Reminder on mask requirements for employees
On June 30, 2021 King County Executive Dow Constantine announced updated mask requirements for Executive Branch employees: If an employee has provided verified proof that they are fully vaccinated (see definition below), the employee is not required to wear a mask while working. If an employee has not provided verified proof of full vaccination, the employee is required to wear a mask when working indoors, outdoors, and when in an enclosed space with others (for example, when multiple people are in a vehicle). The only time the employee is not required to… Read More
King County Pro-equity Actions
You, as an employee may have different (and better) approaches; but here are some first steps about how you can incorporate the four pro-equity actions in your work at the County. For each approach ask “how will I advance this pro-equity action with the urgency needed to help address the public health crisis which is racism?” If we do these things every day, individually and collectively, WE WILL make a difference and WE WILL reach our True North of “Making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive.” Share power…. Read More
New process for voluntarily providing vaccination information
On June 30, Executive Constantine announced the next phase in our COVID-19 pandemic, which includes updated requirements for wearing masks and a new process for employees to voluntarily provide vaccination information. If an employee chooses to do so, the employee can provide proof that they are fully vaccinated by either: Initiating the COVID-19 Vaccination Declaration process through their NEOGOV Dashboard (click on Dashboard > Forms > COVID-19 Vaccination Declaration) and attaching a copy of an official document (see list below), OR Showing one of the following to an HR professional or other… Read More
Jail Health Services new deputy director brings deep background
Cross-posted from Roll Call, the DAJD newsletter Angela (Angie) Hosking recently joined Jail Health Services (JHS) as Deputy Division Director, offering a wealth of behavioral health experience in her new role. Before joining King County, she served as the Director of Organizational Development at Western State Hospital – one of the largest psychiatric hospitals in the country. “I am so excited that she has joined our team, and she has already started immersing herself into our practice and operations,” JHS Director Danotra McBride said in an introductory email. Soon after being named… Read More
Wastewater Treatment Division reaches out for input on accessibility options at a popular trailhead
by Monica Van der Vieren, Communications Specialist, Department of Parks and Natural Resources What is the first King County agency that comes to mind when you think about accessible recreation? You probably didn’t say the Wastewater Treatment Division (WTD). But WTD’s Coal Creek Sewer Upgrade Project team is focused on that important topic right now and looking for input from the community. WTD’s pipes thread their way throughout the region, moving wastewater from city systems to treatment plants. Pipes run through parks, under trails, roads, and streets, across tidelands and wetlands…. Read More
Updated guidance on masks and Future of Work planning
Yesterday Gov. Inslee announced that most coronavirus restrictions in Washington would end today. This is great news and signals that, for those who have been fully vaccinated, we can begin to get back to the things we love doing without restrictions. As we move into the recovery and rebuilding phase of the pandemic, we need to remember that the pandemic is not over, and COVID-19 is still present in our communities. Those who have yet to get vaccinated remain at risk, and we need to be mindful of virus variants. Following the… Read More
Community Corrections Division recognizes Sabrina Gorman for her many years of service
Cross-posted from Roll Call, the DAJD newsletter Sabrina Gorman started her career with King County 25 years ago as a Corrections Officer in Seattle back in 1996. She was then hired in 2000 as a Personal Recognizance Investigator at the Maleng Regional Justice Center. At the time, the position was under “Court Services,” which is now known as Intake Services and is part of the Community Corrections Division. What Sabrina likes best about her current position at the Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention (DAJD) is the variety of work duties, which… Read More
Take care working outdoors during extreme heat
Our region will once again experience extremely hot weather tomorrow, and high temperatures are expected to continue before moderating later in the week. Some of our work needs to be performed outdoors. Executive Branch departments should evaluate planned field work to determine if this work can be postponed to later in the week when temperatures are expected to moderate, where possible. If work must be performed, departments should attempt to adapt schedules wherever possible so work can be performed in the morning. Please see the following guidance and tips (this guidance applies to… Read More
Nature-lover leads West Point Treatment Plant updates
When first contacted about this story Kolby Hoagland started off telling about this great place he knows in the Mt. Rainier National Park for trout fishing. He mentioned the joy of the hike and the beauty of the location. Kolby is the type of person who is made for life in this region. “If it has something to do with the outdoors, I do it,” he said. “Fishing, gardening, soccer and anything in the snow…that doesn’t involve a motor.” It might sound surprising that someone who has a passion for the great… Read More
King County corrections officers line up for vaccines at clinic
By Noah Haglund, DAJD communications specialist One by one, King County corrections officers rolled up a sleeve to get a dose of COVID-19 vaccine. Officer Marcus Barrow was among those attending a June 15 clinic at the downtown Seattle jail. Dropping in during his shift helped Barrow fit in the appointment between work and family obligations. “I saw an opportunity and I took it,” Barrow said. “It was an easy, quick, painless process.” Employee Health staff hosted the clinic, giving doses to 13 employees at the King County Correctional Facility in Seattle…. Read More
Employee News 