Navigating a pandemic within a pandemic: Coping and care for Black communities 

Crossposted from Public Health Insider  Prior to and throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, another crisis has been taking place for communities of color, particularly for Black individuals of all genders. We are facing ongoing racial trauma and distress that impact every aspect of daily life – including mental health. Racism is a public health emergency that affects us all. As we experience, educate, and encounter it on a systemic and institutional level, we must commit to taking care of ourselves and our communities as well. Below are several resources and ideas to consider:  Determine what amount… Read More

BECU discount available for employees 

With BECU, King County employees who apply by Sept. 30, 2020, can receive a $150 statement credit on cash back credit cards. There is also a 0% intro APR for 12 months. This offer is valid July 1 – Sept. 30, 2020. Find out more. Free financial education webinars are also available: self-paced and in-person.   View all available discounts at www.kingcounty.gov/employeediscounts. 

Featured Job: Positive Family Connections Program Manager – PPM II TLT 

Salary: $37.42 – $47.44 Hourly  Location: Seattle, WA  Job Type: Term Limited Temporary, Full Time, 40 hrs/wk  Department: DCHS – Community & Human Services  Job Number: 2020SC11822  Division: Children & Youth Services  Closing: 7/19/2020 11:59 PM Pacific  Learn more about this position or view all available positions. 

Pet of the Week: Mouse 

Hi! My name is Mouse and I am available for adoption. Generally, I’m a nervous kitty and I like to hide in the back of my kennel. But if you go slow and give me little scratches, I’m super duper friendly! With that being said, if you give me lots of awesome hidey spots at my new home I will be even friendlier because I will feel safer! My personality color is BLUE. I am a gentle and loving cat who likes to take things slow. I may get nervous in new situations, so… Read More

Increasing cases of COVID-19 in King County highlight the need to limit close contact 

Crossposted from Public Health Insider  Public Health—Seattle & King County continues to monitor cases, hospitalizations and deaths from COVID-19 and has noted an increase in cases over the past two weeks. Public Health expects to see some increase in cases as we get back to work and other activities in the community because there are more opportunities for COVID-19 to spread.   It’s been one week since King County moved into Phase 2 of the Governor’s Safe Start plan. With more re-opening of businesses, community activities and contact with one-another, Public Health—Seattle & King County is… Read More

I have Pride! 

With social distancing, Pride may look and feel different this year. In our “I Have Pride” video, King County Metro riders, employees, and family members show we can still Ride with Pride! For more ways to engage with Metro and 2020 Pride, go to visit the King County Metro Matters blog. 

Webinar for employees: How are you?: A Conversation on Emotional Health, July 8 

As we continue to navigate life during the COVID-19 era, our mental and emotional health is likely shifting. We may experience waves of different emotions, ranging from fear and anxiety to grief and gratitude. And, we may struggle with how to understand or regulate them.  Join Shawna Johnson, Balanced You Employee Health Specialist, and Heather Steffensen, Interim Employee Assistance Program Manager, for How are you?:  A Conversation on Emotional Health. During this live, interactive webinar facilitators will share some of the feelings that may be arising during the pandemic, techniques and tools to regulate… Read More

Guidance for Workforce, Operations, and Customer Service Recovery

Dear employee: These unprecedented times have challenged us in ways we never imagined. Throughout, you have demonstrated unfailing commitment to our community and personal and professional resilience in the face of massive change. You have proven time and again your expertise and dedication to public service, inspiring the country to follow your lead and inspiring me daily with your efforts. We have a True North guiding vision to make King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. Our value of Racial Justice is foundational and will guide us in all… Read More

Consider donating to the Emergency Leave Program 

The Emergency Leave Donation Program was developed so that King County employees who have been affected by COVID-19 can request donated leave. When the program debuted, many employees generously donated personal leave to support their colleagues. Now, the program is asking employees to again consider donating personal leave to the program, as the paid leave available is running low.  Employees interested in supporting colleagues affected by COVID-19 can donate accrued sick and vacation leave in two different ways:  Using PeopleSoft to make donations. Learn how by viewing this PeopleSoft Emergency Leave Donation guide (SharePoint), or viewing this short video (also below) from the… Read More

If you’re living with a long-term health condition, these free programs can improve your quality of life 

We know that for many people, daily life looks a little different right now. As we continue to adapt, it’s more important than ever to take care of ourselves — especially if you’re living with  a long-term health condition. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 6 in 10 adults in the United States have a long-term health condition (also known as an “ongoing condition” or a “chronic disease”). Doctors generally define long-term health conditions as lasting three or more months, and many don’t have cures. Diabetes, cancer, heart disease,… Read More