Executive Constantine statement on Detective wounded in Seattle
“Every day, hundreds of Sheriff’s Office personnel serve our many communities, doing the hard work of keeping us all safe.”
King County Executive Dow Constantine issued the following statement regarding the King County Sheriff’s Office detective wounded in Ballard on March 20:
“This morning a King County Sheriff’s Office detective was shot in the line of duty in Ballard. He has significant injuries but is in good hands at Harborview Medical Center, and we wish him a speedy recovery.
“He is the second King County officer wounded by gunfire in just over two weeks. Every day, hundreds of Sheriff’s Office personnel serve our many communities, doing the hard work of keeping us all safe. We are grateful for their diligence and courage, and hold these dedicated public servants, their families, friends, and colleagues in our thoughts.”
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Strategic Interviewing Skills now an eLearning course
The course is searchable through NEOGOV Learn course catalog under “Career Support Services: Strategic Interviewing Skills” or you can enroll here.
Several major updates have been made to the training content to prepare you for questions you may face from a King County interview panel. Even if you have taken this training before, there are a handful of new strategies, tips and techniques that will enhance your interviewing skills.
Questions? Please email careersupportservices@kingcounty.gov.
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Free rapid COVID-19 self-tests are still available
If you feel sick or have COVID-19 symptoms, it’s important to get tested right away, even if you’re vaccinated. If you test positive, most treatments for COVID-19 must start within five days of feeling sick. Now is a good time to stock up on free at-home rapid tests, while supplies are still available and covered by insurance. Where to request tests:
- Federal Government: www.COVID.gov/tests while supplies last
- Washington State Department of Health: www.sayyescovidhometest.org. Enter your home zip code to see if supplies are still available in your area. The program ends on May 11, 2023.
- Insurance providers are required to cover the cost of eight at-home tests per covered member per month, through May 11, 2023:
- Kaiser Permanente members can order free COVID-19 home tests through the member portal
- KingCare and KingCare Select members (Regence/CVS Health) can get free tests at a CVS Pharmacy or by mail (shipping fees apply). Information at Reimbursement for At Home COVID Test – CVS Pharmacy
For more information, go to the Balanced You page.
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County’s utility workers are like utility players in baseball
Cross-posted from Executive Services Express
Utility Workers in the Facilities Management Division (FMD) are like the county’s “utility players” on a baseball team, capable of serving in various roles or positions as needed. Their jobs aren’t related to a public utility such as power or water as you might first assume. They take care of anything not assigned to a specific trade worker, like a carpenter, electrician, or painter.
This is the team that continues to move agencies out of the Administration building and supports moves around the county. They also handle everything from landscaping to severe weather cleanup to burst pipes.
“Essentially, the biggest challenge for this group is the unforeseen,” explained Sumeet Adams, Facilities Maintenance Manager for FMD. “This team really steps up and gets the job done.” Read more.
Pictured: From left to right, Teia Tuifua, Supervisor; Utility Workers Derrick Marshall, Kevin Roberson, Rick Bonaventura, Emma Escobedo, Gabriel Serna, Jahmal Poston, Sergio Juarez-rico, Eric Smith, and Glenn Brown take a break during a move from the Administration Building.
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King County turns to new contracting method to fix critical wastewater pipes
Traditionally, large public projects are designed under one contract, and built under another. By the time construction crews start the work, design meets reality – often in the form of costly unexpected change orders to the project and delays.
The Wastewater Treatment Division has project needs so critical it can’t afford such uncertainties. So, King County submitted the case for an alternative method of project delivery called “progressive design build.” This contracting method brings designers and builders to the same table at the early stages of project development. Read more.
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Administrative Professionals Q1 recognition
King County Administrative Professionals are a large part of King County government’s workforce and valuable contributors to the success of every department. They support and provide direct services to internal customers and the public.
Administrative Professionals may include, but are not limited to, Administrative Specialists, Office Assistants, Executive Assistants, Customer Service Specialists, Dental and Medical Assistants, Court Clerks, and more.
Show your appreciation
Take the time to show your appreciation for an administrative professional. The first quarter recognition period closes March 31.
All recognitions received between April 2022 through March 31, 2023 will be highlighted at the Administrative Professionals Recognition Day, April 26.
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Get active and fit with this healthy discount
We know physical fitness resources are important to King County employees and their families.
King County employees covered by our health plans, have access to several gyms for a flat monthly fee through the Active&Fit Direct™ program. Find a flexible fitness lifestyle that will work for you. No long-term contracts, you can add or switch gyms anytime and cancel your membership when you need to without penalty. Read more about the benefits included and how to join.
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Records Center staff go above and beyond
Cross-posted from Executive Services Express
Late last year the Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention (DAJD) was contacted by the spouse of a retired DAJD commander who had recently passed away. The former employee’s wife explained that her husband had retired after 30 years of service with DAJD, and while undergoing the emotional process of assessing his personal belongings she discovered documents that appeared to contain potential public records.
Not knowing the status of the documents she had discovered, she contacted DAJD requesting assistance identifying the records and determining the best course of action.
To find out how DAJD and Records Managment teamed up to resolve her concerns and take care of these documents, read more.
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Keeping boats afloat: Two Water Taxi stories
Cross-posted from Captain’s Blog
As part of Transit Appreciation Week and Transit Operator Appreciation Day, the King County Water Taxi wants to recognize two members of the team who work to ensure riders have a smooth sail from dock to dock.
Kennedy Menendez, who helped get over 80 stranded Bremerton passengers home on a late night run, and Capt. Dan Krehbiel, who was the first captain hired for the Water Taxi in 2009, are just two of the King County Water Taxi staff who are on the water every day, providing service to West Seattle and Vashon.
Riders see captains and crew, but the team also includes staff they don’t see, like maintenance teams, Information Agents at the Pier 50 passenger ferry facility, and administrative staff. They all have one goal in mind – rider safety and comfort from shore to shore. Read more.
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‘It takes people to move people.’ King County recognizes Transit Appreciation Week
It’s officially Transit Appreciation Week in King County, thanks to a proclamation from the King County Council recognizing transit employees who keep the region and its economy moving forward everyday.
Councilmember Rod Dembowski spoke of Metro being the “most visible function of King County.” Dembowski, sponsor of the proclamation also highlighted Metro’s important role in providing mobility and opportunity to millions of riders through the years. Read more and watch the video here.
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