Team player makes waves, uses military background to connect with County values
Rich is a Radio Shop Supervisor and has been with King County Radio Communications since 2005.
In the world of radio communications it’s essential to have a solid team to work with. People who will step up to the plate and get the job done well, whether it’s refurbishing old technology, or preparing for a new, county-wide innovative project. William (Rich) Richardson is just one of those guys, a total team player who goes the extra mile.
A retired Army first sergeant, Rich is now a Radio Shop Supervisor and has been with King County Radio Communications since 2005. He is a decorated military veteran with extensive travel experience, rattling off places like Korea, Thailand, Germany, Iraq and Egypt. While he enjoyed his travels, he is happy to call King County home, and is proud of his duty to serve King County employees and the public.
“Our job here at King County Radio Communication Services is to deliver wireless communication services to First Responders and public-serving agencies throughout King County and to serve as an active partner in support of the Regional Emergency Communication System”, he said. “It’s ultimately like being a public servant.”
Share this:
Employee ensures equity for patients, equity for staff, equity for all
Committed to removing barriers for her patients, Dental Supervisor Deborah DeQuier-Bowden ensures everyone who enters her clinic has the best customer service experience. While she’s worked at the Columbia Public Health Dental Clinic since January 2014, she has been with King County for 15 years. She has been passionate about including equity and social justice efforts throughout her work at every level.
“Equity and social justice comes from the heart,” she said. “It’s my goal as a supervisor –not as a person of color – to see these barriers.”
Share this:
Featured Job: Language Services and Community Outreach Program Supervisor II
Closing Date/Time: Wed. 03/30/16 4:30 PM Pacific Time
Salary: $33.58 – $42.56 Hourly, $69,846.40 – $88,524.80 Annually
Job Type: Career Service, Full Time, 35 hrs/week
Location: King County Elections – 919 SW Grady Way, Renton, WA 98057-2906, Washington
Department: Department of Elections
Description: The Department of Elections is recruiting a Program Supervisor II who will lead the Language Services and Community Outreach Program at King County Elections. This position will oversee the team responsible for translating documents, providing language-based assistance to new and existing voters, supporting outreach events in Limited English Speaking (LES) communities and coordinating activities between the Department and community based organizations/service providers and community leaders. The outreach work is performed under limited supervision within general policy guidelines and requires considerable independent judgment and discretion in responding to and interacting with individuals and groups, which may be in politically sensitive situations. The work requires an understanding of County and Department priorities, policies and procedures; and of community interests and concerns. Some work is performed at a site remote from the manager so work is reviewed through written reports and periodic meetings with the leadership team.
Learn more about this position or view all available jobs.
Share this:
Language portal shares Haz Waste info in 22 languages
Your friends and neighbors speak a language other than English. They want to know how to get rid of hazardous products they no longer want to use. What do you do?
Send them to the language portal on the Local Hazardous Waste Management Program in King County website. They may be able to find the information they need in their own language. With colorful thumbnail images, videos, web pages translated into Spanish and a Spanish Facebook page, this portal makes hazardous product information accessible to more people and businesses in our county.
Share this:
New director is passionate about expanding voting turnout
Innovation is key to developing efficient business practices. Technology giants do it, retail business owners do it – everyone wants to take the next step to become better, stronger and have a deeper impact.
Recently-elected Director of Elections Julie Wise looks forward to making this happen for the King County voting process. A south county local from Enumclaw, she has been with the Elections office for 15 years. First as a phone bank employee, she continued to get further involved after realizing she was a “geek” for the administrative elections process. A self-described non-partisan, she is passionate about providing a transparent, accessible and secure electoral structure for King County voters.
“We need to broaden access and remove barriers for everybody to be involved in the voting process,” she said. “I’m here to see that their vote is counted, how they want it and how they intended it.”
Share this:
Attorney gives new meaning to phrase “Grab life by the balls”
Deputy prosecuting attorney Nancy Balin is committed to ensuring justice for her community. Originally from Massachusetts and intent on pursuing her Master’s in Social Work, she instead focused on a law degree and never looked back. She’s been with King County since 1999 and admits that while it can be challenging work, she enjoys it.
“There are always multiple things happening at once, it’s never boring here,” she said. “Aside from all our regular duties, we’ve also got to balance and prioritize what’s important. We’re conscious every day that we work for the people of King County.”
It is with this in mind that she explains to her clients the details and important notices within each case. She understands the legal process can be intimidating and difficult for someone unfamiliar with it.
“When I am representing my clients I try to keep them apprised of where the law and the County are going,” she said. “Even when I can’t convince judges of my client’s positions, I explain as much as I can about the restraints they are under –time, financial, everything.”
Share this:
Bringing women to the forefront in technology
This article is featured courtesy of Jamie Holter, Communications Manager, Department of Information Technology
In honor of International Women’s Day (March 8), meet Diana Chism, King County IT for Production Operations. She’s been working in IT with the County for 26 years, yet still considers herself growing and learning. She has advice for women entering the tech world.
Sit AT the table!
“When you are invited to a meeting, have a seat at the table, literally! Women tend to sit along the outside and give men the seat closest to the center of power. Don’t do that! Your ideas and your expertise is valued. You bring something they don’t.”
Share this:
Spanish language classes create opportunity for connection
Teacher Teresa Ramon Joffre oversees employee-students in the Language in Motion program.
When the phone rings and the woman on the other end asks her question in hesitant English mixed with Spanish, she finds herself surprised that the King County employee responds to her in Spanish and directs her to a translator who can better assist.
Such smooth and welcoming customer experiences might be all thanks to King County’s Language in Motion program. King County has partnered with Seattle Colleges to offer Introductory Spanish business language classes. The classes are aimed at getting frontline employees in agencies such as Elections and Records and Licensing, and in customer support roles, familiar with Spanish used in a business setting.
Share this:
Featured Job: Executive Program Assistant
Closing Date/Time: Wed. 03/23/16 4:30 PM
Salary: $26.49 – $33.58 Hourly, $55,099.20 – $69,846.40 Annually
Job Type: Appointed
Location: Chinook Building – 401 5th Ave, Seattle, Washington
Department: King County Executive – Office of Performance, Strategy and Budget
Description: King County’s Office of Performance, Strategy, & Budget (PSB) is seeking a seasoned professional to provide executive-level meeting planning and logistical support to senior management and committee and operations leadership. This role serves as a key member of the joint Executive office and PSB administrative support team. Our ideal candidate will have a strong process management and process improvement mentality, be able to manage multiple projects and deadlines and be comfortable working in a fast-paced, matrixed environment with multiple customers.
Learn more about this position or view all available jobs.
Employee News 