Top 10 Balanced You blog posts of 2020
This year, the Balanced You blog became an even more important source of information for King County employees, with readership doubling from 12,000 visitors in 2019 to 24,000 visitors in 2020. Articles included COVID-19 supports, well-being tips, program information, and resources for allyship.
To round out 2020, Balanced You is highlighting our top 10 most clicked articles below. If you haven’t had a chance to read these, we encourage you to check them out here!
Metro health ambassadors promote masks, community spirit
Some former Metro employees are helping people safely get where they are going in a different way.
“I usually drive a Metro bus, but today I’m giving out masks to try and make sure everyone is masking up and being safe,” Jena, a Metro bus operator and Health Ambassador, said.
After King County Metro Transit was forced to lay off some part-time employees due to COVID-19, the agency came up with an innovative solution: they allowed drivers facing layoff to opt into the Department of Community and Human Services’ (DCHS) Health Ambassadors program handing out masks and hand sanitizer at local stores, parks, transit centers, and other locations.
“This is great government. Retaining talent, keeping people employed, and also turning into a community partner trying to impact this pandemic that we’re all fighting against.” Mario Williams-Sweet, Executive Assistant for DCHS’ COVID Emergency Services Group, said.
What will the future of work look like?
As we navigate our pandemic present, DES, along with other Executive Branch departments, is creating a plan for how work could be done in the future. Since the mandatory telecommuting order was issued earlier this year, about half of the DES team has been telecommuting and the other half have been reporting to worksites that look and feel very different. In addition, the county, led by our Facilities Management Division, will be moving operations out of the Administration Building and consolidating space where possible for countywide budget savings. Read more.
PeopleSoft HCM is available
System updates are now complete. We appreciate your understanding and support.
Caroline Whalen receives Fred Jarrett Leadership Excellence Award
Caroline Whalen, DES Director and Chief Administrative Officer for King County, recently received the prestigious Fred Jarrett Leadership Excellence Award. King County Executive Dow Constantine presented the award to Whalen, recognizing her for following in the footsteps of former Deputy Executive Fred Jarrett, the driving force behind Lean and continuous improvement for nine years at the County.
“Throughout her 26-year county career, Caroline has been a leader who truly embodies our values, one who leads by example with both words and actions,” Constantine said. “Caroline was an early adopter of Lean, embodying our ‘We lead the way’ value by working to foster a culture of continuous improvement in DES.” Read more.
Featured Job: Flood District Chief Engineer
Salary: $112,856 – $151,779
Location: Multiple locations in King County, WA
Job Type: Appointed
Department: KCC – King County Council
Job Number: KCFD12162020TC
Closing: 1/14/2021 11:59 PM Pacific
Learn more about this position or view all available positions.
Pet of the Week: Bella

Hi, my name is Bella! I’m a 10 year old female Pit Bull mix. I weigh 59 pounds and am super friendly and loving, but also very strong and active. I am still working on my manners, so I would do best with a family who is willing to work with me and help me become the best dog I can be.
You can find out more about me and my friends at www.kingcounty.gov/adoptapet. Have you or someone you know adopted a pet from RASKC? Let us know. We’d love to tell your story.
Executive Constantine thanks employees and applauds their 2020 accomplishments
King County Executive Dow Constantine has released a video message to thank employees for their tremendous efforts and achievements in 2020.
“I am grateful for your flexibility, creativity, and hard work which enabled us to pivot quickly and respond to the needs of our community,” Executive Constantine said in the video message. “We have a way to go in this journey to normalcy – and things may get worse before they get better – but they will get better.”
In addition to reflecting on the achievements of employees in 2020 – including his Top 20 accomplishments in 2020 – Executive Constantine looks toward 2021.
Watch the video message below.
Video: Dr. Jeff Duchin on COVID-19 trends and vaccine distribution
Crossposted from Public Health Insider
As the first doses of COVID-19 vaccine arrived King County this week, Health Officer Dr. Jeff Duchin answered questions and shared the latest information on rollout and distribution of vaccines.
For more on COVID-19 data trends, visit our data dashboards: https://www.kingcounty.gov/depts/health/covid-19/data.aspx
For more on COVID-19 vaccine planning in King County: www.kingcounty.gov/covid/vaccine




