King County Information Technology Innovation Day, Sept. 30
Want to learn about amazing tech options available to aid your department or agency? Then come visit KCIT Innovation Day Monday, Sept. 30 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Multiple rooms on the first floor of the Chinook Building will host different speakers and topics throughout the day.
Here’s a sampling of what’s available at Innovation Day:
- Augmented Reality: How Spatial Computing is Changing the Way We Learn and Work – Find out how mixed-reality hardware like the Microsoft HoloLens and software like Taqtile Manifest are changing how workers capture and transfer knowledge, collaborate and share critical information, and how they accelerate learning and training new employees to safely and confidently complete complex tasks.
- Come to the Nerd Tech room to see the latest offerings in PC computing and collaboration technology. We’ll display our current workstations and telecom devices and show you our new Microsoft Surface Hub 2S conference room collaboration tool. Technicians will also be onsite to answer questions and provide support.
- The Agile Process – Be a Partner in What Software Can Do For Your Team – Agile software development is the gold standard for how to develop software that powers your organization’s goals. As a representative of the business, you’ll participate every step of the way and will be instrumental in defining what an application needs to do for your team and your constituents! Come learn how to budget, plan and work with KCIT in this dynamic, creative and flexible process.
For questions or more information contact KCIT Communications Manager Elaine Porterfield.
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From Supported Employment Participant to Behavioral Health Division Employee
Patsy Murphy, Behavioral Health Recovery Care Authorizer with the King County Department of Community and Human Services
King County is celebrating National Recovery Month this September by helping to raise awareness, support, and recovery resources for people with mental health and substance use conditions and their families, friends and co-workers who support them.
One program that provides behavioral health supports is the Behavioral Health Supported Employment Program. This program assists people who have experienced chronic mental health and/or substance use conditions to gain and maintain competitive, integrated employment throughout our region.
The program provides job search assistance and ongoing support after job placement through an evidence-based, integrated team approach with behavioral health providers. People in the publicly funded behavioral health system move forward in their recovery journeys, despite the many challenges they may face such as homelessness, past criminal justice involvement and/or inconsistent work history.
Patsy Murphy, now a Behavioral Health Recovery Care Authorizer with the Department of Community and Human Services, credits the program with successfully helping her through difficult times several years ago to gain the courage to re-enter the workforce with support after a long absence due to her behavioral health condition.
“The program helped me create the structure and support I needed to reach for my goals and dreams,” she says.
Patsy knows how effective the program can be from her own experience. Many years ago, during a trying time, Patsy connected with the program and benefitted from the program’s assistance to find not only job opportunities but also resources that ultimately helped her achieve her bachelor’s and master’s degrees and become hired as a Forensic Peer with Valley Cities Behavioral Health, a community behavioral health agency. As a “Peer,” she provides support to others with similar conditions based on her own “lived experience” of having a behavioral health condition and navigating through the behavioral health system.
“Anything is possible if you put your heart and mind to it,” Patsy says.
Through the years, Patsy has continued to move along her wellness and recovery path. She now works as an employee for the Behavioral Health and Recovery Division, the division that helped her along the way. She now gives back to the community in different ways, such as helping with peer connection meetings and at various women’s shelters where she educates and helps others on their wellness and recovery path.
“I continue to use my recovery tools every day, including spending time with the supportive people I’ve worked hard to build relationships with. I do these things to stay well and show others that recovery is possible and that you’re never alone in your efforts to be well.”
Patsy praises the program from her own personal experience in hope that others with behavioral health conditions can benefit from the program as well. “Recovery is possible for everyone. I’m just one example of the many employees in Recovery who are compassionately contributing to our King County workforce with our own unique life experiences.” To learn more, visit the Behavioral Health Supported Employment Program website.
