King County to observe Presidents Day holiday on Monday, Feb. 20
Most King County offices will be closed in observance of Presidents Day on Monday, Feb. 20. Due to the nature of our work, some services will continue as normal while others will operate on a reduced schedule.
Metro will remain on regular weekday service.
If you have any questions about your schedule, please talk to your supervisor. Offices will return to normal service on Tuesday, Feb. 21.
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Metromance: Two bus operators who drove straight to a fairytale!
Cross-posted from Metro Matters
The year was 1981. Paul Schwartz and Debra Revere were both assigned to the Ryerson Base in Seattle. Paul had begun driving for Metro in 1979 and Debra in 1980. In a truly perfect Metro moment, the two met in the base bullpen (the lobby for operators). Their first conversation: Discussing Paul’s selection as Operator of the Month.
In July of 1982, Debra sent a request to the popular live NPR radio program “A Prairie Home Companion” to have Paul wished a happy birthday during the broadcast. During the broadcast, she was initially disappointed that the radio program didn’t wish Paul a happy birthday during that segment of the program. But then came a happy shock: Prairie Home Companion musicians wrote and performed an original song celebrating the couple. Read more.
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Vehicle use policy changes
The Use of Vehicles for County Business policy, which covers the use of non-revenue county vehicles and employee-provided vehicles to conduct county business, was recently updated. Since county employees conduct business all over Washington state, one important change that came with this update is allowing vehicles to be driven outside of King County without prior authorization. However, other policies and department or division requirements still apply.
Employees who drive county vehicles must have a valid Washington state driver’s license and follow the King County Vehicle Driver’s Operating Manual. The manual covers how and when to use county vehicles, how and where to get fuel, and what to do in case of an accident or breakdown. Additionally, people who frequently drive a county vehicle or their own vehicle on county business need to complete a driver improvement course every three years administered by the Safety and Claims Management Office.
If you have questions or need more information about the policy on county vehicle use, contact Fleet Services Policy Manager Kimberly Cisson at Kimberly.cisson@kingcounty.gov or 206-263-8782.
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Have an idea to improve language access services? Your department may be eligible for a grant.
King County’s Office of Equity, Racial and Social Justice has grant funds available for qualifying language access projects and programs.
The goal of this funding is to assist departments with implementing their Language Access Plans and ensuring meaningful access for persons with disabilities or who speak languages other than English. Eligible proposals must address language access needs or gaps related to COVID-19 and its impacts.
Your department or agency is encouraged to apply! If you have an idea, reach out to your Language Access Liaison to discuss potential programs or projects that may be eligible for funding.
Your Language Access Liaison has access to the application and is briefed on eligibility requirements. Find your departmental Language Access Liaison.
Applicants will be considered on a rolling basis through Monday, March 13, 2023.
Examples of funded projects
The Community Health Services Division of Public Health
The Community Health Services Division of Public Health was awarded a grant to ensure language is not a barrier for patients in Public Health Clinics by providing video interpretation services. These remote services are available at the front desk, in the treatment room, the pharmacy, and during check out. English is not the preferred language for many patients accessing these clinics. COVID-19 exacerbated the need for language interpretation due to new regulations that prohibit clients from bringing any additional persons (family or friends who could serve as interpreters) to appointments.
The Department of Judicial Administration
The Department of Judicial Administration will increase customer service assistance for limited English proficient persons, including live virtual interpretation to those who speak ASL, to help alleviate stress and anxiety that customers face when accessing DJA services. Due to COVID-19, DJA started offering many services virtually, but it has been difficult to properly assist limited English proficient customers efficiently with only telephone translation. Funds will be used to provide tablets in customer service areas, which will connect visitors directly to a Language Line interpreter via Zoom. Having access to a live interpreter via video will decrease barriers and increase customer service and access to justice and Drug Court resources for King County residents.
Performance and Strategy
Performance and Strategy will use these funds to translate the Determinants of Equity (DoE) report into the top eight languages spoken in King County. The report is designed to identify recommended community indicators of equity and to assess the equity conditions across the County with the ultimate goal to be able to address disparities and barriers regarding access. Translation will allow more King County residents to understand the issues impacting their communities and access associated resources.
