Prosecuting Attorney’s Office employee receives Department of Defense Patriot Award
Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) gives employees the opportunity to nominate an individual supervisor or boss for support provided directly to the nominating service member and his or her family. Dan Clark, a supervisor with the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, was recently presented with a Patriot Award for his support of King County employee and Army Reserve Sgt. Thomas O’Ban.
“Supportive supervisors are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the nation’s Guard and Reserve units,” said Phil Sanders, ESGR member.
Read more in the original story to appear on the ESGR website.
Pictured: Dan Clark, center, receiving the ESGR award.
Share this:
Additional events for Latinx Heritage Month, Sept. 20 and Oct. 1
These upcoming events are sponsored by Metro Transit’s EEO, Equity, and Inclusion Office. All King County employees are welcomed. For questions, or to volunteer for future heritage month events, please contact Joy Bryngelson at 206-477-8667 or Joy.Bryngelson@kingcounty.gov.
Cross Agency Hispanic-Latinx Heritage Month Celebration hosted by Sound Transit, King County Metro and SDOT Thursday, Sept. 20, 2018 from 1-2:30 p.m. at the Union Station-Ruth Fisher Board Room. Come enjoy a cultural program and Latin-American desserts, both free!
Consul of Mexico Presents “Mexican Ingenuity” Monday, Oct. 1, 2018 from noon to 1 p.m. at the King Street Center 8th floor conference room. Back by popular the demand, the Consul of Mexico has graciously accepted the invitation to return and speak about US-Mexico relations, immigration policy, culture, and foreign trade. This event will be moderated by Matias Valenzuela, Director of the King County Equity and Social Justice Office.
Share this:
Employee proud to have positive impact, helping local youth succeed
Making a difference in your community looks different for everyone. For Tevin Gladney, a Peer Connector with King County’s Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS), making a difference in his community is something he can do every day at work. Tevin is with the Reconnect to Opportunity program from DCHS’ Employment and Education Resources, which regularly provides equitable opportunities for youth and adults to prepare for and obtain great jobs.
Just recently, Tevin received a referral from a school counselor at Renton High School introducing him to a student who was struggling with staying engaged in school. The student was not on track to graduate due to a lack of credits, did not have a supportive home environment and was uninterested in most of his classes.
Wanting to build a relationship with this student, Tevin connected with him around several shared interests, including business and entrepreneurship. Tevin shared books they could both read and discuss, and discussed art, prompting this student to share his artwork and dream of developing an art-based business.
“I grew up in this community in south King County and I know exactly what it is like to be in their shoes,” he said. “I also understand the value of having a mentor and connector by their side to make sure they are on the right path.”
After further working with this student, Tevin referred him to Renton Technical College’s Open Doors high school completion program and helped him to enroll. The student began to excel, inspired by a change and the fact he could finish high school in a supportive and flexible environment. The best part is he would now have the opportunity to walk in the commencement ceremony, and work towards an Associate’s Degree in Business Management and Entrepreneurship.
This support and encouragement by Tevin and other dedicated adults motivated this student to finish high school and gain a direction for furthering his education and a career. Tevin explains this work is meaningful to him because it makes a direct impact on a community he is passionate about.
“I love doing this work because honestly, it does not feel like work to me,” he said. “I am thankful to have a job where I can make a direct impact on our youth’s lives.”
For more information about the Reconnect to Opportunity program, visit www.reopp.org. To learn about the services available through the King County Employment and Education Resources visit their page on the King County website.
Share this:
New Departments and Leadership Transitions
Dear fellow King County employee,
King County Executive Dow Constantine
I am grateful and inspired by the many years of service and accomplishments by members of the County leadership team. I want to let you know about a number of transitions taking place as we establish the Metro Transit Department, the Department of Human Resources, and the Department of Local Services, as well as other key leadership changes.
As you may have heard, in August the Council approved my proposal to create the new Metro Transit Department and confirmed my nomination of Rob Gannon as the director. The Council’s Government and Accountability Oversight Committee also just gave a “do pass” recommendation to the creation of the Department of Human Resources, which is up for final action on September 24th.
Just yesterday the Council approved the creation of the Department of Local Services, which includes the Road Services Division, the newly titled Permitting Division, and the Community Service Area program. We are in the final stages of the recruitment for the director who will lead this new Department.
Our Community and Human Services Director Adrienne Quinn will be leaving the County on November 30th for an appointment as Distinguished Practitioner at the University of Washington’s Evans School. She will help develop the next generation of local leaders in public policy after a very successful launch of the County’s Best Start for Kids program and developing new approaches to the delivery of effective human services.
Willie Hayes, the director of the Department of Adult & Juvenile Detention, has announced his December 1st retirement after 34 years of service. Willie is an example of an employee who worked his way up through the ranks, and his leadership will be missed. The recruitment for the new director is currently open for applications.
