Executive Constantine submits $87 million emergency COVID-19 budget for drive-through testing in South King County, housing, and childcare 

King County Executive Dow Constantine has transmitted an emergency supplemental budget to the King County Council for the fourth time since the COVID-19 outbreak. The $87 million proposal includes funding for new test sites, housing, and arts organizations.  The $87 million emergency supplemental budget provides funds for one-time investments to help in the health and economy recovery of King County.  Included in the budget is $11 million for at least two drive-through/walk-up testing sites in South and East King County that can provide 500-1,000 tests per day. Public Health – Seattle &… Read More

Learn about the proposed 2021-2022 budget

Dwight Dively, Director of the Office of Performance, Strategy and Budget, has recorded a short video about the proposed 2021-2022 budget. In the video, he discusses the uncertainties we’re facing as we plan for the next two years, the budget shortfalls in several funds, and the County’s commitment to investing in anti-racist policies. “My team in the Office of Performance, Strategy and Budget is currently reviewing budget proposals and developing recommendations for the County Executive,” Dwight said. “There are still many unknowns and a lot of work to do between now and… Read More

New name for DHR division   

As the Benefits, Payroll and Retirement Operations Section of the Department of Executive Services (DES) gets set to join the Department of Human Resources (DHR) in 2021, DHR’s existing Employee Health and Safety Division (EHSD) will be renamed Central Employee Services Division (CESD), effective Jan. 1, 2021.   This change will more accurately reflect the full suite of services that the expanded division will provide beginning next year.   Employees in BPROS and EHSD took part in a survey to name the division. While Employee Services Division (ESD) received the highest number of votes… Read More

Ride Away Your Stress, Safely and Affordably! 

Crossposted from the Public Health Insider  By Emily Devora Hops, UW MPH Student, Violence and Injury Prevention Unit  When you are stressed out, what do you do to relax? Did you know that physical activity reduces levels of the body’s stress hormones?  In fact, exercise releases brain chemicals that improves mood. During times of high stress, riding a bicycle is a great way to improve your physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. Biking can help you get to where you need to go and be a rejuvenating social activity to do with family, friends or alone.  Within King County,… Read More

WW now offering live, interactive Virtual Workshops 

WW now offers live, interactive Virtual Workshops, led by a WW coach that will support you on your wellness journey. During Virtual Workshops, you’ll be connected with other WW members based on your hobbies and lifestyle. There are also groups for your favorite activity, age, location, and more.  Sign up for WW at www.WW.com/wellness and enter King County Access ID: 33139. All King County employees and benefits-covered spouses or state-registered domestic partners are eligible for WW discounted rates and a 50% subsidy. For more information, contact balancedyou@kingcounty.gov. 

King County receives award for employee engagement program

King County recently received an ACE Award from Confirmit for improvements made in employee engagement as a result of its annual surveys and an employee-led action plan process to address issues identified in the survey. King County was further distinguished by being named the Judge’s Choice in the Employee Experience category and was the only public sector winner in any category. Confirmit’s 5,000 clients from around the world were eligible to apply. “This accomplishment was achieved by the collective efforts of employees and managers at all levels of our organization over the… Read More

Featured Job: Principal Accountant

Salary: $82,825.60 – $104,998.40 Annually Location: Seattle, WA  Job Type: Career Service, Full Time, 40 hrs/week  Department: DES – Executive Services Job Number: 2020JM11949 Division: FBOD-Finance & Business Ops Closing: 8/16/2020 11:59 PM Pacific  Learn more about this position or view all available positions

Automated, online Employment and Income Verification services available to all employees

We want to remind you that all King County employees can use InVerify, an Income and Employment Verification service, to access verification of County employment. In order to better serve you, King County has partnered with InVerify to meet all of your verification of employment needs. By automating this process, we are ensuring speedy, secure, auditable, and legally compliant responses to assist you in obtaining: Loans, home mortgages, new jobs, rental qualifications, and Social Service benefits such as temporary assistance, housing assistance, child support, or nutrition assistance. It’s one more way we’re Investing… Read More

Bridging the Gap Between Community and Systems 

Crossposted from the Zero Youth Detention blog  Willard Jimerson, Jr. grew up in Seattle’s historically African American Central District neighborhood. Raised by a loving grandmother and grandfather, young Will could never have predicted that just six weeks after his 13th birthday he’d become a ward of the state and spend the rest of his childhood in America’s adult prison system.  One fatal and catastrophic moment on a late night in 1994 changed everything. The kid who once fancied himself a charming and mischievous prankster, who loved playing arcade games and pick-up football, was gone. … Read More

Tips and resources for employees living alone during the pandemic 

Social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic presents unique challenges for people who live alone. While those living alone do not have to navigate boundaries with housemates, they may be faced with more difficulty finding social connection.  Social connection is an integral part of mental and emotional well-being, and social isolation can lead to feelings of anxiety and depression. To support employees living alone, Balanced You has developed the following list of tips and resources for you to consider during these uncertain times. Visit Balanced You’s blog for more information.