A conversation on hope and hopelessness
Crossposted from Public Health Insider
Adjusting to the changes COVID-19 has imposed has been very difficult for everyone. Some are navigating different layers of grief and loss. Many are feeling varying waves of hope and hopelessness. For those with mental health conditions, this time has been a continuation and possibly, an amplification of those thoughts and feelings. Mental health affects us all, and brings with it various challenges and concerns. If you or someone you know is in need of support, you are not alone. Support is available.
We talked with Diana Cortez Yanez, a King County resident who has lived with depression and found hope. She shares about her journey through feelings of despair and loneliness, reaching out for support, and the tools that helped her navigate this time. Content warning: Mentions of suicide and self-harm.
Public Health Insider: Thanks for taking the time to talk with us about your experience of living with depression and thoughts of suicide.
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Be cautious: Local and nationwide phishing campaigns on the rise
Sophisticated cybercriminals are using phishing emails to break into computer networks and systems, and these attacks are on the rise both locally and nationally. It is up to all of us to be vigilant when using County email and internet resources.
Never click a link in an email if you have any doubts about its origins. Scammers are experts at tempting people into clicking on fake emails, and have become very sophisticated with their cyber attacks.
Here’s what to look for when you receive an email you aren’t sure about:
- Do not ever click on a link inside a suspicious email. If you need to change your password in any system, go directly to the website or system instead of clicking on a link in an Email.
- If the email seems odd: Look for spelling errors and sentences that just don’t sound right, and logos or location addresses that are poor quality or incorrect.
- Hover over a link in your browser to uncover the real destination, regardless of what the sender address in the email says.
- Be extra cautious of emails asking for personal financial details. If the email asks you for valuable information like credit card info or bank account transfers, be wary and take extra time to ensure the email is valid before taking action.
- Take care when reviewing quarantined emails, especially to ensure they are safe before release.
- If you aren’t sure, don’t click. Contact the KCIT Helpdesk or call 206-263-4357 (3-HELP).
- Watch for suspicious but predictable timing. Friday is payday at King County and that means you might see a phishing attempt email Thursday night or Friday morning. The scammers are good at timing their innocent-looking requests to “Click here to confirm your email” or remind you that “It’s time to change your password” with our direct deposits.
Thanks for keeping your eyes open, being suspicious, and never clicking a link in an email if you have any doubts. The good news is that King County employees are increasingly adept at spotting these scams and forwarding them to the HelpDesk quickly. KCIT teams block the information requests at the firewall and use other tools to reduce the likelihood that employees are caught in these phishing scams.
For more information or questions, contact the KCIT Helpdesk or call 206-263-4357 (3-HELP).
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PeopleSoft HCM outage this weekend, September 25-27
To allow for system maintenance, the PeopleSoft system will not be available the weekend of Sept. 25-27.
During this planned outage, the Business Resource Center (BRC) will apply vendor updates and maintenance. PeopleSoft will have a new look and feel after the updates. Employees will notice the new design and color scheme on the login screen and homepages. Get a sneak preview of the new look and feel here.
This work will begin on Friday, Sept. 25 at 3 p.m. and is scheduled to be completed by 6:30 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 28.
The system will not be available for access by any County staff during this outage window. There will be a communication sent out to all County staff when the system becomes available.
And while logged into PeopleSoft on Sept. 28 to see the new look and feel, please take the opportunity to sign up for PeopleSoft Simple Sign-on using these instructions. Once signed up for Simple Sign-on, employees can sign into PeopleSoft using their network username and their network password. There is no need to remember multiple usernames and passwords anymore
Just a reminder that occasionally some users may experience PeopleSoft performance issues after the update on Sept 28. The system may freeze and show a spinning wheel for an extended period of time. To overcome this, confirm you are using a valid web browser, and then follow these instructions to delete temporary internet files (also called cache).
We realize that this outage impacts all PeopleSoft users and appreciate your understanding and support.
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Virtual Resource Center offers easy online access to dozens of community service providers in King County
To provide King County residents with ready access to dozens of community service providers during the COVID-19 Pandemic, King County District Court is making available a Virtual Resource Center (VRC). Operated as part of the court’s community court program, the VRC is open to anyone in the community to visit via Zoom videoconference or by telephone. Services at the VRC include access to education, work training, substance abuse treatment, transportation discounts, Public Health/the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services, and many more.
Prior to COVID-19, King County District Court operated in-person community resource centers in Redmond, Shoreline and Burien. To help slow the spread of the novel coronavirus, the in-person options have been replaced by the VRC until they are safe to re-open after the pandemic.
“Having a community resource center with so many vital services available at one time makes a significant difference for the entire community,” said Chief Presiding Judge Susan Mahoney.
Anyone in the community can access the King County District Court Virtual Resource Center at the following days and times, when service providers are available to assist and answer questions:
- Tuesdays, from 1:30 – 3 p.m.
- Wednesdays, from 2 – 4 p.m.
