Update on our services in Safe Start Phase 2 

Crossposted from Tails from RASKC  King County is now in Phase 2 of Gov. Inslee’s “Safe Start” plan, another step forward as we work to carefully and gradually recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. Our focus at Regional Animal Services of King County continues to be helping people and pets safely as our region emerges from the public health emergency.  Many of our services can be accessed online or by phone from the comfort of your home, including animal control response, lost and found pet services, and pet licensing. Phase 2 allows many businesses and service providers to assist in-person… Read More

The virus hasn’t let up and we can’t either 

Crossposted from Public Health Insider  On June 19, King County was approved for Phase 2 of the Governor’s Safe Start plan. Phase 2 allows for twice the capacity in retail, restaurants, and other businesses previously allowed in King County’s modified Phase 1 and goes into effect immediately.  There are several new things that we can do in Phase 2.  We can now enjoy eating out a favorite restaurant—and it will be roomy because capacity is limited to 50%.  You can shop more easily to get what you need at a clothing store.  You can gather… Read More

King County enters Phase 2 of Safe Start recovery plan 

King County’s application to enter Phase 2 of Gov. Inslee’s Safe Start recovery plan was approved by the state Department of Health last Friday, allowing many businesses following the state guidelines to operate at double the capacity of the modified Phase 1.  Following approval by state Secretary of Health John Wiesman, King County has officially entered Phase 2 of the state’s Safe Start recovery plan to allow limited business re-opening. Phase 2 allows for twice the capacity in retail, restaurants, and other businesses  Read more in the official press release. 

Emergency Deployment Program needs your administrative and project management skills   

Do you have administrative, finance, data entry or project management skills and want to assist with King County’s response to the coronavirus? If so, we need you! As King County continues to respond to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and keep our workforce, workplace, and community safe, there is an urgent need to fill administrative-related roles within the county. These opportunities for temporary work redeployment are available to employees who can assist with COVID-19 related concerns. In support of the county’s mandatory telecommuting order, most roles can be done remotely. Some assignments can… Read More

Some good news 

Crossposted from the Captain’s Blog  We interrupt this beautiful day to bring you beautiful news – more water taxi service is floating your way starting Monday, June 22!  As Washington State moves forward with its “Safe Start” plan, the Marine Division is enhancing service on the water taxi routes to Vashon Island and West Seattle starting next week. Both routes will operate a Monday to Friday commuter schedule.  This means that service will triple over its current level of service.  Read more. 

Featured Job: Public Defense Investigator 

Salary : $36.22 – $45.91 Hourly  Location: Seattle, WA  Job Type: Multiple job types-career service and/or temp  Department: DPD – Public Defense  Job Number: 2020SE11769  Closing: 6/30/2020 11:59 PM Pacific  Learn more about this position or view all available positions. 

King County Metro restores some transit service starting June 22  

Crossposted from Metro Matters   With stabilized workforce levels and the state’s “Safe Start” plan moving forward, King County Metro will restore service on dozens of bus routes, increase water taxi service, and partially restore Via to Transit on Monday, June 22.   The move fully restores 23 bus routes that were canceled in March and April and adds trips to other routes. A few recently canceled peak commuter routes will be restored, while other routes will remain suspended due to financial constraints and lower anticipated ridership.   The result is Metro will operate more… Read More

Community support: Helping seniors stay safe at home during COVID-19 

Crossposted from Community Connections  The growing senior population in King County has been facing unprecedented challenges due to COVID-19.  Our Veterans, Seniors and Human Services Levy (VSHSL) funded senior centers have prioritized keeping their community of seniors safe while adapting typical service delivery and developing new ways to meet clients’ needs.  Below, we feature three VSHSL-funded senior centers that have found creative ways to serve seniors during this challenging time.  Read more. 

Mindfulness Classes: Back by popular demand, multiple dates  

As we continue to maneuver through this very difficult time in our society, it is important that we manage our mental health and stress levels. Balanced You heard from employees that Mindfulness Classes have helped alleviate some of the anxiety many are experiencing, so we are continuing to provide them through August. In this two-hour workshop, we will review the various aspects of mindfulness practice, the ways mindfulness can help reduce stress, reactivity and burnout, and the science that supports the practices. The workshop includes hands-on learning of several simple but effective… Read More

Financial resources for King County employees 

COVID-19 has resulted in urgent financial needs for many households. Fortunately, there are ways King County employees can receive financial help. Read this Balanced You blog post for information on T. Rowe Price and My Secure Advantage.