Finally, the process for selecting a new Public Defender for the Department of Public Defense continues. The Public Defense Advisory Board will be recommending candidates in October.
Our goal is to have the leadership positions filled by the end of the year. We are seeking outstanding candidates who can best support you, our employees, and we are committed to hearing your thoughts and voices as we recruit and select for these important positions.
Our commitment to be the Best Run Government combined with the Investing in YOU initiative keep the focus on the important work you are all doing. I look forward to sharing more information with you as we stand up these new agencies and go through these changes.
Thank you again for everything you do for our residents and our region.
Sincerely,
Dow Constantine
King County Executive
Share this:
2018 Clean Water Ambassador Internship
Crossposted from Clean Water Stories
With the goal of fostering the next generation of environmental leaders, the King County Wastewater Treatment Division and Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust offer an intensive 6-week summer internship for high school students.
As the interns learn about human and natural water systems, they are answering questions such as “Where does our water come from, and where does it go when we’re done using it?” and “How can we help conserve and protect salmon streams?” They gain valuable field experience, hone their leadership and communication skills, and make professional connections.
Share this:
Pet of the Week: Figaro
Crossposted from Tails from RASKC
We’re singing the praises of Figaro, our Pet of the Week! This senior black and white boy is a shy and timid cat who likes to take things slow, so he’s one of our “Bashful Blue” personality pets. However, with just a little time, Figaro will be a devoted friend!
Read more at Tails from RASKC
Share this:
Training Spotlight: Lean Problem-Solving and Stories that Lead
Lean Problem-Solving, Oct. 10: In order to effectively solve problems once and for all, they must be solved at the root. Participants I this course will learn basic A3 Problem Solving, the powerful method borrowed from the Toyota Production System (TPS), techniques to incorporate problem solving and continuous improvement in daily work and build on existing Lean practices within your organization. Learn more and register on Eventbrite.
Stories that Lead, Oct. 18: This one-day class explores stories as creative strategies that can help you create a workplace—and a life—that inspires profound results.Through reflective processes and story sharing, participants explore three qualities of leadership stories-Voice, Values and Vision- and how these help us show up as leaders. We also experience shaping our stories to build connection with those who might follow. Learn more and register on Eventbrite.
Visit www.kingcounty.gov/learning to learn more about trainings and other opportunities to invest in YOU!
Share this:
Shots aren’t super-flu-ous, they keep our community healthy!
Crossposted from Public Health Insider
We can no longer deny the signs, the sun is setting earlier, and kids are back in school, summer is coming to an end. Now is the perfect time, before bugs start spreading in your kids’ class and sneezes begin echoing through your office, to get your recommended yearly flu shots.
To help you decide when, where, and how to get vaccinated, we compiled answers to some of the most common questions we see regarding to flu vaccinations below.
Read more at Public Health Insider
Share this:
Featured Job: Legislative Records Specialist
Salary: $37.20 – $50.03 Hourly
Location: Seattle, WA
Job Type: Appointed, Part-Time
Department: King County Council, Office of the Ombuds
Job Number: 2018-08597
Closing: 9/19/2018 11:59 PM Pacific
The King County Ombuds Office is seeking a resourceful, detail oriented Legislative Records Specialist with knowledge of the Washington Public Records Act (PRA) to join our team. The Legislative Records Specialist is a part time, benefited position that will manage public records requests made to the Ombuds and Tax Advisor Offices and assist the Ombuds in the retention of Ombuds records to the County’s Records Center and Archives and of electronic records to the County’s electronic records management system.
The ideal candidate will be a certified Public Records Officer with the ability to exercise sound, independent judgment; exhibit strong organizational skills and use a high degree of tact, discretion and diplomacy in dealing with sensitive situations and concerned or upset individuals.
For more information contact Tracy Calderon at 206-477-0979 or tracy.calderon@kingcounty.gov.
Learn more about this position or all available jobs.
Share this:
State retirement plan contributions increased Sept. 1
Employee and employer contribution rates for the following retirement plans increased Sept. 1, 2018, as approved by the State Legislature.
In addition, the King County employer contribution rate for PERS Plan 3 and PERS JBM Plans 1 and 3 increased to 12.83%.
Law Enforcement Officers Fire Fighters (LEOFF) plans do not have a rate adjustment.
New contribution amounts will be deducted from the second paycheck:
- If you are paid on the 5th and 20th of the month, your new contribution will appear on your September 20 paycheck.
- If you are paid every other Thursday, your new contribution will appear on your September 20 paycheck.
If you have any questions about the rate change, please contact the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (DRS) at 800-547-6657 or recep@drs.wa.gov. More information is available on the DRS website at drs.wa.gov.
Employee News 