New apprenticeship program to create long-term, diverse workforce 

Crossposted from DES Express  Three heavy-duty mechanic apprentices joined the Fleet Services team earlier this year, the first in a new apprenticeship program designed to grow the workforce from within. The program is also aimed at diversifying what has traditionally been a white male workforce.  Mason Keselburg started Jan. 13. Christina “Tina” Taylor and Michael Domiquel both started on Jan. 27. They have all graduated from a trade school, with Keselburg as a recent graduate. Taylor will be Fleet’s first woman mechanic and Domiquel identifies as Asian.  Read more from DES Express

Volunteer to be a Ballot Drop Box Closer for March 10 

Looking for some Election Day excitement? Meet your neighbors and continue your commitment to public service by volunteering as a drop box closer. Drop box closers are the friendly face the public sees on Election Day, ensuring that every vote is counted, and every voice is heard. Who: You and your co-workers What: Closing ballot drop boxes across King County When: Election Night – March 10 from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Where: A drop box location near you Most voters wait until Election Day to return their ballots, with drop boxes seeing the most traffic in… Read More

Ongoing Coronavirus response, February 18  

As we continue to respond to novel coronavirus (COVID-19), Public Health is committed to providing up-to-date information to King County employees. Below you’ll find links to our most recent blog posts, as well as travel guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  Planning for a novel coronavirus update: What you can do to prepare at home, at work and in the community – Our Public Health Insider blog features an interview with Dr. Jeff Duchin, Health Officer, about how we can prepare at home, at work and in the community… Read More

FLASH program leads the way

King County’s FLASH is a comprehensive, widely used sexual health education curriculum developed by Public Health – Seattle & King County that is designed to prevent teen pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases (STD), and sexual violence, by utilizing a behavior change framework. “I think it’s important for people to know that FLASH is a public health intervention program, making it a very different type of curriculum,” Kari Kesler, FLASH Educator Consultant, said. The curriculum is continually updating in order to provide the most accurate information. It has been adopted in every school district… Read More

Changes as a result of the Employee Engagement Survey

Since King County began conducting an annual Employee Engagement Survey, your feedback has shaped how we invest in YOU. These investments have had a measurable impact on the employee experience. Through the annual Employee Engagement Survey, employees said they wanted: Opportunities for career growth and skills development. A respectful workplace where people feel valued for their unique contributions. Strong follow through on our commitment to Equity and Social Justice (ESJ). Work-life balance and other supports for personal well-being and mental health. In response to these concerns, we acted on your feedback and:… Read More

Employee discount available to Monster Energy AMA Supercross and Monster Jam 

Employees can now access discounted tickets to Monster Energy AMA Supercross and Monster Jam at CenturyLink Field in Seattle during March and April 2020. Monster Energy AMA Supercross is Saturday, March 28, 2020. Click here for instructions for the discount. Monster Jam is Saturday, April 4, 2020. Click here for instructions for the discount.   See all available discounts on the Employee Discount page. 

Training Spotlight: February training opportunities 

The Department of Human Resources’ Learning and Development team is hosting several trainings this month, including:  Conflict Management for Women (Two Session) Workshop: Feb. 19 and 26, 2020. Register here.  Time Management/Working Smarter: Feb. 21, 2020. Register here.  Excel – Level 3: Feb. 22, 2020. Register here.  Intro to Strategic Planning: Feb, 24, multiple dates. Register here.  View more training and development opportunities at www.kingcounty.gov/learning. 

Two weeks away: Buses shift to smoother, more reliable trip when Columbia Street reopens on 2/22 

With the Alaskan Way Viaduct out of the way, we’re putting the finishing touches on Columbia Street, transforming the street to connect buses between Alaskan Way and Third Avenue – one of the nation’s busiest busways. Opening Feb. 22, the new bus connection will be smoother and more reliable, bypassing previous freight train delays in SODO. (View map here.). New bus stops also will be within a block of Washington State Ferries at Colman Dock and the Metro Water Taxi at Pier 50, and buses will now carry riders from the waterfront to the… Read More

Be safe, plan your trip 

Check out the latest safety video with suggestions on how to be safe when walking to and from your workplace or other destinations. A few of the top tips:  Wear clothing and shoes that are comfortable, low profile and appropriate for the weather.     Don’t carry too much. Overloading yourself can make you appear vulnerable.    If you must carry a purse, carry it close to you.     Never carry a wallet in your back pocket.  Avoid walking alone.  Walk or travel with a friend.     In the downtown core, consider asking Facilities Management Division Security at 206-296-5000 for… Read More

Featured Job: Alternative Dispute Resolution Mediator 

Salary: $96,362.03 – $122,144.67 Annually  Location: Seattle, WA  Job Type: Career Service, Full Time, 40 hrs/week  Department: DHR – Human Resources  Job Number: 2020EM11334  Division: Career and Culture  Closing: 2/24/2020 11:59 PM Pacific  Learn more about this position or view all available positions.