Training Spotlight: Excel: Level 1 and Overview of the PeopleSoft Database

Excel: Level 1, Sept. 26: Learn techniques for entering data into cells, working with data, and using data tables more efficiently. Discover how to finish your workbook and how to navigate and get help in Excel 2013. This class will also cover basic techniques for filtering and limiting data that can be entered into individual cells. Learn more and register on Eventbrite.

Overview of the PeopleSoft Database, Oct. 1: The Human Resources Division has scheduled training about the PeopleSoft Database. It is open to experienced PeopleSoft users who wish to learn about the data sets in the PeopleSoft HCM module. Learn more and register on Eventbrite.

Visit http://www.kingcounty.gov/learning to learn more about trainings and other opportunities to invest in YOU.

Featured Job: Public Information Officer (Communications Specialist IV)

Salary: $85,015.00 – $107,762.00 Annually

Location: Seattle, WA

Job Type: Career Service, Full Time, 40 hrs/week

Department: Department of Transportation – Transit Division

Job Number: 2018DS08646

Closing: 10/1/2018 11:59 PM Pacific

King County Metro seeks a Public Information Officer (PIO) who has a passion for clear communication, a strategic mindset, and a love of working with the media, politicians and the general public. The PIO is one of two spokespeople for King County Metro who shape the external voice of Metro by developing, coordinating and disseminating information to the media and the public.

The PIO develops and maintains relationships with media, stakeholders, and diverse communities to connect the people of King County and the region with Metro Transit services, including bus, rail, paratransit, vanpool as well as new mobility options.  The incumbent will work integrally with another work group member to perform a broad range of media relations and communications consultation duties, as detailed below.

For more information, contact Deandra Stanley, Human Resource Analyst, at 206-263-1421 or Deandra.Stanley@kingcounty.gov. Learn more about this position or all available jobs.

Congratulations to DCHS Director Adrienne Quinn

Crossposted from the Best Starts for Kids Blog 

Today King County Executive Dow Constantine announced that Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) Director Adrienne Quinn has accepted a new position at the University of Washington’s Evans School of Public Policy & Governance as a Distinguished Practitioner (a faculty post).

We are deeply grateful for Adrienne’s leadership with our department and with Best Starts for Kids. Under her leadership and vision, we’ve launched the most comprehensive approach to childhood and youth development in the nation, living into our equity and social justice values at every step of the way. We are thrilled that she will be teaching and guiding the next generation of leaders in our region.

While our department will not be the same without her, we are thankful for the strong community of Best Starts for Kids staff and partners entrusted to continue our progress toward our shared vision for King County’s children, youth, and families.

Sincerely,

Sheila Capestany

Sheila Capestany serves as the Strategic Advisor for Children and Youth at King County and leads the County’s Best Starts for Kids initiative.

Council establishes new Department of Local Services

Crossposted from Inside Transportation 

by Harold S. Taniguchi, Director, King County Dept. of Transportation, Local Services Transition Lead

On behalf of all who work with residents of unincorporated King County, I want to thank members of the Metropolitan King County Council for unanimously adopting an ordinance to make our new King County Department of Local Services a reality.

As you can see in this statement from Executive Constantine, this Council action now leads us into the budget process. The Department of Local Services (DLS) will be funded with existing revenues, and the Executive will now include the DLS in the 2019-2020 biennial budget he will propose to the Council on September 24. The Council is scheduled to adopt a County budget by Thanksgiving.

Read more at Inside Transportation 

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.

 

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.

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.

New Departments and Leadership Transitions

Dear fellow King County employee,

Dow_headshot_lg

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

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.

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