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UPDATED: Acceptable use of email in the workplace
Dear employee,
Email is an important tool for your work here at King County, and it is most effective when used appropriately. It is important that each employee understands the legislation and policies that apply to our use of email:
Acceptable Use of Information Assets Policy
One of our eight core values is “We respect all people,” and the way that we communicate with another is central to being a safe, respectful, and inclusive workplace. King County’s Acceptable Use of Information Assets Policy sets out the acceptable and prohibited use of all information assets, including email. The policy states that “Workforce Members shall ensure that King County information assets are used appropriately for King County business” (section 5.2). Minimal personal use is permitted “provided that the use is not prohibited as defined in section 5.3, and provided the use has the appearance of professionalism even if it is not used in a public setting” (section 5.4). The policy also outlines prohibited uses, including private or personal for-profit activities, conducting political activity, unsanctioned solicitation, harassment or intimidation, accessing obscene content, gambling, or other activities and services (section 5.3).
Public Records Act Requests
All emails distributed and received through work emails ending in @kingcounty.gov that relate to County business are of public record. This means that any member of the public can submit a public disclosure request to see them. Please be aware that your King County emails can be made available if requested, and therefore it is expected that you maintain professionalism in email communication as required by the Acceptable Use of Information Assets Policy. Forwarding of official King County business to personal email accounts is discouraged; public records are public records regardless of whether they are maintained in the County’s accounts or in the personal accounts of employees. If you need to access your work email, use OWA or an approved VPN.
Data Security
Providing services to the public in a confidential and secure manner is critical to how King County does business. While KCIT is working to limit spam and phishing emails, it is important employees are aware of the risk these emails pose to private information. Learn more about spam and phishing emails here.
This year a new way to identify external emails was implemented, but employees should still be cautious of all strange or unusual emails. For questions about possible phishing or spam emails contact the KCIT HelpDesk at 206-263-HELP (4357) or visit the HelpDesk website.
Professional Guidance
It’s always useful to consider how email impacts the work employees do, and as such, take into account any timelines or project needs when using email.
Some ideas to help streamline and make email more effective can be:
- Responding in a timely manner to employees and the public to ensure good customer service
- Limiting the use of “Reply All” to keep only those necessary informed and respect other’s time
- Only forwarding emails if permission has been given or the email has been reviewed so as to limit unnecessarily sharing confidential information
- Including a signature block within emails to help employees identify and contact one another more easily.
Email is an effective tool to help us do the work of serving our customers. Please consider how you use email and other tools to make our workplace effective, respectful, and safe, and our community a welcoming place where every person can thrive.
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Executive proclamation and celebration kick off Latinx/Hispanic Heritage Month
King County Executive Dow Constantine has proclaimed the month beginning September 15 “Latinx/Hispanic Heritage Month” in King County.
“Latino and Latina residents have been a consistent, vital influence in the history of King County, and we name our commemoration “Latinx” Heritage Month to be more inclusive of the experiences and identities of our communities,” Executive Constantine said in the Proclamation.
Additionally, Sound Transit’s Latinx in Transportation (LIT) Employee Resource Group, King County Metro and the Seattle Department of Transportation held a multi-agency Latinx Heritage Month kick-off celebration on September 19, 2019. View more photos below and the proclamation here.
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King County 2019 flu shot schedule, week of Sept. 25
Check out the King County 2019 Flu Shot Schedule and mark your calendars for the location most convenient for you. These are open to all employees, unless noted otherwise. If you miss the opportunity to get a flu shot at work, here are some tips for getting your flu shot through your health plan. Contact balancedyou@kingcounty.gov for more information.
Some things to remember: Clinics are open to all employees, except when noted otherwise. Benefits-covered spouses and family members (age 11 and above) are welcome to attend most clinics, but please confirm these details with your site contact(s) beforehand. When able, bring your medical ID card or number.
Dates this week are:
- Thursday, Sept. 26 from 6:30 a.m. – 10a.m. at Atlantic – Central Base, 1500 6th Ave. South, Seattle, WA 98134, 2nd Floor Classroom. Contacts are Benita Grace at 206-477-2409 and Tutti Compton at 206-477-0426.
- Thursday, Sept. 26 from 7:30 a.m. – 3 p.m at King Street Center, 201 S. Jackson St., Seattle, WA 98104, 8th Floor Conference Center. Contact is Chris Zanassi at 206-477-4541.
