Employees practice “Drop, cover and hold”
On Thursday, October 18 King County participated in the Great Washington Shake Out, an earthquake drill to help residents prepare for the next possible earthquake. This even included the Senior Leadership Team, who dropped, covered, and held on until the drill ended. Pictured here are Labor Relations Manager Bob Railton, Chief Operating Officer Casey Sixkiller, Director of Labor Relations Megan Pederson and Chief People Officer Whitney Abrams.
The many ways to vote in King County
King County Elections makes it simple and convenient for voters throughout the county to make their voice heard. In addition to offering prepaid postage, Elections also provides accessible voting centers and an online ballot marking program for people who need assistance completing their ballot. The accessible voting centers are operated by trained staff and have special equipment available to help voters with disabilities cast a private, independent ballot. The equipment is a special machine called an Accessible Voting Unit (AVU). It has a touch screen and audio ballots to accommodate voters. These centers guarantee all King County voters… Read More
U.S. Department of Defense to present awards to King County and DAJD
The Department of Defense’s Employer Support of the Guard (ESGR) will present King County and the Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention (DAJD) with awards, Nov. 8, in recognition of their support of County employees who currently serve in the Reserve and National Guard. King County was nominated for the award by Senior Master Sergeant Michelle Helpenstell, a corrections officer with DAJD, who also serves in the Reserve. “When I learned of the Freedom Award I immediately knew I needed to recognize those who have been so supportive to KC military members,” said… Read More
Sisters Who Care about breast cancer awareness
True to their name, the Sisters Who Care really do care about their Juvenile Court colleagues and clients. This group of employees includes African American women who champion various causes and projects throughout the year. They are responsible for the annual Juneteenth celebration, and this month they feature Justice in Pink, a focus on Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Justice in Pink is the brainchild of Superior Court Renton Unit Supervisor JoeAnne Taylor and Renton Juvenile Probation Counselor Darlin Johnson who noticed many co-workers and family members were affected by cancer diagnoses. Justice in Pink is designed to educate Juvenile Court staff… Read More
Supported Employment Program recognized at Governor’s Employer Award Program
King County’s Supported Employment Program was nominated for the Employment and Disability Issue Governor Awards for 2018 Public Sector Employer of the Year. The awards ceremony was held at the Microsoft Conference Center on Wednesday, October 17. The program was recognized by the Washington State Governor’s Committee on Disability Issues & Employment (GCDE) for the efforts of public employers (federal, state, local government) and their efforts to recruit, hire and advance the employment of individuals with disabilities. Although King County did not win the award, (hats off to the City of Bellevue) this was a great opportunity to not only… Read More
Kudos! King County Community Court featured on King 5!
The King County Community Court, a collaboration between King County District Court, the City of Redmond and the King County Library System, was recently highlighted on KING 5 news. The article and video explained how this new court, set up at the Redmond Library, encourages non-violent offenders to seek help and rebound from their mistakes. “We’re holding people accountable, but at the same time, concurrently, allowing them to rehabilitate themselves in hopes that they will not come back into the system,” said Judge Lisa Paglisotti, who oversees the King County Community Court. View the full article and watch the video… Read More
Pet of the week: Pearl
Crossposted from Tails from RASKC We have a real gem for Pet of the Week: meet Pearl! This young pittie was brought to RASKC by a good Samaritan. When she first arrived, Pearl was very nervous. She has since come out of her shell to show her shining personality – which we call “Rambunctious Red. Read more
Get to know 2018 Giving Drive nonprofits – Spotlight on organizations serving people with a disability
Each year King County employees help hundreds of nonprofit organizations do vital work in our community and around the world by donating through the Employee Giving Program, and this year’s Annual Giving Drive is now underway. As we recognize Disability Awareness Month this October, here are four participating nonprofits whose work helps people with disabilities in our community: The Arc of King County(9233) – Serving individuals and families with intellectual and developmental disabilities through case management, peer support, leadership training, and advocacy. Alpha Supported Living Service(9033) – Providing 24/7 support for people with developmental and… Read More
School-to-Work Program changes lives
If you ask what students with developmental disabilities need in order to achieve employment before leaving high school, what you will hear most often is “high expectations” and “work experience.” Ask what it takes for a program to make this happen for students countywide, and what you will hear is “collaboration.” But if you ask students what it takes, it might be about supporting them to reach for their dreams. Working with Washington State’s Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, Developmental Disabilities Administration, school districts, consultants, employment service providers, businesses, families, and over 1,500… Read More
Get ready to ShakeOut on Thursday, Oct. 18
Though our region hasn’t felt a major earthquake in more than 15 years, we all need to be prepared for the next time the ground moves. That’s why King County encourages everyone to take part in the Great Washington ShakeOut on Thursday, October 18. At 10:18 a.m., or another time convenient to you, practice what you would do in an earthquake: DROP to the floor Take COVER under a desk, table, or other sturdy furniture and protect your head HOLD ON until the shaking stops. FMD will announce the earthquake drill in many King County buildings, and we encourage you… Read More
Employee News 