Employee Resource/Affinity Group Policy

Dear King County employee, As we continue to build a supportive, respectful, and equitable workplace culture at King County, we are committed to providing opportunities and spaces for employees to come together, share their experiences, and work to advance our Equity and Social Justice Strategic Plan. Executive Constantine recently signed the Employee Resource/Affinity Group Policy, which formalizes the work of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), also known as affinity groups. These groups are employee-led and focus exclusively on state- and federal-protected categories – such as race, gender, and sexual orientation – and their common… Read More

New employee discount for Disney on Ice and Sesame Street Live 

Employees can now take advantage of discounted savings for two upcoming family shows:  Disney On Ice presents Mickey’s Search Party at the accesso ShoWare Center in Kent, WA, Oct. 30-Nov. 4, 2019. Order tickets before the deadline on Wednesday, October 23, 2019 at 11 a.m.   Sesame Street Live! Make Your Magic is also coming to the acesso Showare Center in Kent, WA, Dec. 11-12, 2019. Tickets must be ordered before the deadline on Friday, December 6, 3029 at 11 a.m.   Tickets for either show can be purchased by calling 866-248-8740, option 1. For questions call the number or email FeldDirectGroups@feldinc.com. Savings will be applied at… Read More

Video provides hope, guidance to parents whose children are removed by CPS 

Crossposted from For the Defense  One of the most painful experiences a parent can face is the removal of their child by Child Protective Services. A new video by the King County Department of Public Defense explores this difficult issue, profiling two parents who experienced both removal and reunification and who have guidance to offer others as a result.  The video also highlights the value of dedicated public defenders in child welfare cases. “My public defender – she’s the reason I got my son back. She didn’t give up on me. She directed me,… Read More

Training Spotlight: Communication and Problem Solving Skills

Communication and Problem Solving Skills, Oct. 16: This one-day training will address communication and problem-solving skills with the public and with co-workers. This class covers skills for effective listening, speaking, dealing with conflicts and with defensive behavior. Register and learn more.  View more training and development opportunities at www.kingcounty.gov/learning. 

KCIA employees cut ribbon at new Activity Center 

Employees at the King County International Airport (KCIA) celebrated the opening of the airport’s first-ever Activity Center on August 28. Located at the Maintenance Shop, 6518 Ellis Ave. S., the Activity Center features full-service exercise equipment including treadmills, a stationary bicycle, free weights, stability balls, and more. The ribbon-cutting event also featured personal trainers, who showed employees how to use the equipment. The center is open to all King County employees from 6 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.  “We encourage employees to take some time to get up from their desks for… Read More

Pet of the Week: Slinky 

Slinky is a 4 year-old, female, shorthair cat (A524490). Her personality color is BLUE, meaning she is a gentle and loving cat who likes to take things slow. She may get nervous in new situations, so she is looking for a family who understands that she might need some time to warm up. Once she gets to know you, she is a very playful and affectionate girl! Slinky has lived with young children and other cats in the past and did not seem to enjoy them, so she would prefer a quiet… Read More

Featured Job: Communications Specialist III 

Salary: $61,360.00 – $77,750.40 Annually  Location: Seattle, WA  Job Type: Career Service, Full Time, 30 hrs/week  Department: DPH – Public Health  Job Number: 2019EY10528  Closing: 9/17/2019 11:59 PM Pacific  Public Health’s Digital Communications Lead will serve as part of Public Health – Seattle & King County’s Communications Team, which is a unit of the Office of the Director. S/he will carry out a wide range of external and internal communications functions that support goals and activities that protect and improve our community’s health. The candidate selected for this position will be an outstanding… Read More

Supporting the mental health of employees 

Anyone can experience the challenges of mental illness. It does not discriminate based on race, age, gender, ability or identity.   King County and Balanced You support the mental health of employees in many ways. Whether you’re seeking help for yourself or a loved one or trying to learn more, there are many tools available to you. Visit Balanced You’s website or check out this Mental Health Resource Sheet for a list of community resources, counselor directories, benefits information, and more.   Together we can learn more, change the conversation and continue building a stronger, more supportive environment for all. 

Panel Discussion on Mental Health, Recovery, and Suicide Prevention: Sept. 25, 2019 

September is National Recovery Month and National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.   Join us Wednesday, September 25, for a panel discussion on actions and resources to support mental well-being and a mentally healthy workplace. The panel will feature representatives from Public Health, Community and Human Services, Metro Transit, and Human Resources, along with King County’s Chief People Officer Whitney Abrams.    Through this discussion, we join others around the nation in celebrating the millions of people who are in recovery from mental health and substance use disorders, reminding us that treatment is effective and… Read More

Benefits and Retirement Fairs Oct. 15 and 16

Do you want to better understand your King County benefits before Open Enrollment starts on Nov. 1? Do you have questions about your retirement? King County is hosting benefits fairs where you can meet with benefits and retirement plan vendors. The fairs give you an opportunity to learn more about your options and ask questions—so that you can plan ahead for your and your family’s well-being. There’ll also be raffles, prizes, and giveaways: Oct. 15 and 16, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. King County Elections, Alvine Room, 919 SW Grady Way, Renton Many of the… Read More