Operational changes as we respond to novel coronavirus

In the spirit of slowing the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and keeping a healthy workforce, we are implementing some short-term changes to our operations. Meetings: All non-essential King County in-person large group employee meetings and gatherings will be canceled through March 2020. Please work with your supervisors and use good judgment about which meetings are essential and limit the number of people present where possible. Conduct essential and non-essential meetings using Skype or teleconference where practical. Telecommute: Employees whose work can be performed through telecommuting are encouraged to do so with… Read More

Addressing issues with application process for state PFML 

As employees have begun to file for payments under the state’s Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) program, King County has become aware of issues with the application process.  It has been brought to our attention that when employees are completing the fields of the initial benefit account on the Employment Security Department PFML website there are some challenges.  Based on the personal information employees enter as part of the application process, the Employment Information auto-populates. King County’s current Name includes “DNRP/WTD” and related address.  Please accept this information as your employer. King County… Read More

Connect with health care professionals using telehealth tools 

Your King County medical plan offers you and your covered family members several ways to obtain medical advice and care from the comfort and safety of your own home. These telehealth services are offered at little or no additional cost to you. For Regence BlueShield members (KingCare and KingCare Select) Doctor on Demand, available 24/7. Cost is $10 per visit. Connect with a board-certified physician or therapist from your smartphone, tablet, or computer. Download the Doctor on Demand app from the App Store or Google Play. You’ll need your Regence member ID number to register…. Read More

Help stop the spread of novel coronavirus

With the announcement of new cases of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and the loss of five lives in King County, it is critical that we each do our part to stop the spread of the virus. Public Health – Seattle & King County has issued the following advice, and will continue to update you as advice changes: Do not go to the emergency room unless essential.Emergency rooms need to be able to serve those with the most critical needs. If you have symptoms like cough, fever, or other respiratory problems, contact your regular… Read More

Increased cleaning service in response to COVID-19, March 2

Dear King County colleagues, Effective immediately, Facilities Management Division (FMD) has implemented additional cleaning protocols in efforts to sanitize highly touched surfaces such as door handles, elevator controls, and conference rooms. These protocols will be utilized on a reoccurring basis as we respond to novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Thank you for your support of these additional actions. For steps you can take to prevent spread of germs, click here. For facilities questions or concerns, please contact FMD Customer Care Services at 206-477-9400. Customer Care is available Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30… Read More

Minimizing the spread of novel coronavirus

*This post was updated March 2* It is important that we each do our part to minimize the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19). As always, stay home while you are sick and avoid close contact with others, and make use of sick leave. Please ensure you discuss absences with your supervisors and follow your department’s sick leave policies. Do not go to the emergency room unless essential. Emergency rooms need to be able to serve those with the most critical needs. If you have symptoms like cough, fever, or other respiratory problems, contact… Read More

Watch coronavirus press conference at 11 a.m today, March 2

Dear employee, You can tune in to this livestream at 11 a.m. today, where state and local officials will provide updates on the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) situation. King County Executive Dow Constantine will announce an Emergency Declaration, and immediate actions to assist in treatment. Speakers include: Dr. Jeff Duchin, Health Officer, Public Health – Seattle & King County King County Executive Dow Constantine Officials from EvergreenHealth Hospital Dr. Kathy Lofy, State Health Officer, Washington State Department of Health Patty Hayes, Director, Public Health- Seattle & King County. Watch the livestream here (starts at… Read More

Employee discount for Hausera

 King County employees will receive a 5% discount on kitchen faucets, bar faucets, and bathroom sink faucets from Hausera. Enter coupon code HAUS2020P at checkout. Not valid on shipping and handling charges. Not valid on prior purchases. Offer may not be combined on any other purchases, offers, discounts, or coupons. Single use only.  See all available discounts on the Employee Discount page. 

Join us at the King County School-to-Work Transition Fair 2020 

Crossposted from Cultivating Connections  These two great events are coming up soon and we need your help to promote them. Our goal is to reach more parents, students and teachers to join us at the fair. Even if you are not involved in this community per se, check out the fair–it truly is special! The first fair will be held at the Microsoft Commons on Thursday, February 27, and the second at Highline College on Saturday, March 14.  Help us by sharing this blog post  Share our YouTube video–it’s less than a minute long! Watch… Read More

Census awareness campaign underway 

Crossposted from DES Express  Every ten years, the federal government counts every person living in the U.S. through a national census.  The results help determine how funding is distributed for the next decade — for things like our schools, affordable housing, hospitals, and public transportation. The count also determines how many representatives our state will have in Congress, and how district lines are drawn for legislative bodies like the King County Council.  Read more from DES Express