Public records during COVID-19
COVID-19 has changed so much about the way we work, but one thing that hasn’t changed is that we are stewards of the public’s records. As such, we must maintain both good records management practices and provide timely responses to requests for public records, whether those come from the public directly, or through a public records officer (PRO) or coordinator. King County’s Executive Branch has received over 100 public records requests specific to COVID-19. The PROs coordinating these requests are working to collect responsive records as efficiently as possible while trying to minimize disruptions to the… Read More
Mourning together, virtually: How our Muslim community adapted using technology
Crossposted from Public Health Insider Authors: Mohamed Ali, Ayan Abshir and Equity Response Team Death is a universal experience, no matter what race or religion one identifies with. In Islam, Muslims are taught to overcome tragic circumstances with containment (Rida), gratitude (Hamd), patience (Sabr), and firm belief in destiny (Qadr). Although, death is a fact of life, it is never easy to lay a loved one to rest. The local Somali community in Seattle was recently devastated by the first COVID-19 death. This death has brought to the surface the stress our community already deals… Read More
Metro creates passenger limits to support social distancing
Crossposted from Metro Matters To support the health of passengers, drivers, and community members, King County Metro has instituted new passenger limits to promote social distancing. Metro is also developing additional mobility options for customers taking essential trips. To better help each person maintain six feet of separation from others as guided by Public Health – Seattle & King County, the optimal number of passengers is 12 on a 40-foot bus and 18 on a 60-foot bus. Read more from Metro Matters
Learning about your benefits: Dependents
Our third video in this short series of benefits videos focuses on dependents. It helps employees learn which of your family members are benefits-eligible, and when you can add them to your health plans. These videos have been created to help employees make informed choices about their options, and better understand their employee benefits package. View all the videos here, and get more information and resources on the Benefits, Payroll and Retirement website.
Mental health: Tips and resources for navigating uncertain times
It is okay to not feel okay right now. This pandemic is traumatic. Many of us are struggling. Our minds and bodies tend to shift into a state of hyper-vigilance when faced with trauma. Hyper-vigilance helps keep us safe and alive; it’s the mechanism in our brain that reminds us to wash our hands, wear masks, and social distance. This state, while important, can also take a long-term toll on our mental and physical health. There are steps you can take to improve your mental health and resiliency during this time. Read… Read More
Featured job: Emergency Site Worker IV
As King County continues to take an aggressive approach to fighting the effects of COVID-19, we are asking for your help. There is a significant need for additional staffing assistance during this emergency. These roles do NOT require a medical background but will provide critical assistance to our healthcare providers who are caring for these patients. We are reaching out to the community to see who might be available and interested in serving as a Site Manager. This is a facility role that will have no interaction with symptomatic/COVID positive clients. Below are several… Read More
Emergency Deployment Program has immediate need for temporary assignment
As King County continues to respond to the coronavirus (COVID-19), there is an immediate need to fill emergency-related roles through temporary assignment. This program has been created to address an urgent need for employees to be deployed to 50 known vacant positions. This number grows every day as programs grow or change. These deployments are intended to last for one to three months and are full-time positions. This includes managers and administrative staff. Most roles do not have patient contact, and those that do will have that information communicated before the assignment begins, as… Read More
My Secure Advantage: Tips for navigating the COVID-19 financial crisis
As the number of businesses impacted by COVID-19 continues to rise, so does the number of unemployed and furloughed workers in our community. Members of your household may have been impacted by reduced work hours or lay-offs. An unexpected change in one earner’s income can greatly impact household budgets. Fortunately, there are ways that you may be able to get financial help. Balanced You partners with My Secure Advantage to provide free financial wellness resources to King County employees. Resources include webinars with the latest fiscal information on coronavirus, budgeting spreadsheets and… Read More
Metro is redeploying security personnel for safety and social distancing support
Crossposted from Metro Matters King County Metro is redeploying transit security staff to help promote an atmosphere of safety and equity for all. Officers will help ensure King County Metro’s code of conduct is upheld and encourage riders to heed Public Health – Seattle & King County’s guidance for riding transit safely during the COVID-19 pandemic. Starting Monday, April 20, transit security staff will be monitoring coaches and terminals that are experiencing crowding, defined as when it is difficult to maintain six feet of distance among riders and Metro staff. We are… Read More
Telecommuting guidance extended through May 31
Dear employee, Yesterday, Governor Inslee reiterated that the state’s “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order aimed at stopping the spread of COVID-19 will stay in place at least until May 4, and possibly longer. These restrictions are absolutely necessary if we are to stop the spread of COVID-19 in our state and our region, and our employees – especially our first responders and mission-critical employees – have been doing everything they can to continue serving our region under extremely challenging circumstances. Regardless of when the order is lifted, our operations will not return… Read More
Employee News 