training, coaching and counseling. Depending on the circumstances, other interventions such as conflict resolution may be warranted. Any discipline given as the result of an investigation is confidential.
Workforce Equity encourages employees who believe they are subject to discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or inappropriate conduct to contact those noted below. They are here to ensure King County is a place where all employees can thrive.
- Jennifer Greenlee, Investigations Manager, JEGreenlee@kingcounty.gov
- Gloria Ngezaho, Workforce Equity Manager, GNgezaho@kingcounty.gov
For more information visit www.kingcounty.gov/workforce-equity.
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King County runners tackle 200-mile Ragnar
For 30 hours starting the morning of Friday, July 14, 24 runners representing the Assessor, DES, DNRP, FBOD, RALS, KCIT, WLRD, King County Council, DCHS, the Regional Homelessness Authority, DAJD, the Environmental Lab, DHR, and the Executive Office took to the roads in the annual Ragnar Northwest Passage, an approximately 200-mile relay from far north Blaine to Whidbey Island’s Langley.
This is the first year King County fielded two full teams in this legendary annual run.
Running through the night, the King County Ragnariffics (pictured above) and King County Bureaufasts (pictured below) scored 9th and 12th respectively in their division, surviving sweltering temperatures and cloudless skies to arrive at the Island County fairgrounds finish line Saturday afternoon.
Since 2019, King County’s team(s) have also managed the Leg 34/Mutiny Bay aid station, offering water, electrolytes, and oranges to runners at the top of one of Whidbey’s sun-baked steep hills. The station has earned universal praise from runners, teams, and Ragnar support staff.
Ragnariffics captain Consuelo Norris and Bureaufasts captain Al Dams look forward to 2024. If you want more information about King County’s Ragnar teams, contact Consuelo Norris, Al Dams, or Seth Watson.
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KCSO knocks it out of the park with All-Star event support
Originally published in the King County Sheriff’s Office Newsletter, July 13, 2023
The King County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) collaborated with an impressive lineup of agencies and organizations to ensure a safe and secure environment throughout the thrilling five-day All-Star Week events. This lineup included the Seattle Police Department, Seattle Fire Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Federal Aviation Administration, the Transportation Security Administration, Amtrak Police, Burlington Northern Santa Fe Police, the Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the U.S. Air Force.
These events provided multiple days of excitement for fans, featuring Play Ball Park, concerts, and various other free activities. The pinnacle of the week was reached with the highly anticipated Home Run Derby and the All-Star Game. Thanks to the collective efforts of all involved, this event surpassed expectations, leaving a lasting mark on everyone who attended.
We’d like to take a moment to recognize several of our specialized units within KCSO who played pivotal roles and contributed significantly to the success of this endeavor. View kudos and photos below.
Metro and Sound Transit
Our two transit partners collaborated seamlessly, employing a range of specialized teams, including JTATT (Joint Transit Anti-Terrorism Team), patrol, K9, and detectives, to ensure the secure and efficient transportation of thousands of individuals to and from the venue each day.
The transit system operated with remarkable smoothness and safety throughout the entire event. Deputies and Detectives expertly carried out their duties, alternating between plain clothes and uniformed assignments. The prominent presence of law enforcement personnel significantly enhanced the overall experience, contributing to an exceptional and memorable occasion.
ARFF
The King County International Airport’s Aircraft Rescue Firefighting (ARFF) unit faced the challenge of managing a significant surge in VIP flights arriving at King County International Airport. Not only did they handle Major League Baseball (MLB) flights, but they also had to handle a substantial influx of private jets associated with the All-Star game. Furthermore, ARFF had the crucial responsibility of safeguarding three Air Force F-35 fighter jets utilized in the captivating opening flyover for the grand event.
Bomb Disposal unit
BDU provided extensive support during the events, conducting thorough sweeps, and ensuring the safety of the City of Seattle by responding to bomb calls throughout the event period. The team conducted numerous sweeps, both for vehicles and events, amounting to well over a hundred. The invaluable assistance from KCSO BDU prevented the other BDU teams from being overwhelmed by the demanding workload.
KSO TAC 30
TAC 30 (SWAT) seamlessly assumed responsibility for TAC calls within the City of Seattle, ensuring comprehensive coverage. Additionally, they maintained a vigilant quick reaction force on standby, poised to respond promptly to any incidents within the transit system that required their immediate attention.
