Advice from EAP during Mental Health Month: Finding safe connection while social distancing
Social distancing is one the strongest tools we have to save lives and slow the spread of the coronavirus. Yet for many of us, the practice is difficult; while social distancing keeps us and others safe, it also challenges our important need for connection. Whether you live alone or in a home full of people, practicing social distancing can lead to feelings of isolation, which can take a toll on your mental health. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help combat isolation and stay safely connected, both online and offline,… Read More
Mentoring Lunch and Learn online session, May 26
Would you like to have a mentor, someone who can help you grow professionally? Do you want to strengthen your coaching skills? As a Mentee, you will have a trusted advisor who can help you navigate complex situations, and as a Mentor, you can uncover new or forgotten skills and build influence. If the thought excites you, join King County’s Mentoring Program by signing up for a monthly online sessions to uncover more about mentoring and search for a Mentor, Tuesday, May 26, 2020 from noon to 1 p.m., register here. This session is live via Zoom…. Read More
Celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, May 2020
This year the King County Asian Pacific Islander Affinity Group (API) has developed several events and resources to share API culture, support the API community, and learn more about Asian American and Pacific Islander history. Volunteering at Danny Woo Garden, Wednesday, May 27, 2020 from 1-4 p.m. Contact Sung Cho to volunteer. Asian Americans PBS Series discussion, Thursday, May 28, 2020 from noon to 1 p.m. Join on Zoom. The API group has also put together resources to help employees learn how they can better support the Asian American and Pacific Islander community. Consider supporting a local… Read More
Unemployment fraud is escalating. Learn how to protect yourself
Washington State is seeing an alarming rise in fraudulent unemployment claims as victims’ identities are being used to file false unemployment claims with the Employment Security Department (ESD), including here in King County. Some individuals who have not filed an unemployment claim have received notification from ESD indicating that a claim as been filed on their behalf. The State is taking this seriously and reviewing its internal processes to identify and prevent these fraudulent claims going forward. This may slow down processing, but is being done in the interest of claimants. Please… Read More
Extension of mandatory telecommuting through Sept. 7
Dear fellow King County employee, For almost three months, we have been working together to stop the spread of COVID-19. By maintaining social distancing, changing the way we deliver services, telecommuting wherever possible, implementing measures to keep front line staff safer, practicing good hygiene and, now, wearing cloth face masks, we have helped to flatten the curve in King County and save countless lives. These changes haven’t always been easy, and I am grateful for your willingness to adapt and embrace these new and necessary precautions in the interest of our community… Read More
Updated guidance for mandatory telecommuting
On May 21, 2020, King County Executive Dow Constantine extended mandatory telecommuting for all Executive Branch employees who are currently telecommuting through Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, except where there is an operational need to physically return to the workplace. Employees in other branches (definitions below) of County government will receive guidance from their leaders. Read the Executive’s announcement here, and please see our updated guidance below. First responders: Employees designated as first responders have the highest duty to report to work as directed in emergency conditions. Given the unique situation of the COVID-19… Read More
Translating video guidance helps keep people safe
Public Health – Seattle & King County has launched a Public Service Announcement (PSA) video entitled, COVID-19 Community Guidance, in different languages to support the diverse communities that make up King County and connect them to life-saving information. Employees from all over King County contributed to the videos, working to overcome language barriers by providing extensive language translations. Two of the employees who participated in this video project and translated information are Dr. Eyob Manzengia, Assistant Division Director for Environmental Health in Public Health, who translated in Amharic, and Silvia Rus, Health and… Read More
Rev Up For Retirement online seminar, June 10
It’s never too soon to start retirement planning. If you’re considering retiring in the next few years, the Rev Up For Retirement class will provide you with a basic understanding of Medicare and Social Security to help you make wise and informed decisions. At this online event, you will have the opportunity to ask questions and meet guest speakers Kirk Larson from the Social Security Administration and Jean Cormier, who will discuss your Medicare and Social Security options. For Medicare, this will include Part A; Part B; Part D; supplements; Advantage Plans;… Read More
Stopping the COVID-19 pandemic depends on having the right supplies. Where can you get 5,000 masks?
Meet the team — from our King County Office of Emergency Management, Public Health – Seattle & King County and other county departments, as well as volunteers — tracking down thousands of masks and hundreds of gallons of hand sanitizer to keep healthcare and frontline workers safe.
Elliott Avenue modular pilot project opens to offer shelter beds and services to fight COVID-19
King County Executive Dow Constantine invited media to join in a tour of the newly completed Elliott Avenue enhanced shelter located at 551 Elliott Avenue West in Seattle that will offer safe housing and 24/7 onsite services for about 45 people currently experiencing homelessness. King County Councilmember Jeanne Kohl-Welles who represents Council District 4 joined the tour, along with staff of Catholic Community Services, the contract service provider. The location is opening to further King County’s efforts around shelter de-intensification, reducing the density of existing congregate shelters that pose a danger for… Read More
Employee News 