Access Transportation broadens services in response to pandemic
Access Transportation is a transit service for eligible people with disabilities, taking them anywhere a Metro bus, Seattle streetcar, or Sound Transit light rail goes. Last year, as the COVID-19 pandemic spread and services across King County adjusted to the new reality of taking extra public health measures for safety and creating additional services supporting the community, Access took on extra responsibilities providing urgent assistance outside its normal sphere of responsibility.
One of the first steps was to ensure the safety of the Access employees and those they service. On short notice, Access created a partnership with Public Health – Seattle & King County to help transport people who were exposed to the virus. Using vehicles outfitted with Plexiglas barriers, Access transported exposed people from isolation centers to medical appointments and shelters. None of the vehicles in the special fleet were used for regular Access trips.
When many were sheltering in place, even a trip to the grocery store was a risk. There were also many families who lost their jobs and were experiencing food insecurity. Access teamed up with food banks and hot meal programs throughout the region to deliver food directly to families. More than 158,000 meals have been delivered through August, and the food delivery program is expected to continue through the end of 2021.
Access continues to be part of a successful effort in getting people vaccinated. Working with Public Health – Seattle & King County, Access helps make sure that transportation isn’t a barrier to receiving the vaccine providing rides to people such as seniors with limited transportation choices. Access also coordinated with community partners in sharing information, even using our phone system to reach out to the homebound. This support has helped King County reach an impressive vaccination rate of well over 90% of those over 65 years of age, and more than 80% of those age 18-64.
Access Transportation provides an essential service to people with disabilities and is committed to ensuring every rider is offered safe and convenient transportation.
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Booster shots now available for all three COVID-19 vaccines
Booster shots have been approved by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for all three primary vaccines in use in the U.S., and several groups of employees should consider getting a booster shot.
Although not currently required, booster shots are recommended and encouraged for specific populations, including people who work in occupational or institutional settings that put them at high risk for COVID-19. You can find out where to get booster shots here.
Booster shots and COVID leave
The county will allow use of COVID leaves for booster shots in the same manner as allowed for primary vaccinations. Information on COVID Leave eligibility is here.
Who should get a COVID-19 vaccine booster?
For individuals who received a Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, the following groups are eligible for a booster shot at six months or more after their initial series:
- 65 years and older
- Age 18+ who live in long-term care settings
- Age 18+ who have underlying medical conditions
- Age 18+ who work or live in high-risk settings
For people who got the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, booster shots are recommended for those who are 18 and older and who were vaccinated two or more months ago.
Eligible individuals may choose which vaccine they receive as a booster dose. Mixing and matching of COVID-19 booster doses has been authorized by both the CDC and FDA, so employees can choose a different vaccine for a booster shot than the original Pfizer, Moderna, or Johnson & Johnson vaccine received.
All COVID-19 vaccinations are free of charge and all King County vaccination partnership sites are Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessible and open to the public.
Please go to www.kingcounty.gov/vaccine for more details about COVID-19 vaccines and to get answers to your questions.
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Supporting disaster relief organizations through the 2021 Annual Giving Drive
As part of the 2021 Annual Giving Drive, we are highlighting nonprofits whose work supports organizations commited to disaster relief. These and hundreds of nonprofits are participating in this year’s Annual Giving Drive.
- International Relief Teams (3575) – Alleviates human suffering by providing health services and other assistance to victims of disaster, poverty and neglect.
- Soup Ladies (9583) – Their mission is to deliver fresh, homestyle meals at no cost to First Responders called out to natural disasters, crime scenes, fires and critical incidents. Safety & energy are #1.
- UNICEF USA (3553) – Immediately respond when emergencies strike, invest in innovative solutions to the problems and advocate for children’s well being.
- World Renew (3511) – Work to change hunger, poverty, and injustice through community development programs and internationally coordinated disaster response.
You can go online or use a paper form by Friday, Nov. 19, to make a pledge to your favorite Employee Giving Program nonprofits by:
- Payroll donation: One-time, once–per-month, or twice-per-month.
- Time donation: Eligible vacation or comp time. See your department Lead Ambassador for details in your office.
- Check or credit card: Made out directly to the nonprofit.
- Volunteering: Up to three sick days per calendar year at a nonprofit in the EGP (for non-represented and employees whose union has approved this benefit, including those covered by the Master Labor Agreement).
For more information, contact your Employee Giving Program Ambassador, visit www.kingcounty.gov/giving, email EmployeeGiving@KingCounty.gov, call 206-263-9372, or attend an online Nonprofit Expo.
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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 is your opportunity to:
- Change medical plans—Check plan quality and performance scores and use the Plan Comparison Charts and other resources on the Medical plans page to evaluate your options. Consider whether Kaiser SmartCare or KingCare Select (Regence) makes sense for your family. These plans will likely save you money, with lower deductibles, copays, and Benefit Access Fees.
