Celebrating Black History Month 2021 in King County
King County Executive Dow Constantine has proclaimed February 2021 to be Black History Month in King County.
“King County acknowledges the long history of forced enslavement, and institutional and structural racism toward African Americans in the U.S. and its generational impacts, and has committed itself to make progress on Equity and Social Justice, reflecting its commitment to racially just policies and practices that create opportunities for all people to thrive,“ Executive Constantine said in his Proclamation.
“The scientific, technological, economic, political, and cultural innovations by Black Americans and African Americans have been essential to the progress of our nation and we will continue to honor these accomplishments every month and every day in Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., County, Washington State.” View the Executive’s proclamation below.
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Pause on visits to Administration Building remains in place
COVID-19 infection rates remain high In our region and we need to be vigilant in our efforts to slow the spread of the virus and make our workplaces safer for employees and the people we serve.
Many King County employees remain under the Executive’s mandatory telework order through July 5, 2021, where their work and operations allow for it, and heightened safety measures and protocols have been instituted for those delivering in-person services.
The county also continues to restrict employee access to its facilities and has extended the pause on employees accessing the Administration Building until further notice. Only those employees who are approved by their supervisor or manager to report to the Administration Building for operational reasons are permitted inside. Other employees are not allowed in the Administration Building until further notice. (However, employees can continue to use the tunnel access to the Courthouse and Goat Hill Garage.)
By limiting the number of people in our facilities and on our roads and transit system, we can keep our worksites safer for those employees delivering in-person services.
Until restrictions are further eased, the Facilities Management Division (FMD) is unable to provide an exact date for the Administration Building closure. However, FMD will ensure that everyone has plenty of time to collect personal items and finalize preparations before the closure.
Please continue to follow all King County policies, state mandates, and Public Health guidance to guard against COVID-19. As always, thank you for doing your part to help keep our community healthy.
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Are you ready for winter weather?
Snow is expected in our region this week, so now is a great time to ensure you are prepared for an emergency or inclement weather at home or work.
Stay informed: Make sure you’re getting the latest King County information at work and at home in the event of inclement weather.
- Sign up for KCInform, King County’s employee alert and warning system. KCInform is used to reach County employees during an emergency with timely information about infrastructure disruptions, facility impacts, changes in your department’s business operations, and other critical impacts. Your King County desk phone and @kingcounty.gov email are already in the system. It is important to register your County-issued cell phone (if-applicable) and personal cell phone and email address to ensure you receive time-sensitive messages. This service is free and your personal contact information is secure and protected. To sign up, please contact kcinform@kingcounty.gov anytime or 206-296-3830 between 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday – Friday to request your unique registration link. Visit the KCInform website to learn more or watch our short video.
- Call the Employee Hotline—206-205-8600 (save it to your phone now!).
- Check your King County email for information on business operations, delays, and closures. Log on at http://outlook.kingcounty.gov. Some agencies may send additional instructions directly to their staff.
- Contact your supervisor for instructions.
- Follow King County on Twitter—@KingCountyWA, @kcmetrobus, @kcroads, and @kcemployees.
- Check your agency website or Intranet (if applicable) and monitor local media channels.
- Sign up for Metro Transit Alerts.
- Visit the Emergency News page at kcemergency.com for regional impacts.
Power outages: If you are teleworking and experience a power outage that affects your ability to effectively work remotely, please contact your supervisor to discuss other options for completing work tasks. These may include taking leave or working from your regular King County worksite.
HR Policies: When an agency remains open, but conditions prevent you from reporting to work or from reporting on time, notify your supervisor as soon as possible. You may request leave, subject to approval by your supervisor. If you have no leave accrued, your supervisor may approve leave without pay to cover absences. Sick leave may not be used. Refer to HR Bulletin 2011-0009 County Operations During Emergency Situations and Inclement Weather (Sheriff’s Office employees refer to KCSO Inclement Weather Policy; Superior Court and District Court employees please see check court policies).
Prepare at home: Taking a few steps now to plan ahead will give you peace of mind and help you make good decisions in an emergency.
- There are many online resources that you can use to make sure you and your family have what you need to Make it Through an emergency – from an extended power outage to a more severe event. Please take personal preparedness seriously.
- If your child is attending school or daycare in-person, learn about their school or daycare policies and procedures for possible early release and facility closures.
- Locate flashlights, radio, and extra batteries should you experience a power outage at home.
- Store non-perishable meals for your family that don’t require a stove-top, microwave, or oven to prepare, and keep plenty of bottled water on hand.
- Make sure pets have appropriate shelter to stay warm and safe.
- Get more tips, utility contacts, and weather preparedness checklists at www.takewinterbystorm.org.
