New electronic records management system to debut Oct. 7
A new enterprise content management system, Content Manager, will go live Oct. 7. The system will be available for all King County agencies to use to manage their records and information.
Users of the old system, KC ERMS, will automatically have access to the new one. Agencies that have not used KC ERMS can request access to Content Manager by contacting Records Management at records.management@kingcounty.gov. After getting access, manage records easily by a click on the Content Manager icon on your desktop.
You can use Content Manager to:
- File electronic records to comply with legal retention requirements
- Search for and provide access to records in response to public records requests
- Manage boxes in storage at the King County Records Center
Get access, take training and learn more about Content Manager on the Records Management website.
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King County 2019 flu shot schedule, week of Oct. 2
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, Oct. 3 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at KC Courthouse, 516 3rd Ave, Seattle, WA 98104, C-912. 9th floor. Contact is Angelina Jimeno at 206-477-1352.
- Friday, Oct. 4 from 2 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. at South Base, 12100 E. Marginal Way S., Tukwila, WA 98168, Operations Building, 2nd Floor, Classrooms A & B. Contact is Beth Cheshier at 206-477-7426.
- Monday, Oct. 7 from 2 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. at Bellevue Base, 1790 124th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA 98005, Classrooms 1 & 2. Contact is Janice Larson at 206-477-7839.
- Tuesday, Oct. 8 from 7 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. at Snoqualmie / DPER (Kendall Lake), 35030 SE Douglas St, Snoqualmie, WA 98065, Suite 210. Contact is Theresa Reynolds at 206-477-0380.
- Tuesday, Oct. 8 from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. at Cedar Hills, 16645 228th Ave SE, Maple Valley, WA 98038, Conference Room C. Contacts are Mary Ann Hale at 206-263-1143 and Brenda Loder 206-263-1824.
- Wednesday, Oct. 9 from 6 a.m. – 8 a.m. at Brightwater Treatment Plan, 22505 St. Rte. 9 SE, Woodinville, WA 98072, North Creek. Contact is Patricia Stout at 206-263-9465.
- Wednesday, Oct. 9 from 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. at Rail Section, 3407 Airport Way S. Seattle, WA 98134, Room 306. Contact is Amanda Craig at 206-903-7763.
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Young attorneys make a difference through Prosecutor’s internship program
The King County’s Prosecuting Attorney’s Office recently mentored and trained a group of nine young, ambitious second-year law students, giving them firsthand experience into the work of a prosecuting attorney. The intense, 13-week Rule 9 Internship Program gives law students the opportunity to practice the law under supervision by handling real cases.
“We have an extremely diverse class and half are people of color, which is remarkable,” said Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Leah Taguba, who oversees the program. “It is through diversity of background and thought that people of color bring to prosecution that help create just and equitable outcomes.”
From a trial perspective, interns learn how to select a jury, make opening and closing arguments, complete cross-examinations, and more. There are challenges in the courtroom because many interns don’t know what to expect at times. Kayvon T. Behroozian and Kaylee Cox are second-year law students from the University of Washington who have learned and grown so much throughout their time in the program.
“The most tangible thing it has taught me is how to present in a courtroom; how to do so comfortably and thoughtfully,” Kayvon said.
“Keep your mind very open, it will help,” Kaylee added.
Cases can often be intense, but the close-knit relationships the interns have with each other keep them grounded. They support one another and are given tools or coaching that help them be successful. They analyze all aspects of a case to get the best possible resolution for the defendant and feel that accountability and rehabilitation are essential.
“When prosecutors aspire to do the right thing at all times, they can make a difference and can make a meaningful impact on the communities they represent and come from,” Leah said. “They are always trying to do the right thing, always.”
Interns get the opportunity to grow their skills and knowledge with the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. They push themselves to get the most out of the 13-week experience. At the end of it, the interns walk away with experience, career direction, and knowing that they have made a difference. To learn more, visit the Rule 9 Internship Program.
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Mental Health, Recovery, and Suicide Prevention panel resonates with employees
More than 50 employees gathered on Sept. 25 in the Administration Building Training Room for a powerful panel conversation about workplace mental health, held in recognition of September National Recovery Month and Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.