The Washington Health Alliance’s 2021 health plan performance report rates Kaiser Permanente Washington No. 1 in the country for helping members stay healthy and manage chronic conditions. Regence ranked No. 1 in the state for helping members become good consumers of health care.
Transit ATU 587 employees who switch from KingCare or KingCare Select to the Kaiser SmartCare plan will receive $1,000 in an HRA (Health Reimbursement Account). HRAs are like Health Care FSAs—you can pay for the same medical, prescription, and vision expenses from a tax-free account. This incentive was bargained by ATU 587.
- Enroll in a Flexible Spending Account—Health Care and Dependent Day Care FSAs reduce your taxable income—saving you money. You must re-enroll every year during Open Enrollment. The Health Care FSA maximum contribution for 2021 is $2,750.
- Select the appropriate Benefit Access Fee—or exemption. If you cover a spouse or domestic partner on your medical plan, a Benefit Access Fee may be automatically applied, depending on your benefit group and the plan you choose. If you qualify for an exemption, you must confirm this each year during Open Enrollment. If no action is taken during Open Enrollment and you later determine that you qualified for an exemption, fees already deducted will not be refunded.
- Give—Contribute to your favorite nonprofit in the Employee Giving Program during the Annual Giving Drive. Pledges must be renewed each year. Your donations to the nonprofits you selected do not automatically roll over.
Learn more about 2022 benefit changes and attend an information session
To learn more about what’s changing for your benefit group, go to 2022 Key Benefit Changes, watch the Open Enrollment Overview video, or attend an information session held by your Benefits Team on a variety of days and times to accommodate your schedule.
What if you don’t participate in Open Enrollment?
- You will remain enrolled in your current medical plan.
- The Benefit Access Fee associated with your medical plan and benefit group will be automatically applied if you cover your spouse or domestic partner.
- You will not be enrolled in a Flexible Spending Account.
- Your other benefit choices will remain the same for next year.
Click here for more Open Enrollment and benefits information. You can also contact Benefits, Payroll and Retirement Operations at 206-684-1556 or KC Benefits Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (closed Veterans Day, Nov. 11)
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Benefits office is closed for walk-in service.
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Required Nondiscrimination and Anti-Harassment Training coming soon
As part of our ongoing effort to build a safe, welcoming, and supportive workplace for every King County employee, this fall we are offering training for all King County employees, which includes a short video and an online course, on reporting processes, roles, and responsibilities under the County’s Nondiscrimination, Anti-Harassment & Inappropriate Conduct Policy, Procedures and Responsibilities.
As a member of our organization, you have a defined role in the Nondiscrimination, Anti-Harassment & Inappropriate Conduct Policy to prevent, report, and act on behavior that is not in line with our expectations of employees. The policy applies to all employees in Executive Branch departments, offices, divisions, and agencies, including the Assessor’s Office, Elections, and the Sheriff’s Office.
The training is now available and is being assigned to all Executive Branch staff with County email and access to a computer. You will soon receive an email from NEOGOV with the subject line: Required training – Preventing Harassment and Discrimination. It will contain instructions on how to complete the training in NEOGOV Learn. The training will take approximately two hours to finish, so please plan accordingly.
The training must be completed by March 30, 2022. If you are an hourly employee, you should complete the training during your regular work hours. You can use one of several internet browsers to access the training, including Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and Firefox.
If you have further questions about the policy or the training, please contact your department’s HR Manager.
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Disability Awareness Month: Reasonable Accommodations in King County Superior Court
by Linda Ridge, Chief Administrative Officer, and Ronda Bliey, Public Access Specialist – King County Superior Court
Access to justice is a fundamental right of all people; however, for individuals with a sensory, cognitive, or physical disability, seeking access can be filled with challenges. Implemented in 2007, Washington State General Court Rule 33 (GR 33) was designed to assure that people with disabilities have equal and meaningful access to the judicial system[1].
King County Superior Court
Recognizing the important role that accommodations play in providing access to justice for individuals with disabilities, King County Superior Court hired Ronda Bliey to fill the newly created role of Public Access Specialist. Ronda comes to the position from Adult Drug Diversion Court, which utilized her talent for managing and supporting programs that respond to individual needs. Effective October 1, Ronda is the primary point of contact for the public when requesting disability accommodations under GR 33, in addition to her other responsibilities.
GR 33 requires courts to provide prompt response to requests for accommodation in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and the Washington State Law Against Discrimination (RCW 49.60). The rule also requires each court in Washington state to:
- Designate a principal point of contact for the public in need of accommodation.
- Publish instructions for requesting accommodation.
- Provide a request form for public use.
