Award-winning communications: DNRP brought home national awards in four categories 

Crossposted from Keeping King County Green King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks (DNRP) is excited to announce that we received awards in four categories from the National Association of Government Communicators, the most prestigious awards in our industry. The Blue Pencil and Gold Screen Awards were announced during this year’s national conference hosted on April 19 in Portland. Working Without a Net We received first place in the Working Without a Net category for a hosting a dual livestream aboard our research vessel, SoundGuardian, as scientists measured the underwater noise of Puget Sound that… Read More

King County takes part in Women in Trades Fair

Several King County departments participated in last Friday’s Women in Trades Fair at Seattle Center. Hear from two Wastewater Treatment Division (WTD) employees – operators Alyssa Moreno and Kylie Turner – about their experiences in their jobs and working at WTD. Follow King County on LinkedIn for news about fellow employees, job opportunities, county initiatives, and more.

Congratulations to the Executive’s Performance Excellence Awards winners

Congratulations to the winners of the 2022 Executive’s Performance Excellence Awards, which honor employees and workgroups at King County who bring a Best-Run Government approach to their work, and have made exceptional contributions in performance, leadership, and innovation. In a series of videos, several King County leaders, including King County Executive Dow Constantine, announced the recipients of the eight Performance Excellence Awards: five innovation awards – people, cost, service, sustainability, and equity and social justice – and three leadership awards – for people leaders, individual contributors, and the Fred Jarrett Leadership Excellence… Read More

Exciting employee discounts available this summer

King County employees can take advantage of many exclusive discounts this summer. These include stays at Great Wolf Lodge, visits to Woodland Park Zoo, home buying classes and information, gym memberships, different mobile phone plans, and more. To view all available employee discounts, visit www.kingcounty.gov/employeediscounts.

Mental health resources: Employee Assistance Program

For Mental Health Month, Balanced You is highlighting mental health resources to help employees in times of need. The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a free and confidential county resource that provides county employees with counseling and coaching around work related concerns and problems, including: Workplace stress Coaching and consulting Conflict with co-workers Supervisor support Opportunities and changes in the workplace EAP is for employees only. To make an appointment with an EAP counselor, call 206-263-8733, or email HRDEAP@kingcounty.gov. An EAP counselor will respond to you within 24 hours.

Second Professional Development Scholarship application period now open

The second and final application period for the 2023 Coalition Labor Agreement Professional Development Scholarship is now open. This period will remain open May 8 – June 4, 2023, to pay for training that will begin anytime between July 1 – Dec. 31, 2023. Awardees for this second period will be notified via email no later than July 21, 2023. For more information and to see dates for the 2024 program year, go to the Professional Development Scholarship website, watch the Employee Information Session video or email ScholarshipFund@kingcounty.gov. The scholarship is part of the County’s commitment to Investing… Read More

The Federal COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Declaration ends May 11, 2023. What does this mean for you?

Crossposted from Public Health Insider When the COVID-19 pandemic first began here in the US, the federal government put in place special emergency declarations that allowed them to rapidly respond to the spread of COVID-19 as well as addressing financial barriers to COVID-19-related care. On May 11, 2023, the Federal Public Health Emergency Declaration ends, which means there will be changes to how some people receive COVID-19-related care, like testing, treatment, and vaccines. Unfortunately, COVID-19 is not over The expiration of the emergency declaration does not mean that the pandemic is over… Read More

Warren Kagarise named Social Media Professional of the Year

Warren Kagarise, digital engagement manager, was recently named Social Media Professional of the Year by Government Social Media. Warren, a member of KCIT’s Design and Civic Engagement Team since 2017, works with King County departments and agencies to improve social media strategy, policies, and content, and enhance digital engagement through email, text messages, and other tools. The Social Media Professional of the Year award honors a social media professional in government who is known in the space for their work, while being committed to supporting and teaching fellow communicators. Warren accepted the… Read More

Executive proclaims May 12 as Provider Appreciation Day

In recognition of their contributions to the communities and families they serve in King County, the region, and the country, King County Executive Dow Constantine has proclaimed May 12 as Provider Appreciation Day. “King County recognizes that the child care workforce has been a lifeline for families, communities, and the economy and as such, has taken steps to prioritize equitable access for families and increased workforce wages through its Best Starts for Kids initiative, and child care health and safety through Public Health’s Child Care Health Program,” Executive Constantine said in the… Read More

Hot weather is on the way

Hotter than normal weather is forecast for our region. Here are some tips from Public Health – Seattle & King County to help you manage the heat: Get more tips and advice on Public Health – Seattle & King County’s hot weather webpage.