Drew Thompson, finalist for the Clean Tech Alliance Energy Leadership JEDI Award
Cross-posted from Clean Water Stories Drew Thompson, Resource Recovery Project Manager for King County Wastewater Treatment Division, was recently a finalist for the 2022 Energy Leadership JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion) Award. The award, given by the Clean Tech Alliance, recognizes those who perform outstanding work to make the energy sector more equitable, support climate justice and diversity in the sector, and foster an inclusive ecosystem. Read more.
Christine Oh named new Director of Risk Management
Christine Oh has been selected as the new director of the Office of Risk Management Services (ORMS) in the Department of Executive Services (DES). She begins her new position on Dec. 24. “Christine has the experience, professionalism and management skills to lead the Office of Risk Management Services into the future,” said Caroline Whalen, Director of DES. “She brings both continuity and a new perspective to the county’s nationally recognized program.” Christine has been serving as Interim Director for ORMS since Jennifer Hills took a new position as Deputy Chief Operating Officer… Read More
Coast Salish Ways: Cultural practices woven across generations
Fellow King County colleagues Annie Kirk and Bryon Davis show us the importance of place and connection to culture, land and water as being essential to how they move through this world. A practice not done simply for one’s own, or families benefit but also an honoring, reclaiming, and living of cultural practices on behalf of future generations and the continuation of life in balance. With this video we can see the importance of storytelling, language learning, practicing traditional arts and crafts, and canoe journey serving as a bridge for the spirit… Read More
King County and Chief Seattle Club announce first residents moving into new Health Through Housing building in Pioneer Square
King County Executive Dow Constantine announced the latest opening for Health Through Housing: Salmonberry Lofts, a newly constructed building providing 76 units of permanent supportive housing in Pioneer Square. The building will welcome the first residents later this month and is being operated by Chief Seattle Club, an organization with a local footprint in the Pioneer Square neighborhood. Read more.
Leave donation programs updated for 2023
Beginning Jan. 1, 2023, King County’s donated leave programs are being replaced by two similar programs that better comply with IRS tax requirements. This includes the employee-to-employee donation program and the Emergency Leave Donation Fund started during COVID-19 pandemic. Donating leave Employee-to-Employee Medical Donated Leave Program: You can donate leave to another employee as follows: Any amount of your accrued vacation time and up to 25 hours of your sick leave per year, as long as you have 100 hours or more of sick leave remaining. Emergency Medical Leave Fund: You can… Read More
Compassion fatigue and burnout: What they are and how to recover
The ongoing pandemic and seasonal illnesses, stressful end-of-year work assignments, additional holiday activities – these and other factors can lead to compassion fatigue and burnout. Understanding the cause of compassion fatigue and burnout is essential in protecting yourself from these common conditions. There are numerous techniques and tips for how to prevent this from happening to you. Read more.
Sheriff’s Office HR Heroes
Cross-posted from Sheriff’s Office Weekly Newsletter General Counsel Erin Overbey and Chief Jeff Flohr, Technical Services Division, recently presented the King County Sheriff’s Office Human Resources team with a Meritorious Service award for their service and dedication the past few years. This group navigated ever-changing protocols and worked on expediting the background process to improve hiring practices, all while never compromising the standards and core values of the Sheriff’s Office. According to Chief Flohr, this team is always quick to respond to requests, research problems that arise, and smooth out problems. And they… Read More
Executive Constantine proclaims ‘Terry White Day’ for retiring Metro General Manager
In celebration of the retirement of King County Metro General Manager Terry White, King County Executive Dow Constantine declared Dec. 12, 2022, as “Terry White Day” in King County. White was recognized by the County Executive for understanding the power of transit to “help build healthy communities, a thriving economy and a sustainable environment.” Read more.
Local health care leaders recommend wearing masks indoors
Cross-posted from Public Health Insider Communities across Washington and around the U.S. are experiencing an unprecedented surge in viral respiratory illnesses, including respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza, and COVID-19. Health officers and health care leaders working to improve the health of Washington residents recommend that everyone wear a high-quality, well-fitting mask when around others in indoor spaces to protect against both acquiring and spreading these infections to others. Read more.
Washington Paid Family and Medical Leave rates to increase Jan. 1
Premium rates for Washington’s Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) program will increase on Jan. 1, 2023, as follows: The PFML program is funded by premiums collected from employees and employers in Washington state. By law, the Employment Security Department recalculates the premium rate annually in October based on program usage and premiums collected the previous year. More than 154,000 individuals claimed benefits in 2022, paying more than $1 billion in benefits to Washington workers. To learn more about PFML rates, go to the Premiums Calculator on the Washington PFML website. For… Read More
Employee News 