Always have a plan if you need to commute in inclement weather, dress warmly, and let safety be your guide when making travel decisions.
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Three King County employees receive Patriot Awards
King County was recently awarded the Pro Patria award by the U.S. Department of Defense’s Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) program. Three King County supervisors were also personally recognized by ESGR for their support of their employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve.
During the special online presentation hosted by the Veteran and Military Affinity Group, Teia Tuifua, a supervisor with the Facilities Management Division of the Department of Executive Services, was presented an ESGR Patriot Award. He was nominated for the award by Ryan Nelson, a 17-year employee with King County and a 16-year Coast Guard Reservist. “This will be my fourth deployment,” Nelson said. “Teia has always been a huge support for me whenever I have to leave for deployments and trainings.”
Capt. Michael Allen and Sgt. Diane Richardson of the Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention (DAJD) were also presented ESGR Patriot Awards in January. Corrections Officer and Reservist Michelle Helpenstell, nominated them both for the award.
“I nominated both my Shift Captain and my Scheduling Sergeant for the Patriot Award,” said Michelle Helpenstell. “As a leader in my unit, there have been several times that I would be called up for one or two days. This usually happens when an emergency has occurred with one of the personnel that I supervise, from a suicide attempt to a death in their family. I have had to contact my Scheduling Sergeant and Shift Captain with little or no notice and they have been beyond understanding that I need to go and assist my subordinate. It is situations like these that make me appreciate King County.”
The Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention boasts a large contingent of active and former military personnel in its workforce. Of more than 900 employees, at least 190 are veterans and more than two dozen have taken military leave during the past year.
“We know that these service members possess unique skills, ideas and perspectives,” King County Executive Dow Constantine said, “they bring a strong sense of duty” not only in civilian but in public service.
Supporting the National Guard and Reserve
Since 2015, 13 supervisors have been honored for their role in supporting their active duty King County employees.
Established in 1972, the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve ESGR Patriot Awards promote cooperation between civilian employers and staff who serve in the military. The awards highlight special efforts supervisors make to support an employee’s military commitment.
An employee serving in the National Guard or Reserve, or the spouse of a Guard or Reserve member, may nominate individual supervisors and bosses for a Patriot Award. This distinction can reflect a wide range of assistance. This includes flexible schedules, time off before or after deployment, caring for families, and granting leaves of absence if needed.
King County offers a range of supports to employees who are serving in the military, including 21 days of paid military leave annually for required military duties, and supplemental pay when called to active duty and training. In addition, medical benefits are not impacted by a uniformed services leave, and vacation and sick leave continue to accrue while employees are on uniformed services leave.
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Fa’amomoi Masaniai to become first court judge of Samoan heritage in Washington state
Originally posted in a District Court News Release of Jan. 27, 2021
After serving as a pro tem judge in numerous municipal courts in King and Pierce counties, Judge Fa’amomoi (“Moi”) Masaniai will join the King County District Court bench in February. The King County Council appointed Judge Masaniai at its January 26, 2021, meeting to fill a judicial vacancy in the court’s Southwest District. Active in the Puget Sound Region’s Pacific Islander Community, Judge Masaniai is believed to be the first judge of Samoan heritage to serve on the bench of a court in Washington state.
Judge Masaniai’s legal experience includes work in both criminal defense and prosecution. He has argued cases in numerous legal venues, including district and municipal courts in Washington state; the United States District Courts for Western and Eastern Washington; the United States Bankruptcy Court; and courts in American Samoa. Judge Masaniai also is a former federal appointed independent prosecutor whom the High Court in American Samoa assigned to prosecute human trafficking, fraudulent immigration matters and public corruption in American Samoa.
“I am honored and humbled to have the opportunity to serve the people of King County as a district court judge,” says Judge Masaniai. “In the Samoan community, love, respect and honor are important values, which I am committed to bring to all people who come into my courtroom.”
“King County District Court is very pleased by the appointment of Judge Masaniai by the King County Council. His extensive legal experience in both prosecution and defense, along with his deep community bonds, will bring another welcome and valuable diverse perspective to the court.”
About King County District Court
King County District Court is the largest court of limited jurisdiction in Washington state, processing approximately 200,000 matters per year. The district court operates at 10 locations throughout King County: Auburn, Bellevue, Burien, Issaquah, King County Courthouse (Seattle), King County Jail (Seattle jail calendars only), Redmond, Maleng Regional Justice Center (Kent), Shoreline and Vashon Island (one day per month). www.kingcounty.gov/courts/district-court.aspx
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Unlimited FSA carryovers now allowed
New legislation provides relief to employees who may not have been able to use all of their Flexible Spending Account (FSA) funds during the pandemic.