- Friday, Sept. 27 from 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Maleng Regional Justice Center, 620 W James St., Kent WA 98032, Jury Assembly Room. Contact is Shanna Knight at 206-477-3036.
- Tuesday, Oct. 1 from 6:30 a.m. – 10 a.m. at East Base, 1975 124th Ave NE, Bellevue WA 98005, Classrooms A and B. Contacts are Janice Larson at 206-477-7839 and Tonya Davis at 206-477-7226.
- Tuesday, Oct. 1 from 12:30 – 2:30 p.m. at Eastgate Public Health Center, 14350 SE Eastgate Way, Bellevue, WA 98007. Contact is Quan Ha at 206-477-8055.
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Training Spotlight: Supervision and Leadership Skills – Series
Supervision and Leadership Skills – Series, beginning Oct. 4: Develop your leadership, communication, motivation, and problem-solving skills with this workshop based series. Take all six classes in the series to enhance your professional toolbox with skills to be used in a variety of workplace situations. Register and learn more here.
View more training and development opportunities at www.kingcounty.gov/learning.
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Featured Job: King County District Court Human Resource Manager II
Salary: $106,889.33 – $135,488.70 Annually
Location: Seattle – Regional area, WA
Job Type: Career Service, Full Time, 40 hrs/week
Department: KCDC – District Court
Job Number: 2019 KCDC HRM II
Closing: 9/29/2019 11:59 PM Pacific
The Human Resources Manager II (HR Manager II) for the Department of Human Resources (DHR) works entirely for the King County District Court (Court) as their Human Resources Director. The delivery of all of the human resources services is accomplished through a Service Level Agreement between the two Branches of government. Because of the separation of branches, strict confidentiality and firewalls must be maintained. The HR Manager II must maintain effective working relationships with all levels of the court including 25 elected Judges. This position will ensure service delivery continuously meets or exceeds the service level agreement between the Court and DHR. The position maintains a dual reporting structure to both the Court and DHR. The DHR team supporting the Court includes the HR Manager II, a Human Resource Manager I and a Sr. Human Resource Analyst.
Learn more about this position or view all available positions.
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Don’t be left out – Update your PeopleSoft information
Reasons why it’s important to review and update your personal information in PeopleSoft:
- 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.
- Someone at King County can reach you with information about 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 home: 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: 206-263-4357.
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Accessing mental health services through your medical plan
If you are experiencing a mental or emotional health issue, you can access services offered by your King County medical plan.
Kaiser Permanente SmartCare plans: Kaiser Permanente has licensed mental health clinicians on primary care teams to provide assessment and short-term treatment for many mental health concerns. At Kaiser Permanente Mental Health specialty facilities, adults, families, teens, and children can get treatment and support for a wide range of issues. No referral is needed from your primary care provider to get care from Kaiser Permanente Mental Health. For first-time, non-emergency appointments, call 888-287-2680 or 206-630-1680. Your copay for outpatient mental health visits is the same as for other office visits. For additional information, go to Kaiser Permanente Mental Health
Regence BlueShield KingCare or KingCare Select plans: If you are a member of KingCare or KingCare Select, you can access a wide range of mental health services. professionals in their networks. When you need care, contact Your Primary Care Provider first. Your Primary Care Provider can treat you and help you find a specialist, or you can call the customer service number on the back of your member ID card for assistance in finding a qualified mental health professional. You can also sign in to your Regence BlueShield account and use the Find A Doctor tool. Your coinsurance for outpatient mental health visits is the same as for other office visits.
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Pet of the Week: Kingston
Hi! My name is Kingston and I am available for adoption.
I was brought into the shelter because I was sometimes too pushy with the other dog in the home. I do like other dogs though! I just maybe like to be the boss :). After all I’m a spunky little guy with a big boy personality!
I also love to play and cuddle with people, but I like to get to know you first. Give me a few minutes to warm up, and I’ll be jumping up and down in your lap to give you kisses!
Read more at www.kingcounty.gov/adoptapet.
Employee News 