The establishment of the Public Access Specialist position is a practical and impactful action. It represents Superior Court’s intention to meet the standards of the rule in a robust and meaningful manner.
Requests for accommodation are assessed on a case-by-case basis. This is necessary because some requests are straightforward, such as providing an ASL interpreter. Others, however, take more time to investigate and resolve. This includes requests for legal assistance, for example. In her new role, Ronda is tasked with fully examining each case, finding workable solutions, and communicating with the requestors. In addition to working to expand accommodation resources, she will also spearhead development of improved tracking and reporting systems. Better tracking will help the court set priorities and lead to improved services and outcomes.
Coming to court to resolve personal and professional disputes can be stressful, filled with anxiety for anyone. Barriers the able-bodied take for granted add to the stress people with disabilities may experience in pursuing their court matters and accessing the court system. King County Superior Court remains determined to give good service to the community of people with disabilities and to the public at large.
Linda Ridge is Chief Administrative Officer for King County Superior Court. Email: linda.ridge@kingcounty.gov.
Ronda Bliey is Public Access Specialist for King County Superior Court. Email: ronda.bliey@kingcounty.gov.
For more information on Superior Court’s public accommodation request process, see: https://www.kingcounty.gov/courts/superior-court/get-help/accommodation-requests.aspx
[1] Washington State General Rule 33, Requests for Accommodation by Persons with Disabilities, Comments (1)
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Join our Team: DAJD Recruiters make a pitch
For Corrections Officer Edward Duenas, this career fair was on familiar ground.
Duenas retired from an Army career out of Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM). Since then, he’s worked eight-plus years as a King County corrections officer.
So the recent event at JBLM’s American Lake Conference Center came naturally.
“I know the lingo,” Duenas said, as he prepared to field questions from the soldiers and Air Force personnel milling about the room. “To me it’s a little easier.”
King County’s Department of Adult & Juvenile Detention (DAJD), like other corrections agencies near and far, has been competing to recruit and retain new employees.
The job-networking site Indeed.com recently showed more than 50 openings with correctional agencies in Washington state. To gain an edge in this workers’ marketplace, King County is offering a $10,000 sign-on bonus for lateral hires with prior experience as a corrections officer or a juvenile detention officer; those who have no prior experience could still land a $5,000 hiring bonus in those jobs. (Employees who currently work for King County are ineligible for this incentive. Sorry!)
There’s plenty of competition for qualified workers. Staffing shortages are hitting public safety agencies, as well as industries as varied as public transit, health care and grocery stores.
Enter Officer Duenas and his fellow DAJD recruiters. Virtually and in person, corrections officers, juvenile detention officers and HR analysts have been out scouting for qualified applicants. Recent events have included the Snohomish County Career Fair in Everett and the Diversity Career Fair in Bellevue. A virtual career fair is planned for late October with Saint Martin’s University, Seattle Pacific University, University of Puget Sound, and Lewis & Clark College.
During the August career far at JBLM, Duenas connected with 10 to 12 people, often discussing retirement and benefits for the military and King County. He’s been there himself.
“I’m able to give them timelines on both sides,” he said.
For more information about openings for Corrections Officers and Juvenile Detention Officers in King County, click on the links below or visit DAJD’s careers page: https://kingcounty.gov/depts/jails/jobs.aspx
Corrections Officer Entry Level & Lateral
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Supporting people with disabilities through the 2021 Annual Giving Drive
As part of the 2021 Annual Giving Drive, we are highlighting nonprofits whose work supports people with disabilities. These and hundreds of nonprofits are participating in this year’s Annual Giving Drive.
- The ARC of King County (9233) – Serving individuals and families with intellectual and develpmental disabilities through case management, peer support, leadership training, and advocacy.
- Hearing, Speech & Deaf Center (9267) – Empowers people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have speech differences through advocacy, early education, audiology, speech therapy, and American Sign Language (ASL) interpreting.
- SKCAC Industries & Employement Services (9758) – Providing employment and employment services to individuals with disabilities; job placement, planning, assessment, skill training, work experience, and ongoing employment support.
You can go online or use a paper form by Friday, Nov. 19, to make a pledge to your favorite Employee Giving Program nonprofits by:
- Payroll donation: One-time, once–per-month, or twice-per-month.
- Time donation: Eligible vacation or comp time. See your department Lead Ambassador for details in your office.
- Check or credit card: Made out directly to the nonprofit.
- Volunteering: Up to three sick days per calendar year at a nonprofit in the EGP (for non-represented and employees whose union has approved this benefit, including those covered by the Master Labor Agreement).
For more information, contact your Employee Giving Program Ambassador, visit www.kingcounty.gov/giving, email EmployeeGiving@KingCounty.gov, call 206-263-9372, or attend an online Nonprofit Expo.