The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 COVID-19 relief bill signed into law on Dec. 27, 2020, allows a temporary change to FSAs to help employees avoid losing funds. If you have a Health Care or Dependent Day Care FSA, any unused funds in your FSA account from last year will be rolled over and available for use this year.
The rollover of funds from 2020 to 2021 will happen automatically and should appear in your Navia account by Feb. 1. You do not have to be enrolled in an FSA this year to access these funds. The COVID-19 relief bill also allows unlimited carryover of FSA money from 2021 to 2022.
Previously, the maximum carryover limit was $550 for Health Care FSAs, and no carryover was available for Day Care FSAs.
FSA reminders:
- Day Care FSA participants: You can use these funds to pay an eligible family members to watch your children, as long as the family member is not your tax dependent (your spouse, the parent of the child, your dependent, or your child under the age of 19). Online or “virtual” day cares and camps are not eligible for reimbursement with Day Care FSAs, according to IRS regulations.
- Health Care FSA participants: You can use these funds to purchase over-the-counter medications and expenses, including menstrual care products. Health Care FSA funds can also be used for eligible ergonomic office equipment when you obtain a letter of medical necessity from your doctor.
For additional information, go to the Flexible Spending Accounts page or contact Navia Benefit Solutions at 425-452-3500 or email Navia Benefit Solutions. To request a change to your FSA, please contact the King County Benefits Team at KC Benefits or 206-684-1556.
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King County receives award for supporting Guard and Reserve employees
King County has been awarded the U.S. Department of Defense’s Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Pro Patria Award for the support it provides to its employees serving in the Guard and Reserve.
Pro Patria means ‘for one’s country’, and the ESGR Pro Patria Award is presented annually by each ESGR State Committee. This award recognizes the leadership and practices of an organization that have demonstrated the greatest support to Guard and Reserve employees, including adopting personnel policies that make it easier for them to serve.
King County Executive Dow Constantine accepted this prestigious award in a virtual ceremony honoring our 100-plus active duty King County employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve. “It’s a privilege to be here with so many who have served or currently serve our nation,” Executive Constantine said at the ceremony. “We are richer for the knowledge and experience they bring to our government, and their ongoing spirit of service in our community and our nation.
King County offers a range of supports to employees who are serving in the military, including 21 days of paid military leave annually for required military duties, and supplemental pay when called to active duty and training. In addition, medical benefits are not impacted by a uniformed services leave, and vacation and sick leave continue to accrue while employees are on uniformed services leave.
“I’m proud that at King County, we’re doing right by our heroes and emerging as a leader in how to invest in and provide support to employees in the uniformed services,” said King County Council Vice Chair Reagan Dunn, who was also in attendance. “The men and women of the National Guard and Reserve have dedicated their lives to protecting our country, and employers have a unique opportunity to honor that sacrifice.”
Watch a short video of the award presentation below.
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Free scooter rides offered to essential workers in Seattle
As LINK prepares to expand in the city of Seattle, the company is offering essential workers who qualify a $50 credit for free scooter rides.
Workers in the health care, education, public transit, janitorial and food services industries can apply for the one-time credit by submitting proof of employment and attaching a photo of their work badge, identification card or pay stub — with personal information hidden. LINK will approve or reject each person’s request within one week. Sign up here.
For information about employee transportation benefits, visit the Employee Transportation Program (ETP) website or contact Hossein Barahimi at (206)477-5853 or hossein.barahimi@kingcounty.gov.
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Planning for the future of work for employees of King County
King County is building on what it has learned about working remotely and serving customers during a pandemic to reimagine its workspaces, physical and carbon footprint, and service delivery models in a post-pandemic environment.
“COVID-19 forced many changes on the way we work but it has also given us the opportunity to rethink the way we work,” Chief People Officer Whitney Abrams said. “We want to take this opportunity to look at how we deliver services, the way we work, and what we can do differently to better serve our region, our employees, and the environment.”
King County’s operations have shifted dramatically since the beginning of the pandemic:
- Approximately one-third of King County’s 15,000 employees have been working remotely since March 2020 and will continue to telework through July 5, 2021
- Most public facing services have shifted online, and many buildings are closed to the public and most employees
- Wearing masks and adhering to physical distancing guidelines is mandatory in County workspaces
- The Department of Natural Resources and Parks (DNRP) announced in June 2020 that about 850 employees working at King Street Center (KSC) would transition to permanent remote work
- The Administration Building will close during 2021, with staff in that building relocating to Chinook, KSC, and other County-owned or -leased facilities.
The county has learned that a lot of work can be performed effectively and productively from home and many services can continue to be provided remotely. Now the county is planning for post-pandemic work at King County, drawing on the experience of the last year and input from employees.