Marine unit
The Marine unit strategically positioned themselves near the Coast Guard Station on the western side of T-Mobile Park. Their invaluable contribution involved effectively neutralizing any waterborne drone threats, while also extending crucial marine support to the surrounding area.
Air Support unit
Air Support played a pivotal role by utilizing the downlink – the camera on Guardian 1 that people can log in to watch live footage – to enhance situational awareness during the substantial influx of crowds traversing to and from the events. The downlink provided indispensable as it was employed across all command posts and stadiums.
T-Mobile and Lumen Field off-duty deputies
These two locations were staffed with Deputies with extensive experience working in these venues. These highly skilled Deputies and Sergeants exhibit exemplary performance in a high-visibility environment, adeptly managing crowds with great proficiency. Their expertise lies in skillfully de-escalating situations involving intoxicated or confrontational individuals, showcasing their abilities in conflict resolution.
Communications Center
The KCSO’s amazing Communications Center team provided invaluable assistance and support during All-Star week. They seamlessly managed the increased dispatch coverage, ensuring smooth operations during the heightened activity, and provided a dedicated dispatcher for the events whenever feasible. Their efforts were instrumental in the week’s success.
Planning and critical incident preparation response
Dani Hamilton, Sergeant Pete Copeland, and Deputies Dave Mendez, Hiram Grijalva, and Sean Pierce made exceptional contributions as they staffed the Unified Command Center and meticulously orchestrated the KCSO event with utmost expertise and dedication.
Command
Captains Koby Hamill, Todd Miller, Scott Dery, Jonathan Youngblood, Greg Thomas, and Majors Marcus Williams and Todd Morrell demonstrated their unwavering support by assuming various responsibilities throughout the planning and execution of the All-Star events.
Kudos to the King County Sheriff’s Office for putting on a world-class event and supporting the King County community. This was a great team effort, and it wouldn’t have been successful without the different units within KCSO!
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Tech Tip: Personally Identifiable Information
What is sensitive information? Sensitive information is privileged information which – if compromised through alteration, corruption, loss, misuse, or unauthorized disclosure – could cause serious harm to an individual or organization. You must always give the highest level of protection to privileged information. Here we discuss Personally Identifiable Information, or PII.
What is Personally Identifiable Information?
For the purpose of data protection, PII is defined as: any instance of an individual’s first name (or first initial) plus the last name, and any one of 29 additional confidential items.
An example of these twenty-nine additional confidential items include: Social Security number, driver license, credit card number and expiration date, date or place of birth, wage and salary information, vehicle identifiers including license plate numbers, and medical history.
Is it PII? The key to remember is, if the information can be used to uniquely identify a specific individual using non-public information, it’s considered PII and must be protected.
Example: John Smith was born on January 1, 1965. Which listing below would be the example of PII?
A) John Smith – DOB 1/1/1965
B) John S. – DOB 1/1/1965
C) John Smith – DOB 1/1/xxxx
The answer is A. B and C are not examples of PII on their own.
Employees who do not take care of sensitive information can lead King County into fines, increased operating costs, loss of customer confidence, and even more governmental regulation. Do your part to keep your sensitive information safe at all times.
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Is it time for a vacation?
(Updated July 17, 2023)
Sometimes we get so caught up in the demands of our personal and work lives that we forget that our bodies and our minds need a regular break.
Vacations help us relax, unwind, and recharge. Taking time off also reduces stress, anxiety, and depression, all of which can lead to serious health issues such as heart disease, high blood pressure, insomnia, and fatigue. Vacations also make you feel good and happier with life, while protecting against burnout.
Whether we’re able to catch a flight or hit the road, or if we prefer to stay close to home, taking time away from our day-to-day work routines is a valuable component of our overall well-being.
For those of you considering travel, the CDC has an advice for travelers page with information that can help you prepare. Or if staying close to home might be your preferred vacation, the Pacific Northwest provides numerous ways to rest, relax, and explore. Pick a new neighborhood to discover, a new or engaging hobby to pursue, or a beloved vista to visit again. It’s as easy as hopping a Trailhead Direct bus.
Got questions about vacation leave? Talk to your supervisor or department’s Human Resources Manager (employee access only).
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Volunteer to close a ballot drop box
The Primary election is just around the corner and King County Elections is looking for volunteers to help close ballot drop boxes on election night, Aug. 1. Under state law, ballot drop boxes close at 8 p.m. sharp on Election Day.