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Employee vaccination clinics provide over 1,800 COVID-19 vaccine doses
As the COVID-19 vaccine became more widely available, it became clear that to best support essential workers who have complex schedules and shifts, King County would need to bring the vaccines to worksites.
Through a collaborative partnership with Public Health – Seattle and King County, their vaccine partners, and King County labor unions, onsite clinics provided 1,877 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to County employees and their loved ones between April 9, 2021 and Oct. 2, 2021.
King County Metro led the way, hosting 31 clinics that provided a total of 1,582 doses. In January 2021, Metro’s Employee Vaccine (MEV) team first began planning for potential clinics. In March, representatives from the MEV team joined a County-wide vaccine team represented by the Department of Human Resources, the Office of Labor Relations, Public Health, and the Executive Office. Together this workgroup collaborates on the development and communication of vaccine clinics and mandate communications for employees.
As the initial clinic was being developed, Metro worked with Virginia Mason Franciscan Health to develop a pre-registration process for vaccination appointments. King County Information Technology (KCIT), in coordination with Metro IT, developed a phone system to rotate calls to open lines for trained Metro volunteers to assist employees with registration. On April 9, 2021, the first onsite clinic provided 576 doses to Metro employees.
“Registration was bumpy at first, but as we registered employees, we heard the relief in their voices,” said Gay Boyce, Special Project Manager with Metro. “At the April 9th clinic we had up to 100 employees per hour moving through the vaccine clinic at our Metro Training and Safety facility in Tukwila.”
In response to the Executive’s Vaccine Mandate, more vaccination clinics were held at dozens of worksites across Metro, the Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention, the Department of Natural Resources and Parks, the King County Sheriff’s Office, and the Department of Local Services. Many clinics were open to all King County employees, their families and loved ones, and our regional partners like the City of Seattle and Sound Transit.
Metro’s Wellness Manager, Sam Souffront, worked tirelessly with Public Health, providing guidance, education, and support to “Metro Wellness Champions” — employees who visited worksites to assist in educating, answering, or directing staff to places where they could find accurate vaccine information. Public Health also provided virtual education through their Speakers Bureau and set up educational resources for staff with experts from Fred Hutchinson. Many Public Health vaccine partners such as Discovery Health, Pliable, University of Washington Medicine, and Virginia Mason Franciscan Health staffed several clinics during a variety of work shifts to meet employees in their workspace.
The clinics were also supported by the countless employees, volunteers, and labor partners who communicated education opportunities, showed up to support peers at onsite clinics, helped provide guidance to staff with vaccine questions, and most recently offered to help staff in uploading their vaccine records.
“I am inspired and humbled by how this cross-functional County team came together in real time to support employee vaccines on-site,” said Megan Pedersen, Director of the Office of Labor Relations and Project Lead. “It was a pure demonstration of our values – we are one team and leading with equity in terms of prioritizing the needs of our front line, essential workers.”
King County is especially grateful to employees and their family members and loved ones who have taken the important step to get vaccinated against COVID-19.
For more information about getting vaccinated in King County, visit www.kingcounty.gov/vaccine.
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Fred Jarrett Leadership Excellence Award presented to John Diaz
The final honoree of the 2020 King County Leadership Excellence Awards, receiving the Fred Jarrett Award, is John Diaz, Director of the Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention (DAJD). The Fred Jarrett Award honors a department or division leader who is outstanding in their work and embodies the Executive Branch values, striving to reach our True North: Making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive.
In the short time he has been with King County, John has shown he is open to new ideas, and ready to take on tough challenges and transformative work. When the pandemic broke out, he quickly implemented changes to limit the spread of the virus among his staff and those entrusted to their care and helped keep COVID-19 rates in detention facilities among the lowest in the nation.
“John has worked to build a stronger workplace culture at DAJD, one built on mutual respect, being open to change, a willingness to acknowledge problems and gaps, and yes, transparency and accountability,” said Executive Constantine. “There is still much work to do. There’s a long way to go, but under John’s leadership we are making measurable gains along the path to transforming our corrections work.”
“Congratulations John. You are a wonderful leader, an important partner, and a worthy recipient of the Fred Jarrett Leadership Excellence Award.”
Watch the video to learn how John is working to transform corrections work at King County by improving processes, building a workplace culture based on mutual respect, leading with racial justice, and promoting transparency and accountability.
Executive’s Performance Excellence Awards series
The Leadership Excellence Awards are part of the Executive’s Performance Excellence Awards series, honoring employees and workgroups at King County for their exceptional contributions to performance, leadership, and innovation.
“As we build a best-run government at King County, these awards recognize individuals and teams who have gone above and beyond to look at how they can do things differently to better serve our customers and employees,” said King County Executive Dow Constantine.
Learn more about the King County Performance Excellence Awards.
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