Supporting working parents as schools return to in-person learning
Many school districts in our region have either restarted in-person learning or announced plans to restart in-person learning. Seattle School District middle and high school students are returning to in-person classes April 19. The return to in-person learning may create additional challenges for working parents and employees may need additional schedule flexibility or need to take leave during this learning transition. We have provided some options below to support employees with school-aged children. Please work with your supervisor and seek approval when pursuing these options, and consult your HR Manager for more… Read More
Vaccine eligibility is expanding March 31
On Wednesday, March 31, Washington is expected to open COVID-19 vaccine eligibility to those who qualify under Phases 1B tier 3 and/or 1B tier 4. This includes all people age 60 and older, people 16 years or older with two or more co-morbidities or underlying conditions, people, staff and volunteers in certain congregate living settings, and additional high-risk critical workers in certain congregate settings. You can see who is eligible for the vaccine when in this Department of Health chart. You’ll find a helpful list of everyone who’s currently eligible in Washington under… Read More
Updates on telework, return-to-work plans, and COVID-19 vaccines
from Whitney Abrams, Chief People Officer On Monday, March 22, Washington state will enter Phase 3 of Governor Inslee’s Roadmap to Recovery when more activities and gatherings with increased capacity will be permitted as long as social distancing, face mask, and hygiene guidance is followed. While this is good news, we must continue to be vigilant against the virus which is still spreading in our community and its more contagious new variants. We need to continue to wear masks, stay at least six feet apart, washing our hands, and limit gatherings to… Read More
What to know about getting the COVID-19 vaccine
Our state is now in Phase 1a and Phase 1b, Tier 1 and Tier 2 for vaccine distribution and many King County employees who have been on the front lines during the pandemic are now eligible, including staff working in congregate settings in public transit, corrections, courts, and first responders not covered under earlier phases. If you are eligible for a vaccine, you are encouraged to look for open appointments across all current options available to you, and not wait: Call your doctor’s office or health care provider to see if they have… Read More
Unlimited FSA carryovers now allowed
New legislation provides relief to employees who may not have been able to use all of their Flexible Spending Account (FSA) funds during the pandemic. The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 COVID-19 relief bill signed into law on Dec. 27, 2020, allows a temporary change to FSAs to help employees avoid losing funds. If you have a Health Care or Dependent Day Care FSA, any unused funds in your FSA account from last year will be rolled over and available for use this year. The rollover of funds from 2020 to 2021 will happen automatically… Read More
Free scooter rides offered to essential workers in Seattle
As LINK prepares to expand in the city of Seattle, the company is offering essential workers who qualify a $50 credit for free scooter rides. Workers in the health care, education, public transit, janitorial and food services industries can apply for the one-time credit by submitting proof of employment and attaching a photo of their work badge, identification card or pay stub — with personal information hidden. LINK will approve or reject each person’s request within one week. Sign up here. For information about employee transportation benefits, visit the Employee Transportation Program (ETP)… Read More
Update your life insurance beneficiaries
Life and disability insurance are important to those who depend on you for financial security. Survivor benefits provide financial assistance in your absence. It’s important to review and keep your beneficiaries up to date for the life and accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) coverage you have through King County. By designating a beneficiary, you ensure the person of your choice receives the proceeds. If you have not designated beneficiaries, you will be receiving two emails and a home mailer from the life and AD&D insurance plan manager, Securian Financial, the parent company… Read More
COVID-19 Child Care Reimbursement Program now available
A new temporary program will provide $500 to $5,000 tax-free to those in the Regular Employee Benefits Group to reimburse them for child care provided during the 2020/2021 school year. The COVID-19 Child Care Reimbursement Program was created by King County management and unions in the Joint Labor Management Insurance Committee (JLMIC) in response to the overwhelming impacts of COVID-19 on working parents. It is funded with $9M from the Protected Fund Reserve of the JLMIC. Who can participate? If you are enrolled in the Regular Employee Benefits Plan, you can be… Read More
Special Online Event for Veteran and Military Employees, January 21, Noon – 1:30 p.m.
King County is hosting a special online event for veteran and military employees on Jan. 21. Employees and family members are invited to join us for one or all of the virtual presentations below. Register HERE (open only to King County employees and family members). Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Award Presentation Noon – 12:15 p.m. King County Executive Dow Constantine will accept the Pro Patria Award from the Washington State ESGR Committee. The Pro Patria Award is presented annually to one small, one large, and one public sector employer… Read More
Protect yourself from unemployment fraud
With additional stimulus and unemployment payments on their way to many Americans, please be aware that scams and fraud attempts are expected to rise. Last year, Washington state experienced an alarming rise in fraudulent unemployment claims as victims’ identities were used to file false unemployment claims with the Employment Security Department (ESD), including here in King County. Please see our recommendations for how you can protect your identity and finances, as well as steps to take if you are a victim of this fraud. To protect yourself from fraud Employees should consider setting up… Read More
Employee News 