King County buildings open Monday, June 1

King County buildings will be open to employees on Monday, June 1. We will notify you if activities today alter this plan. All employees who are currently telecommuting should continue to do say per prior guidance. Our guidance remains the same for first responders and mission-critical employees for the Executive Branch. The following entrances incurred some superficial damage during the weekend’s protests and will be closed tomorrow for repair work: King County Courthouse – 3rd Avenue Entrance – CLOSED. Access the building via 4th Avenue Entrance or the tunnel from the Administration Building…. Read More

Supporting each other and our community during COVID-19  

With a guiding vision of “Making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive,” King County employees are thinking about how best to support each other and our community through this pandemic. Though we are not all on the front lines, the actions we take are critical to the success of those who are.   Balanced You supports King County employees in living the “We Are One Team” value by providing tips on how you can do what you can, where you can to support the efforts of our front line… Read More

Interactive webinar series for managers and supervisors, June 3  

The Learning and Development Team within the Department of Human Resources is offering a live, interactive webinar series for managers and supervisors entitled Leading Remotely in Times of Uncertainty. The next webinar in this series, Staying Steady for Yourself and Your Team, will be held Wednesday, June 3.    This webinar will focus on how being a leader is a tough job during the best of times. In order to effectively lead a team, it is helpful to use self-care skills that can enable leaders to stay steady during the COVID-19 response- and beyond. By the end… Read More

Guidance for employees under City of Seattle curfew

Dear employee, People in King County and across the country are demonstrating against racism, hate, and violence against black people and people of color in the United States, sparked by the killing in Minnesota of George Floyd, who died with a white police officer’s knee pressed to his neck. Seattle Mayor Jenny A. Durkan has announced a 5 p.m. curfew effective today, Saturday, May 30, and Sunday, May 31. Employees are advised that per the curfew, they should remain in their residence to the extent possible and should refrain from traveling in… Read More

Featured job: Medic One Project/Program Manager I 

Salary: $69,136.29 – $87,634.14 Annually  Location: Medic One – Kent, WA  Job Type: Career Service, Full Time, 40 hrs/week  Department: DPH – Public Health  Job Number: 2020NH11699  Division: Emergency Medical Svcs  Closing: 6/3/2020 11:59 PM Pacific  Learn more about this position or view all available positions. 

HRA VEBA Plan webinars, June 9 and June 11 

Employees are invited to learn about their HRA VEBA Plan benefits in an online webinar. Topics will include plan features, using the plan, covering expenses, investment options, and getting help. A Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) in a Voluntary Employees’ Beneficiary Association (VEBA) provides a tax-free rollover of leave cash-outs to an HRA VEBA Trust at retirement. These funds are used to pay for eligible out-of-pocket health care expenses and premiums. Employees who retire from a group that voted to participate in either or both of the HRA VEBA options, will automatically be… Read More

Community without contact: Supporting innovative farmers through CSAs, online markets, and farm stands 

Crossposted from Keeping King County Green  All aspects of the local food economy have been impacted by the COVID-19 crisis, and farmers are on the frontline making sure food is harvested, packed, and delivered in a way that prioritizes safe, healthy food for consumers. However, like many industries, farmers are facing financial hardship as sales outlets are limited or effectively gone as a result of COVID-19 restrictions.  During these uncertain times, many farmers are getting creative to help consumers access fresh local food with online ordering, delivery services, and new pickup locations. The… Read More

Mental Health Month week four: Supporting others 

For the last week of Mental Health Month, Balanced You is focusing on the topic “supporting others.” Widening our view from self-care to collective care by supporting others’ mental health is important, especially during the ongoing pandemic, which has increased stress for so many.  While you may not be able to fix someone’s mental well-being, there are simple things you can say or do to help people in your life who are struggling. Actions such as practicing active listening by giving your complete attention to the person talking, asking how you can… Read More

An update on our services 

Crossposted from Tails from RASKC  COVID-19 UPDATE: Pet adoptions resumed by appointment-only Monday, May 11 at 6 a.m.  Due to COVID-19, our adoption process has changed. Adoptions of our animals from our Kent shelter have switched to an appointment-based system. Please visit our pet adoption page to learn about this new process. For more information about the COVID-19 outbreak, visit kingcounty.gov/covid.  Our number one priority at RASKC continues to be focused on delivering our mission of “Helping People and Pets.” We are honored to be of continued service to our communities, both in person when needed… Read More

Recognizing Metro operators for their dedication and commitment 

The Seattle Times recently highlighted how the public is saluting Metro operators with bubbles and joy in an article from their Stepping Up series, which focuses on “moments of compassion, duty and community in uncertain times.”  The article shares how residents prepare for the next bus to drive by to show their appreciation. “Then the self-proclaimed ‘Bubble Brigade’ hooted and hollered, waved signs of support and blew kisses and bubbles at the lumbering yellow and blue buses that rolled by and occasionally reciprocated the sidewalk salute with two loud horn honks.”  Read the full article in The Seattle… Read More