Coronavirus response update, February 26

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 post, an update on the current risk in King County, travel recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and an anti-stigma social media tool kit recently developed by Public Health.   What happens if coronavirus spreads here?   With continuing spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak to more countries, it is increasingly likely that we will see a worldwide spread… Read More

Five questions with Judge Jim Rogers, Superior Court 

Why did you start in your role with King County?  I was elected as a Judge in 2004. I ran because I was interested in the job through my prior work as a law clerk. I had tried many cases in civil and criminal arenas and I wanted to stay in the courtroom. What do you do in your role?  My current role is as Presiding Judge, which means I work on the case flow (distribution) of the work of the Court, setting policies and overseeing the budget process.  As a trial… Read More

King County Affinity Groups provide an opportunity for connection and impact 

In July 2019, King County’s Executive Branch adopted a policy for employees to participate in Employee Resource Groups during their work time. These Employee Resource Groups, also called Affinity Groups, are led by employee volunteers, and are formed around protected categories set by local and federal anti-discrimination law. Some of the categories included are race, gender, and sexual orientation, among others. “The groups promote equity and social justice, foster employee engagement, strengthen workplace effectiveness, improve leadership abilities, and enhance personal and professional growth within King County,” said Janine Anzalota, Equity and Civil Rights… Read More

Apply to the 2020 Balanced You Worksite Fund

How do YOU want to be healthy and well at work? Today, we are excited to announce the launch of the 2020 Balanced You Worksite Fund to help you and your co-workers bring your own creative ideas and solutions to to creating a work-place that feels healthy and supportive . During 2019, the Worksite Fund supported 43 projects designed by and for employees across King County. Projects included a certified therapy dog to help employees reduce stress, self-defense classes to help employees feel safer, physical activity equipment and yoga classes to help… Read More

Featured Job: Superintendent – Vehicle Maintenance 

Salary: $116,486.45 – $140,823.49 Annually  Location: Multiple locations in King County, WA  Job Type: Multiple job types-career service and/or temp  Department: MTD – Metro Transit  Job Number: 2020TB11350  Division: Vehicle Maintenance  Closing: 2/27/2020 11:59 PM Pacific  Learn more about this position or view all available positions. 

Pet of the Week: Dapper

Crossposted from Tails from RASKC  Who is this handsome gentleman? Why it’s Dapper, our Pet of the Week!  This affectionate lovebug would be thrilled to cuddle up with you at home. Dapper is a young pittie mix who is full of energy and loves to play. He tends to calm down more when the people around him are calm. Because he has lots of energy, Dapper does best when he gets lots of exercise and something to keep his mind busy. Read more.   View all available pets at www.kingcounty.gov/adoptapet. 

Reflecting on the history of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. logo 

This month during Black History Month, we are reflecting on why King County adopted the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. logo, and what it means to be the only county in the United States named after the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.  King County changed its logo in 2007 from a gold crown to an original graphic image of civil rights leader and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.  Dr. King is an international icon for justice, equality, and peace, and the logo is symbolic of those same… Read More

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