Updated mask guidance for employees 

King County has released updates to its Guidance for Workforce, Operations, and Customer Service Recovery and Temporary COVID-19 Personnel Policy, and has provided new guidance on face masks. Under the updated policy, “individuals should use county provided masks or substantially similar masks in the workplace. Bandanas, gaiters, buffs, vented masks and face shields are not permitted substitutes for masks” (Temporary COVID-19 Personnel Policy, page 9). Face masks must be worn properly in order to avoid contaminating the hands or face of the user. The County has cloth masks available for all employees to use… Read More

New support and resources to help employees during COVID-19 

King County has announced some new financial resources, tools, and policy decisions to help employees manage during this pandemic and make our work sites safer for everyone.  The new resources include support setting up remote workspaces, more options for flexible work schedules, support resources and leave options for parents with school-aged children at home, and updated guidance on wearing face masks at work. The Guidance for Workforce, Operations, and Customer Service Recovery has also been updated and divided into two separate guides with specific information for employees in one guide, and managers and supervisors in… Read More

Creating Effective Application Materials – online, Sept. 1 

King County Career Support Services staff will provide you with strategies and tips on making your application materials stand out. This training will include:  Understanding the purpose of the job application, resume, cover letter and supplemental questions and how to make each of them more effective  Deciding what to include in your resume and the best format to showcase your qualifications  How to write a cover letter tailored to the specific position  Identifying and showcasing your accomplishments  This workshop will be held via Zoom Tuesday, Sept. 1 from 1-3 p.m. Register here.  Additional courses are available… Read More

FMD saves the day with quick plumbing fix 

Crossposted from DES Express  When the plumbing backed up recently at the Jefferson Day Center on Fourth Avenue and Jefferson Street, initial estimates said it might take two weeks to fix, requiring digging up a busy downtown street. That also would mean a full closure for the center, which offers a safe place from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. for adults experiencing homelessness. The staff offers a cup of coffee, snacks, showers, laundry, on-site case management, and connections to housing and employment services in addition to shelter upstairs.  Read more. 

King County dedicates $41 million to COVID-19 related rental assistance and eviction prevention 

Individuals and families throughout King County economically impacted by COVID-19 due to illness, lost wages and unemployment may apply for assistance through the King County Eviction Prevention and Rent Assistance Program announced by King County Executive Dow Constantine. The new program dedicates $41.4 million for emergency housing aid and is expected to assist 7,700 to 10,000 households across the region.  “Many people are facing serious challenges due to COVID-19 and the loss of health or income, leaving them extremely vulnerable to eviction,” said Executive Constantine. “This emergency program will forestall the loss of housing and… Read More

Video: August 24, 2020 Update on COVID-19 in King County with Dr. Jeff Duchin 

Crossposted from Public Health Insider  Watch the recording of the August 21, 2020 media briefing with Dr. Jeff Duchin, Health Officer for Public Health – Seattle & King County. Dr. Duchin spoke with reporters and answered questions about the latest status of COVID-19 spread in King County. The briefing addressed the latest trends in cases, the role social gatherings are having locally, and what we can all do now to reduce transmission during the sweet-spot before our weather turns colder. 

One month of summer left: If you can, take a vacation

If you want to take advantage of the warmer weather and sunshine, there’s only one month until we reach fall, so maybe it’s time to take a vacation if you can. While an overseas vacation or trip to a favorite destination might be on hold now during the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s important to remember that a vacation from work allows the body and mind to rest. It allows us to pursue other activities and think about things unrelated to our jobs and careers. We can focus on our family, share laughter with… Read More

Now recruiting 2020 Ambassadors! 

Even when we’re apart, we can act together to make a difference. It’s part of who we are as King County Employees. Now, more than ever, the Annual Giving Drive is important for our community, for each other, and for ourselves.   It will look and feel different, but the joy and purpose is the same. You will get bring your creativity to life, expand your technology and digital communications skills, and bring joy while building community and connection for your teams. The program is a vast resource for us as we navigate… Read More

CHOMP! 2020 Online Celebration 

CHOMP! Summer Camp is just around the corner with great virtual programming lined up. From August 24 to 28 you can tune in each evening to check out new content, including a potato zucchini fritter demo, a virtual farm tour at Dandelion Fuzzies Minifarm, how to make a flute out of a carrot, gardening tips from Viva Farms and much more!  Now in its sixth year, CHOMP! celebrates all that is fresh, delicious, local and sustainable in King County. The event supports King County Executive Dow Constantine’s Local Food Initiative by highlighting local farms and farmers, chefs and… Read More

King County awards COVID-19 relief grants to regional science organizations, arts and culture, and independent live music venues 

King County provided $2 million in one-time grants to science, arts and culture organizations, and independent live music venues disrupted by COVID-19 across the region. The program is tailored to organizations that draw tourists and is designed to ease the economic burden of the pandemic while also increasing public health measures.  With $2 million of funding backed by the federal CARES Act, King County awarded a total of 62 grants in three categories:  Music venues (35 awards)     • Arts, culture and science educations organizations (21 awards)     • Science organizations (6 awards)  The grant funds… Read More