Panelists included Whitney Abrams, Chief People Officer; Heather Steffensen with the Employee Assistance Program; Brandon Banks with Metro Transit Department; Skyler Bridges with the Department of Assessments; and Suzette Dickerson, Council 2 business representative. Sarah Wilhelm from Public Health-Seattle & King County moderated the panel for a standing-room only audience and Skype participants.
Recognizing that employees spend so many of their waking hours at work, the panelists explored aspects of what it means to bring one’s whole self to the workplace. They shared perspectives on such issues as supporting colleagues who are experiencing challenging times in their lives, strategies for self-care and healing, and the important role of supervisors in creating a safe, supportive environment that helps reduce day-to-day stress.
Whitney Abrams emphasized that our True North – Making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive – is a vision that we hold for employees and it’s where we need to start. She emphasized that creating a culture that is welcoming, racially just, and respects all people are values that we need to live out here at work and in how we support our staff.
“My aim is to learn from you about what you need, and explore how we can help reduce the stigma and isolation around mental health” she said. “Slowing down and taking the time for connecting on a human level really matters.”
Members of the audience engaged with questions and reflections of their own, with many noting the importance of regular training and coaching for supervisors at all levels so that they can cultivate more sensitivity to mental well-being in working with their staff. Modeling the way, staying curious, building authentic relationships, being mindful of the language we use, and checking back in were raised as ways that to help one another grow and create more connections.
At the end of the session, Kelli Nomura, Director of King County’s Behavioral Health and Recovery Division in the Department of Community and Human Services, expressed her appreciation for the open sharing that occurred in the room.
“What I’ve heard today is we are not alone, and there are ways we can work together to make our workplace safer and more supportive. Recovery can and does happen,” she said.
For assistance with mental health or substance use concerns, contact the King County Making Life Easier Program anytime at 1-888-874-7290, or this view this Mental Health Benefits and Resources sheet. For concerns about workplace dynamics, employees are encouraged to consult with their department HR Manager or the Department of Human Resources Employee Assistance Program.
Pictured: From left to right, Sarah Wilhelm with Public Health-Seattle & King, Heather Steffensen with the Employee Assistance Program, Skyler Bridges with the Department of Assessments, Whitney Abrams, Chief People Officer, Brandon Banks with the Department of Metro Transit, Suzette Dickerson, Council 2 business representative, and Shawna Johnson with King County Balanced You.
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Best of the best: King County Metro names Neal Safrin Operator of the Year
King County Metro announced in a surprise ceremony today that the Operator of the Year is Neal Safrin, whose commitment to excellence in safety, customer service, and service to his fellow operators represents the best of Metro.
Safrin, 64, joined Metro in 1988 and is a report operator at North Base in Shoreline. Riders have seen his smiling face behind the wheel on dozens of bus routes across King County for decades.
“The entire King County family could not be more proud of Neal and his 31 years of faithful service to the public,” said King County Executive Dow Constantine. “Neal’s commitment to the customer is reflected in the commendations he has received for being helpful and courteous, and his care in serving customers who need it most.”
Safrin was selected as Operator of the Month in February 2018. He is very active in Amalgamated Transit Union Local 587 and served as a Shop Steward, Executive Board Officer and Vice-President. He has worked at six of Metro’s seven operating bases, spending most of his career driving buses from North and East Bases. He has served on both the Base Safety and Security committees as well as serving as one of the North Base representatives on the Comfort Station Operator Committee.
King County Metro Operator Neal Safrin
“Neal is a friendly face at every base he works at, someone who is focused on improving safety and security with and for his fellow operators,” King County Metro General Manager Rob Gannon said. “I have known Neal as a union officer, a transit operator, and a special project manager—no matter the role, he is by all accounts an outstanding colleague. His mentorship and coaching for new operators have helped improve the quality of our service to the public and for that we are all grateful.”
Neal’s advice to fellow operators shows his attention to safety and the need to be vigilant behind the wheel: “Pay close attention to your surroundings while driving. Look several times before you make a move; traffic situations can change in the blink of an eye.”
Each year since 1979, Operators of the Month are selected from each of Metro’s seven bases, and later those 84 operators are responsible for selecting an Operator of the Year from among them.