Questions?
Contact Cheryse Ishii, OERSJ’s Language Equity & Access Program Manager, at KClanguages@kingcounty.gov.
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Executive hosts conversation on youth mental health with US Surgeon General
King County Executive Dow Constantine yesterday hosted a discussion with United States Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy on the youth mental health crisis and policy resources for youth mental health at the National Association of Counties Legislative Conference in Washington D.C.
“One of the challenges that we are facing is the increased mental health burden, the increased challenges, particularly for youth, after three years of this disruption. The impact on children and youth has been pronounced and is on top of challenges youth were already experiencing,” Executive Constantine said during the discussion. “As County leaders, we see the impact (on youth mental health) firsthand. You see it when it shows up in the criminal legal system; you see it when it shows up in public health, and in homelessness. You see it when it shows up in suicides.”
Executive Constantine concluded his remarks by thanking Dr. Murthy for his ongoing partnership. “Although a lot of us are doing things in our own jurisdictions, we can’t do it alone. Partnership is critical with state and federal governments and our partnership with you is very much appreciated.” You can watch the full discussion here.
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Rescue training: Ice, ice, baby
Cross-posted from the Sheriff’s newsletter
Recently, the King County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) Marine Rescue Dive Unit (MRDU) participated in a joint training day with the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office Dive unit. The training was specific to Ice Rescue and Ice Diving operations and took place at Fish Lake in Chelan County.
Outside temperatures during the day were in the twenties, water temperature was 34 degrees Fahrenheit and safety was the biggest aspect of this training. Ice thickness was up to 12 inches in places and conditions were very cold. In spite of the frozen training ground, with the proper gear and equipment the day went well.
This training was specific to this type of rescue. In case there would be a call about a person falling through thin ice, KCSO can respond confidently in an appropriate and safe manner.
Snohomish County conducted SCUBA diving operations while the MRDU concentrated on a surface rescue on the ice. Both agencies have worked together in the past and will continue to meet up periodically for training opportunities to maintain interoperability readiness.
Training topics and exercises that were covered included proper equipment, environmental concerns, scene size up, medical considerations post incident, cold water shock and hypothermia, safety on the ice, ice anchors, and chain saw activities. Incident command considerations were also discussed.
There were a total of 22 Deputies and Sergeants from both agencies participating. The exercise was considered a great success and the teams look forward the training again next year.
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Find a primary care provider
Research shows that people with a primary care provider (PCP) enjoy better health outcomes. People who have a relationship with a primary care provider as their usual source of care are more likely to receive high-value care, have better access to care, and report a higher satisfaction with their health care.
A PCP who you see regularly is likely to find problems sooner and can be a trusted resource who follows you over time. Seeing your PCP regularly can also help save money and avoid more costly care, such as an emergency room visit.
Now is the time to schedule your annual wellness visit and to find a PCP you like, if you haven’t already. Read more about how to find a PCP on the Balanced You blog.
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Safety Tip: Latest security updates
Our top priority is your safety and security at work, and we are continuing to partner with law enforcement, community, and other governments to ensure a safer, more welcoming environment in and around our facilities.
This video covers the latest updates to King County security programs as well as resources and information.
Check out the video and view other safety videos on the Future of Work Personal Safety at Work intranet page (employees only). For more information on employee safety programs, visit the Safety at Work page.
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Employee Giving Program committee recruiting new members
New members are being recruited for the Employee Giving Program committee. This team works on strategic planning, policy development and recommendations, process improvements, employee engagement, communications and marketing, and project planning and implementation.
The committee is looking for members that are passionate about creating opportunities for King County employee engagement, are interested to learn about and strengthen relationships with participating nonprofit agencies, and are lifelong learners wanting to further develop their leadership skills as part of a high performing team. Read more.
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February is Heart Health Month
In observance of Heart Health Month, King County and Omada Diabetes Prevention program want to provide you with tips for taking small steps to improving your heart health. There’s no question about it–regular activity really pays off, from lowering your blood sugar and cholesterol to reducing your risk of heart disease and stroke.
Read the Balanced You blog for tips for getting active as well as more information about the Omada Diabetes Management program and Diabetes Prevention program.
Employee News 