When staying home isn’t safe: Domestic violence in King County during a pandemic
Crossposted from Public Health Insider The Governor’s Stay Home Order, business closures and other strategies helped slow the spread of COVID-19. Unfortunately, the social isolation and stress resulting from these efforts, combined with less access to external supports, may be increasing the occurrence of family violence. Using data from emergency department visits, the legal system and the National Domestic Violence Hotline, Public Health – Seattle & King County released a new report comparing 2020 domestic violence patterns to the prior year. Within the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, people continue to seek out domestic violence… Read More
Access paratransit brings food to 10,000 families in need during pandemic
Crossposted from Metro Matters October is Disability Awareness Month – a month to honor individuals whom our King County Metro Access paratransit team celebrates all year long. Metro’s Access paratransit service provides around one million trips each year to our Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) customers, allowing them to maintain independence and have access to whatever they need to thrive. It’s just one way Metro lives out its mission to provide mobility for all. In a pandemic, that mobility has looked a little different: Access paratransit has mobilized both people and the food… Read More
Pet of the Week: Maxwell
This senior boy is a super sweet adventure cat! He was brought in by his previous family this spring because they were moving. While with us, he’s wandered around the cat building checking things out (with supervision of course), and wasn’t bothered by the other kitties. Unlike many cats, Maxwell would love to go on walks outside on a leash and harness. Maxwell lived with another cat, and his previous family described him as shy but loving. We’ve noticed that he’s definitely an affectionate lovebug who would be thrilled to cuddle up… Read More
You returned your ballot, now track it
Our democracy works best when everyone has the opportunity to make their voice heard. Now make sure your vote counts. You can track your ballot to make sure that your vote was counted. Use the My Voter Information tool on the King County Elections website. If an issue with your signature comes up, you’ll be able to see that there and get it fixed so we can count your vote. If you have any questions, reach out. Contact King County Elections by email at elections@kingcounty.gov or call 206-296-VOTE (8683). Feel free to share that you’re tracking… Read More
Open Enrollment begins Nov. 1 and ends Nov. 15
Make the most of your robust King County employee benefits package by making informed decisions for next year during Open Enrollment, Nov. 1 – 15. Here’s how you can learn more: See what’s changing next year. Register for a live Open Enrollment information session. Watch the Open Enrollment Overview video. Find out about the updated PeopleSoft Open Enrollment tool by watching the Completing Open Enrollment with PeopleSoft video or reading the Open Enrollment PeopleSoft Guide. Go to the Open Enrollment website. When you are ready, Go to Open Enrollment Nov. 1 – 15. If you have questions about your benefits or need help with Open… Read More
Reminder: 2020 Halloween tips from Public Health
Crossposted from Public Health Holidays are going to be different this year, no question about it. But we all need to have some festivity, especially in the midst of the all we’ve had to deal with this year. Halloween has some good celebration options since many activities can be outside and mask wearing is part of the holiday, but there are still some risks with COVID circulating. Public Health has tips to prevent illness, help our community stay on track for reopening, and still retain some of the spooky and sweet flavor… Read More
Supporting animal welfare through the 2020 Annual Giving Drive
This week, we are highlighting nonprofits whose work supports animal welfare. These and hundreds of nonprofits are participating in this year’s Annual Giving Drive. Best Friends Animal Society (5007): For 30+ years, we’ve run the nation’s largest no-kill sanctuary for companion animals and built effective programs reducing the number of animals entering shelters. Eastside Audubon (994): We work to protect birds, other wildlife, and our community’s natural resources through education, advocacy, community science, and habitat restoration. Marine Mammal Center (2792): Thousands of orphaned, sick and injured marine mammals would have died if not for our state-of-the-art animal care and research… Read More
King County is moving to Teams – Learn to make a call
By now, many employees have been notified that Skype is retiring and King County is moving to Teams. Most employees will move by the end of the year, and KCIT will let each person know multiple times by email when that happens for them. For those employees wondering how Teams will work for their phone calls, the process is super easy. Below is a sneak peek at the new Teams screen showing how to make a call. KCIT will let each employee know when Teams phone calls are turned on. Moving to Microsoft Teams is a big change, and KCIT is here to make… Read More
Extension of mandatory telecommuting through July 5, 2021
Dear fellow King County employee, This has been a challenging year. We’ve had to radically change many aspects of our lives. The way we work has shifted dramatically for all of us, whether you are working onsite and remotely. First responders and employees delivering in-person services continue to do extraordinary work, adjusting to new safety measures and protocols. Teleworkers have adapted to new technology and changes in the way services are offered. Employees with school-aged children are juggling multiple roles, while the demands of work remain. I thank you for your efforts…. Read More
Learn about the Benefit Access Fee
Are you covering a spouse or state-registered domestic partner on your King County medical plan next year? If so, a monthly Benefit Access Fee may apply, depending on the medical plan you choose and your employee benefit group, as shown below. The Kaiser Permanente SmartCare medical plan has no Benefit Access Fees. If you are eligible for an exemption to the Benefit Access Fee, you must select this each year during Open Enrollment, Nov. 1–15. Benefit Access Fee exemptions If your benefit group and medical plan have a Benefit Access Fee, it automatically applies each year…. Read More
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