Trading a sick day to help end homelessness
Team members from King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks (DNRP) Director’s Office traded a sick day to volunteer with Sound Foundations NW (SFNW) and be part of the solution to end homelessness in our community. At the Hope Factory in SODO, they worked as a team on an assembly line to construct the frame of a tiny home which will provide shelter for someone experiencing homelessness. This tiny home is 96 square feet and will be set-up at the new Friendship Heights Village at Aurora and 125th in Seattle later… Read More
Meaningful ways to thank a veteran for their service
This article is courtesy of the King County Veterans and Military Affinity Group This Veterans Day, America will pause to honor those who have served in the military. Most Americans hold those who have served in high regard, yet sometimes are unsure how to properly thank a veteran without unintentionally saying the wrong thing, appearing intrusive, or somehow offending them. While it is customary to offer a “thank you for your service” to veterans, you could instead say: “Thank you for putting your life on hold to serve our country.” “Thank you for the… Read More
Showing support for employees who serve in the U.S. National Guard or Reserves
This article is courtesy of the King County Veterans and Military Affinity Group People join the National Guard and Reserves for a variety of reasons. Participating in the Guard and Reserve enables them to continue with their civilian jobs while still serving our country and being part of something greater than themselves. Their success and ability to focus on their varied missions depend on the support they receive not just from their families but also from their employer, direct supervisor, and fellow co-workers. King County is truly proud to have more than… Read More
KingCare Select members: Choose your Primary Care Provider
A Primary Care Provider (PCP) can make a big difference in your health by delivering continuity of care. This means you and your PCP establish a partnership over time to achieve the best possible health outcomes. Next year, if you are enrolled in the KingCare Select medical plan, you must choose a PCP and let Regence know who you selected by calling them at 888-367-2112, visiting regence.com/pick-a-pcp, or emailing cs@regence.com. If you’re not sure which medical plan you are enrolled in, check your medical ID card or login to PeopleSoft and go to the… Read More
Supporting veterans and military organizations through the 2021 Annual Giving Drive
As part of the 2021 Annual Giving Drive, we are highlighting nonprofits whose work supports organizations committed to veterans and military issues. These and hundreds of nonprofits are participating in this year’s Annual Giving Drive. Hitching Rail Wellness Center and Retreat (10019) – Provides a center which utilizes horses as a curative tool for helping the recovery of military veterans and first responders who are suffering from P.T.S.D. Operation Restored Warrior (4186) – Healing veterans of PTSD through a life-changing five-day program at no cost to the veteran. Led by combat veterans. USO Northwest (9585)… Read More
Powering regional recovery by inclusion
Every October, King County recognizes Disability Employment Awareness Month, celebrating the many contributions of people with disabilities to our communities, workforce, and country. As part of our everyday values, King County employees have been working to expand inclusion in the workforce, civic life, and recreation. During the coronavirus pandemic, inclusion means making sure that people with disabilities have access to the basics: food, transportation options, and access to vaccines and health care. In 2021, the Disability Awareness Month Committee gathered stories about King County employees working to improve accessibility, provide services, and… Read More
Domestic Violence Advocates build meaningful relationships with survivors
October was Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and in observance, it is important to highlight the work King County is doing to support survivors of domestic violence in King County. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, on average, nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the U.S., resulting in over 10 million people each year. Here in our region, in 2020 the number of domestic violence-related felony charge referrals, the most serious legal filing, did not decrease, despite temporary court closures, the statewide stay at home… Read More
Vets 4 Hire program expands funding
The Vets 4 Hire program, which offers on-the-job learning experiences for veterans, is now approved to offer King County agencies up to a full year of financial support when hiring military veterans into veteran fellowship experiences, doubling the amount previously available. The program, financed by the Veterans, Seniors & Human Service Levy, reimburses King County departments to cover half of the veteran’s wages up to a maximum of $7,812 after six months of the veteran’s experience. If the department wants to extend the veteran’s experience another six months, up to an additional… Read More
King County employees launch Disability Affinity Group
The King County Disability Affinity Group hosted an official kick-off and held its first informational session on October 25. The launch of this new affinity group (aka employee resource group) is an important piece in furthering the County’s commitment to disability equity, and reaching our True North, “Making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive.” The Disability Affinity Group aims to serve the disability community through fellowship, by providing support, and in the co-creation of equitable policies, practices, and approaches – all in service to the disability community, including King County employees. The affinity group is supported by the Office of Equity and Social Justice (OESJ) and the Department of Community & Human Resources (DCHS). “We look forward to working in… Read More
Get the most from your King County employee benefits
Open Enrollment for 2022 benefits continues until Friday, Nov. 15. Get the most out of your robust King County employee benefits package by finding out what’s offered in 2022 and by participating in Open Enrollment. Attend a virtual information session: Learn about the 2022 benefit changes and get your questions answered at live information sessions hosted by the Benefits Team. This event is offered on a variety of days and times to accommodate your schedules. Register here: Open Enrollment Education Session or here: Transit Open Enrollment Education session Watch an Open Enrollment… Read More
Employee News 