Safrin was born and raised in New York City. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies at Western Washington University and worked as a Foreign Fishing Observer for the National Marine Fisheries Service, stationed in the Bering Sea on Japanese and Korean fishing vessels for up to three months at a time.
Neal recently celebrated 32 years of marriage with his wife, Patty, and enjoys fishing and hiking and hopes to increase the amount of time that he spends outside in the coming years. He also looks forward to spending more time with his wife, who recently retired.
About the award
Since 1979, the Metro Transit operators have selected the best of their peers to hold the title of Metro Transit’s Operator of the Year. They are rated on excellence in safety, customer service, and service to their fellow operators. In order to receive the award, a driver must first be chosen Operator of the Month from one of the seven transit bases. At the end of the year, the Operator of the Year is selected by a vote of all fellow Operators of the Month. The annual ceremony is usually held the following summer.
View the official press release here.
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Celebrating Disability Awareness Month in King County
King County Executive Dow Constantine
Dear fellow King County employee,
Each October, we celebrate Disability Awareness Month in King County and recognize the many contributions that people with disabilities make to our community. Disability Awareness Month also reminds us that we must continue to break down barriers so that people with disabilities can share their unique abilities, perspectives, and talents.
That is what is at the heart of our True North: Making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. Each day we inch closer to this goal by doing what we can to break down barriers and lift one another up – at work, at home, and in our communities.
King County offers many programs and services that support people with disabilities and build a more inclusive workforce and community:
- Our Disability Services Program supports King County’s employees with disabilities with accommodations and resources that help them return to work
- Our Supported Employment Program helps people with intellectual and developmental disabilities find rewarding careers with King County and contribute their talents and skills
- Superior Court provides accommodations to people in the community so they can fully and equally participate in court activities
- Our Developmental Disabilities and Early Childhood Supports Division provides employment support services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities throughout King County
- Our Behavioral Health Supported Employment Program helps people in the community with mental health and substance-use conditions achieve their recovery and employment goals
- Metro provides easier and specialized access to public transit to help people with disabilities get where they need to go
- King County Elections provides Accessible Voting Centers with audio or large print ballots and other assistive devices so everyone can have their say in our democratic process.
These are just some of the ways we are making our community more inclusive and welcoming, but there is always more that we can do. I encourage you to look at the services you provide and see if there is a way to make them more accessible to people with disabilities, and to all people in our community.
That’s how we will deliver on the promise of our True North and expand opportunity and access to everyone in King County.
Sincerely,
Dow Constantine
King County Executive
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Training Spotlight: Mental Health First Aid at Work
Mental Health First Aid at Work: Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) for the Workplace is a skills based and experiential training program. MHFA At Work teaches employees how to become aware of and support an individual who may be experiencing a mental health/substance use issue or crisis and help access appropriate resources. Register and learn more here.
View more training and development opportunities at www.kingcounty.gov/learning.
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Featured Job: Contract Specialist I-II
Salary: $73,132.80 – $104,374.40 Annually
Location: Seattle, WA
Job Type: Multiple job types-career service and/or temp
Department: DNRP – Natural Resources & Parks
Job Number: 2019-10564
Closing: 10/1/2019 11:59 PM Pacific
Learn more about this position or view all available positions.
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Pet of the Week: JoJo
JoJo is a 12 ½ year-old, male, shorthair black cat (A403147). His personality color is GREEN, meaning he is an outgoing and adaptable cat who loves to go with the flow. This handsome boy is very sweet and loves to be around people. He can be the life of the party, especially if food is involved! He loves puzzles and works really hard when the reward involves a yummy treat! JoJo does have a heart murmur, so he will do best with regular visits to the veterinarian.
Read more at www.kingcounty.gov/adoptapet.
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Circle Keeper Process Training dates now available, Oct. and Nov.
The National Compadres Network in partnership with King County’s Office of Equity and Social Justice presents Circle Keeper Process Training. This two day training is offered Oct. 22-23 and Nov. 5-6 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.Participants must be present for both days to receive certification and curricula.
For more information and to apply click here. If you have any questions about the training or the application please contact Tynishia Walker at twalker@kingcounty.gov or 206-263-0534
Employee News 