Details for accessing the VRC online or by telephone can be found at: www.kingcounty.gov/VRC. Service providers that would like to participate in the VRC can contact Ericka Cooley, community court coordinator for King County District Court at 206-477-4990 or Ericka.Cooley@kingcounty.gov.
King County District Court is the largest court of limited jurisdiction in Washington State, processing approximately 200,000 matters per year. The district court operate 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). For more information visit www.kingcounty.gov/courts/district-court.aspx.
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Is your information correct in PeopleSoft?
It’s important to review and update your personal information in PeopleSoft to ensure:
- You will get important Open Enrollment and other employee benefits information mailed to you at the address you provide.
- Your emergency contact can be notified if something happens to you at work.
- You can be notified of building closures, safety directives, etc.
- You can receive information at the email address you prefer.
Here’s how:
- Sign in to PeopleSoft. You can also access PeopleSoft from your personal device at ess.kingcounty.gov.
- Go to Personal Details.
- Make sure all items are up-to-date.
- Save any changes
If you need a new password, go to Forgot My Password. If you have any other login issues, call the IT Service Center at 206-263-4357.
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Metro to resume fare collection Oct. 1
Crossposted from Metro Matters
On Thursday, October 1, Metro will resume collecting fares for all transit services: buses, Access paratransit, Seattle Streetcar (First Hill and South Lake Union), Vanpool, Via to Transit and other flexible services, and water taxi (Vashon Island and West Seattle). Fare collection is already taking place on Sound Transit Express bus and Sound Transit light rail.
Safety partitions are being installed in our coaches to protect both passengers and our operators
In anticipation of growing ridership, Metro has implemented numerous health innovations so fares can be safely collected with minimal contact between operators and passengers. Metro is installing transparent safety partitions on buses, Access paratransit, Community Ride, Community Van, DART, and Via to Transit. Water taxi’s fare collection carts have been similarly modified to include a transparent shield.
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Training Spotlight: Upcoming learning opportunities
Visit Learning and Development to find a diverse collection of classes available. Employees can view the King County Eventbrite page for current listings, and visit the Learning and Development website for other opportunities from various agencies. Current offerings include:
- King County Mentor Program Lunch and Learn – Online – This one hour Lunch and Learn is free and will provide detail on how to become a mentor or find a mentor. Facilitated by Rowena Jackson with a variety of options, you can register here for the next session on Friday, Sept. 25.
- Communication and Problems Solving Skills Online – Facilitated by Lenny Borer, this three-day training is $65 and takes place Tuesday, Oct. 13, Wednesday, the 14, and Thursday, the 15, from 9–11:30 a.m. each morning. Register here.
- Brain-based Time Management Online – This three hour class is $50 and space is limited. The next session will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 13, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Register here.
More options for these classes and others is available on our King County Eventbrite page. For more information, contact the Learning and Development Team at KCTraining@kingcounty.gov or visit www.kingcounty.gov/learning.
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2020 Flu shot reminders
This year’s flu season will be a difficult one as we also navigate the COVID-19 pandemic. Do your part to keep yourself and your community healthy by getting a seasonal flu shot. Flu shots are available at King County job sites for essential employees required to report to work during this time. Essential, onsite employees can visit this Balanced You blogpost for more information, including a schedule of flu shot events and information on how to make an optional reservation. Telecommuting employees and all King County employees’ family members are encouraged to visit their local healthcare provider or pharmacy for their flu shot; visit this Balanced You blogpost for more information.
View upcoming Flu Shot Clinics for Onsite, Essential Employees here.
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One-stop website offers resources for employees facing layoff
Preparing for a layoff is a difficult and stressful time, and finding accurate and supportive information is important. King County provides a range of resources to support you during this time, including stress, career support, and other support services, and you can access all of them through our new one-stop Layoff Support Resources website: www.kingcounty.gov/layoff-resources.
This website shares information about benefits, pay, and retirement; programs that can help you land a new job; and mental health and well-being resources, so you have the tools you need as you transition from King County employment.
The resources are divided into four categories:
- Layoff programs, including Career Support Services and Priority Placement Program
- Mental health and well-being, including wellness programs offered by Balanced You, as well as Making Life Easier and the Employee Assistance Program
- Benefits and financial resources, with information on benefits, pay, insurance, and more
- Learn from home, including training and eLearning classes.
If you are facing a layoff, the Layoff Support Resources website is there to help you navigate a time of change and stress.
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Elections in the time of COVID-19
Crossposted from Election Connection
Keeping our staff and voters safe and healthy is one of our top priorities for this upcoming election. Here are some questions we’ve encountered about how we’re handling the upcoming election in the midst of a pandemic.
How do I vote in a COVID-19 world?
The great news is that we already vote-by-mail in Washington State. If you are already registered to vote, your ballot will be mailed to you automatically about three weeks before Election Day. You can fill it out in the convenience of your home and then either drop it in the mail or return it to any of our more than 70 ballot drop boxes across the county.
Employee News 