Department leaders are developing “Future of Work” plans that consider impacts to eight key areas:
- Equity
- Employee health, safety, wellbeing, engagement, and labor relations
- Customer service, business needs, and operational needs
- Change management and communication plans
- Budget planning and cost avoidance
- Climate change, sustainability, and efficiency
- Legal advice and regulatory compliance
- Worksite changes.
Some of the issues being considered by departments are the use of shared spaces or “hot desks,” how remote work affects equity for employees and customers, potential impacts to carbon emissions, and the maintenance of employee health, safety, and wellbeing.
“We have had to adjust our operations and the way we work by necessity during the pandemic, and we have learned some things,” Abrams said. “What made sense for operations in the past may not necessarily make sense today or in the future. We are taking a close look at all aspects of our work to ensure they best reflect the needs and expectations of our region in 2021 and beyond.”
Each department has also identified a change management lead to ensure the needs of employees and customers are centered in the department considerations and that employees will be engaged and supported through any change.
Executive Branch leaders are reaching out to employees through a number of different methods – including listening sessions and team meetings – to ensure that the ideas, concerns, and suggestions of staff are addressed in this process.
Departments will finalize and submit their proposed plans to the Future of Work Planning Committee – which is chaired by Abrams and comprised of department directors and their designees – by the end of February. Final plans will need to be approved by King County Executive Dow Constantine and his Senior Leadership Team.
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COVID-19 vaccine update
King County Executive
A message from King County Executive Dow Constantine
King County is working hard to rapidly vaccinate the 1.8 million adults who live in our region, starting with those at highest risk, with a goal of reaching 70%, or 1.26 million people, by the end of summer.
Under the state guidelines, the following populations are eligible for vaccination:
Phase 1a
- Tier 1: Long-term care facility residents and staff
- Tier 2: All other workers at risk in health care settings, including home care and home health
Phase 1b
- Tier 1: All people 65 years and older and people 50 years and older living in multigenerational households.
In total, an estimated 473,000 King County residents are currently eligible, and at least 160,000 of them have received their first dose. The biggest constraint remains short supply from the manufacturers and the federal government. This week, King County providers are expected to receive only 22,250 first doses – compared to 38,325 last week.
Reasonably enough, everyone wants the vaccine very quickly and everyone is frustrated by the lack of available vaccines. Please know that we are standing up the capacity, beyond the health care system, to be able to quickly get the vaccine to those who are eligible when doses become available. With every dose that arrives in the county today, Public Health – Seattle & King County seeks to ensure the quickest and most appropriate use of it. In the short term, unfortunately, there is just not enough supply to meet demand.
If you are eligible for a vaccination, I encourage you to take the following steps:
- Go to Washington State’s Phase Finder online tool to confirm your eligibility.
- If you have a health care provider, visit their website or call to see if they have available vaccination appointments.
- If you don’t have a provider or if your provider doesn’t have the vaccine available, the state’s website will provide you with a list of possible vaccination locations.
- If you can’t use Phase Finder and have no one to assist you, you can get help over the phone from Washington state’s COVID-19 Assistance Hotline: Dial 1-800-525-0127, then press #. The hotline is available Monday-Friday, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Sunday, and observed state holidays 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Despite the constraints, the County has made significant progress. Nearly 60 percent of the county’s licensed health care workers have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 immunization. King County both receives doses directly from the state and coordinates doses coming from the state to other health care providers throughout the county. Eighty-three percent of the shots that have been allocated directly to Public Health – Seattle & King County have already gotten into the arms of eligible individuals. These doses have gone to health care workers and many of our front-line county workers like those staffing isolation and quarantine facilities.
King County government will be opening its first high volume vaccination site next week with an additional one opening shortly after. These will be located in South King County where the disease burden is highest. Additionally, we have seven mobile vaccination teams in the field providing doses to high-risk seniors. These efforts will grow with the vaccine supply, in partnership with many business and health care providers across the county. You can read King County’s Unified Regional Strategy COVID Vaccine Delivery and stay up to date with weekly strategy updates.
While the vaccine is the light at the end of the tunnel for this pandemic, the latest estimates suggest it will take until the end of the summer to vaccinate 70 percent of our adult population. It is critical that everyone continues to be vigilant: stay home when sick, wear a mask, and stick with people who live in your household if you are able. Working together, King County has achieved one of the lowest rates of infection of COVID-19 for urban counties in the U.S.
We are working diligently to prepare for the day, not too far from now, when vaccine supplies become available for all our front-line workers. Your work has been and is critical in keeping our community functioning during the pandemic, and we will spare no effort to swiftly provide vaccination opportunities to eligible employees as soon as doses are received. In the meantime, please know that we are working hard to protect the most vulnerable throughout our community as we await promised progress from pharmaceutical companies and the federal government.
Employee News 