Is it time for a vacation?
(Updated July 17, 2023) Sometimes we get so caught up in the demands of our personal and work lives that we forget that our bodies and our minds need a regular break. Vacations help us relax, unwind, and recharge. Taking time off also reduces stress, anxiety, and depression, all of which can lead to serious health issues such as heart disease, high blood pressure, insomnia, and fatigue. Vacations also make you feel good and happier with life, while protecting against burnout. Whether we’re able to catch a flight or hit the road,… Read More
Volunteer to close a ballot drop box
The Primary election is just around the corner and King County Elections is looking for volunteers to help close ballot drop boxes on election night, Aug. 1. Under state law, ballot drop boxes close at 8 p.m. sharp on Election Day. As a volunteer drop box closer, you will be paired with Elections staff to close a drop box, provide customer service, and hand out I Voted stickers. No experience is necessary! Election Day is Tuesday, Aug. 1 and Elections is looking for volunteers from about 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Sign up and join… Read More
King County Green Schools Program recognizes 67 schools, two school districts, and 88 student Green Teams for resource conservation efforts this school year
Crossposted from Keeping King County Green As the 2022-23 school year draws to a close, King County Green Schools Program recognizes 67 schools, two school districts, and 88 student Green Teams for their waste reduction and other resource conservation practices – that’s more than twice the total number of schools as last year. Issaquah School District and Tahoma School District earned recognition as Sustaining Green School Districts for their environmental initiatives in 2022-23. Led by the County’s Solid Waste Division, the Green Schools Program helps King County schools and school districts to start and… Read More
ESJ Strategic Plan Refresh seeking administrative professional support
The Equity and Social Justice (ESJ) Strategic Plan Refresh project needs your expertise and is seeking 8-10 administrative professionals to support 3-4 affinity spaces. Overview of tasks include: Creating meeting materials and logistics support Notetaking Scheduling, coordinating, and communicating resources Supporting hybrid meeting spaces Partnering with facilitators to support participants including breakout sessions First meetings will occur from July 31 – August 9, with additional meetings occurring every 3-4 weeks. Onboarding will be provided in late July with regular facilitation planning occurring before each meeting. To join the ESJ Strategic Plan Refresh… Read More
Second Professional Development Scholarship Award Letters and round up
All award letters for the second period of the 2023 Coalition Labor Agreement’s Professional Development Scholarship Program have been sent to the scholarship recipients. This second period saw 41 employees receive over $100,000 in scholarship funds. In total, the 2023 program awarded $180,000 of the $225,000 budgeted. Approximately $45,000 will be carried over into the 2024 program year for a total budget of about $270,000. The 2024 scholarship year will open September 6, 2023, and will be for training that starts anytime between January to June 2024. Employees interested in applying for… Read More
Ken Guy receives the 2022 Fred Jarrett Award
FBOD Director Ken Guy has been honored with the Fred Jarrett Award, one of King County Executive’s Performance Excellence Awards which highlights a department or division leader who demonstrates leadership excellence. The Fred Jarrett Award is one of three Leadership Excellence Awards honoring King County leaders who embody the Executive Branch values and drive for results that make King County better for employees and customers, and move King County closer to its True North: Making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. Ken Guy has served as Director of the Finance… Read More
Kelsey Urban joins Risk Management Services as Deputy Director
Crossposted from the DES Express Kelsey Urban is the new Deputy Director of King County’s Office of Risk Management Services. “I’m confident that she will lead with vulnerability, compassion, collaboration and trust,” said Christine Oh, Director of Risk Management, in an email to leadership. Kelsey comes to King County from the City of Renton, where she led their risk management team for the past five years. She brings 20 years of experience in leadership, including more than ten years of service in the U.S. Navy as an officer and helicopter pilot. Read more.
FMD plays a starring role in new film production studio
Crossposted from the DES Express Actors, directors, producers and others from the film industry converged on the new Harbor Island Studios late last month along with members of the community to celebrate the grand opening of King County’s new film production studio. The studio, a converted flour mill in a hulking 117,000 square-foot warehouse on Harbor Island, was made possible in part by DES’ Facilities Management Division, in partnership with the Office of Economic Opportunity & Creative Economy, the Executive’s Film Advisory Board, KCIT, contractors and others. Read more.
BIPOC Mental Health Month: Accessing culturally responsive mental health care
Balanced You recognizes the resiliency and strength within the Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities. We also recognize that one’s background and identities can present unique experiences, specific barriers, and opportunities to accessing mental health support; BIPOC and underrepresented communities face additional barriers including structural racism, access to quality care, and cultural stigmas. As a King County employee, you have access to comprehensive health care coverage, including mental health coverage. We have been working with our providers to reduce barriers to access. Most employees have medical plans through either Kaiser Permanente or… Read More
Administrative Professionals Q2 Recognitions published
Celebrate the great work of the County’s Administrative Professionals and read about their accomplishments in the 2023 Q2 Recognitions. King County Administrative Professionals are a large part of King County government’s workforce and valuable contributors to the success of every department. They support and provide direct services to internal customers and the public. Administrative Professionals may include, but are not limited to, Administrative Specialists, Office Assistants, Executive Assistants, Customer Service Specialists, Dental and Medical Assistants, Court Clerks, and more. To show your appreciation and recognize an Administrative Professional that you’ve worked with, click here.
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