As a volunteer drop box closer, you will be paired with Elections staff to close a drop box, provide customer service, and hand out I Voted stickers. No experience is necessary!
Election Day is Tuesday, Aug. 1 and Elections is looking for volunteers from about 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Sign up and join us for a fun and fulfilling experience helping your neighbors experience the excitement and community of casting their ballots.
Please note that this volunteer opportunity is only for current King County employees. Have questions? Learn more here.
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King County Green Schools Program recognizes 67 schools, two school districts, and 88 student Green Teams for resource conservation efforts this school year
Crossposted from Keeping King County Green
As the 2022-23 school year draws to a close, King County Green Schools Program recognizes 67 schools, two school districts, and 88 student Green Teams for their waste reduction and other resource conservation practices – that’s more than twice the total number of schools as last year.
Issaquah School District and Tahoma School District earned recognition as Sustaining Green School Districts for their environmental initiatives in 2022-23.
Led by the County’s Solid Waste Division, the Green Schools Program helps King County schools and school districts to start and improve sustainable practices. Program guidance focuses on resource conservation, environmental justice, and waste prevention and collection of recyclable materials and organics – such as food scraps and yard waste. Read more.
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ESJ Strategic Plan Refresh seeking administrative professional support
The Equity and Social Justice (ESJ) Strategic Plan Refresh project needs your expertise and is seeking 8-10 administrative professionals to support 3-4 affinity spaces.
Overview of tasks include:
- Creating meeting materials and logistics support
- Notetaking
- Scheduling, coordinating, and communicating resources
- Supporting hybrid meeting spaces
- Partnering with facilitators to support participants including breakout sessions
First meetings will occur from July 31 – August 9, with additional meetings occurring every 3-4 weeks. Onboarding will be provided in late July with regular facilitation planning occurring before each meeting. To join the ESJ Strategic Plan Refresh team, or to discuss this opportunity, contact the Administrative Professionals Program Manager, Lili Stansberry.
Please note that participation in these roles will require supervisor approval. The Executive Senior Leadership Team (SLT) has approved internal engagement plan work and are supportive of relief time to support the ESJ Strategic Plan Refresh.
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Second Professional Development Scholarship Award Letters and round up
All award letters for the second period of the 2023 Coalition Labor Agreement’s Professional Development Scholarship Program have been sent to the scholarship recipients. This second period saw 41 employees receive over $100,000 in scholarship funds.
In total, the 2023 program awarded $180,000 of the $225,000 budgeted. Approximately $45,000 will be carried over into the 2024 program year for a total budget of about $270,000. The 2024 scholarship year will open September 6, 2023, and will be for training that starts anytime between January to June 2024. Employees interested in applying for the 2024 scholarship are encouraged to begin exploring training opportunities and to reach out to their HR staff, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Manager, or Career Support Services for support.
The scholarship is part of the County’s commitment to Investing in YOU, and is designed to assist employees represented by a union in the Coalition of Unions with their professional development by providing up to $3,000 in financial assistance towards obtaining training, certificates, degrees, licenses, and certifications. Visit the Professional Development Scholarship website or email ScholarshipFund@kingcounty.gov for more information.
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Ken Guy receives the 2022 Fred Jarrett Award
FBOD Director Ken Guy has been honored with the Fred Jarrett Award, one of King County Executive’s Performance Excellence Awards which highlights a department or division leader who demonstrates leadership excellence. The Fred Jarrett Award is one of three Leadership Excellence Awards honoring King County leaders who embody the Executive Branch values and drive for results that make King County better for employees and customers, and move King County closer to its True North: Making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive.
Ken Guy has served as Director of the Finance and Business Operations Division (FBOD) for more than 18 years, but he started as an intern at the county in the early 1980s. He was an early adopter of Lean and one of the first at King County to bring a continuous improvement specialist into his team. Watch the video to learn how Ken has used a Best-Run Government approach to improve the efficiency of the county’s procurement process; increase opportunities for small businesses and minority- and women-owned businesses to contract with the county; and serve as a diligent and reliable partner to colleagues and community.
“Ken is fundamentally a skilled and compassionate leader, a diligent and reliable partner, and a true embodiment of our True North Values and Best-Run Government in action,” said Executive Constantine.
Congratulations Ken! View the award announcement and watch the video here.
Employee News 