Young attorneys make a difference through Prosecutor’s internship program
The King County’s Prosecuting Attorney’s Office recently mentored and trained a group of nine young, ambitious second-year law students, giving them firsthand experience into the work of a prosecuting attorney. The intense, 13-week Rule 9 Internship Program gives law students the opportunity to practice the law under supervision by handling real cases. “We have an extremely diverse class and half are people of color, which is remarkable,” said Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Leah Taguba, who oversees the program. “It is through diversity of background and thought that people of color bring to prosecution that help… Read More
Mental Health, Recovery, and Suicide Prevention panel resonates with employees
More than 50 employees gathered on Sept. 25 in the Administration Building Training Room for a powerful panel conversation about workplace mental health, held in recognition of September National Recovery Month and Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Panelists included Whitney Abrams, Chief People Officer; Heather Steffensen with the Employee Assistance Program; Brandon Banks with Metro Transit Department; Skyler Bridges with the Department of Assessments; and Suzette Dickerson, Council 2 business representative. Sarah Wilhelm from Public Health-Seattle & King County moderated the panel for a standing-room only audience and Skype participants. Recognizing that employees spend so… Read More
Best of the best: King County Metro names Neal Safrin Operator of the Year
King County Metro announced in a surprise ceremony today that the Operator of the Year is Neal Safrin, whose commitment to excellence in safety, customer service, and service to his fellow operators represents the best of Metro. Safrin, 64, joined Metro in 1988 and is a report operator at North Base in Shoreline. Riders have seen his smiling face behind the wheel on dozens of bus routes across King County for decades. “The entire King County family could not be more proud of Neal and his 31 years of faithful service to… Read More
Celebrating Disability Awareness Month in King County
Dear fellow King County employee, Each October, we celebrate Disability Awareness Month in King County and recognize the many contributions that people with disabilities make to our community. Disability Awareness Month also reminds us that we must continue to break down barriers so that people with disabilities can share their unique abilities, perspectives, and talents. That is what is at the heart of our True North: Making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. Each day we inch closer to this goal by doing what we can to break… Read More
Training Spotlight: Mental Health First Aid at Work
Mental Health First Aid at Work: Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) for the Workplace is a skills based and experiential training program. MHFA At Work teaches employees how to become aware of and support an individual who may be experiencing a mental health/substance use issue or crisis and help access appropriate resources. Register and learn more here. View more training and development opportunities at www.kingcounty.gov/learning.
Featured Job: Contract Specialist I-II
Salary: $73,132.80 – $104,374.40 Annually Location: Seattle, WA Job Type: Multiple job types-career service and/or temp Department: DNRP – Natural Resources & Parks Job Number: 2019-10564 Closing: 10/1/2019 11:59 PM Pacific Learn more about this position or view all available positions.
Circle Keeper Process Training dates now available, Oct. and Nov.
The National Compadres Network in partnership with King County’s Office of Equity and Social Justice presents Circle Keeper Process Training. This two day training is offered Oct. 22-23 and Nov. 5-6 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.Participants must be present for both days to receive certification and curricula. For more information and to apply click here. If you have any questions about the training or the application please contact Tynishia Walker at twalker@kingcounty.gov or 206-263-0534
Pet of the Week: JoJo
JoJo is a 12 ½ year-old, male, shorthair black cat (A403147). His personality color is GREEN, meaning he is an outgoing and adaptable cat who loves to go with the flow. This handsome boy is very sweet and loves to be around people. He can be the life of the party, especially if food is involved! He loves puzzles and works really hard when the reward involves a yummy treat! JoJo does have a heart murmur, so he will do best with regular visits to the veterinarian. Read more at www.kingcounty.gov/adoptapet.
Mindfulness classes offered to King County employees
Looking to reduce stress? Mindfulness is the simple yet powerful ability of the mind to attend more fully to the present moment’s experience. Cultivating mindfulness results in many benefits for mental and physical health, well-being, and happiness. Through a partnership with Mindfulness Northwest, Balanced You offers Mindfulness classes, available online and in-person to all employees, free-of-charge. Visit Balanced You’s blog for a list of classes recently added for Fall/Winter 2019.
Making Life Easier program offers tools for stress relief
King County’s Making Life Easier program offers the Wellspring Stress Center, a web-based stress management tool that includes a variety of resources to help become more stress-resilient. One of the tools, Instant Relief, is designed to help ease tension in minutes and stay relaxed and recharged throughout the day, by including guided meditation, muscle relaxation, desk yoga, and relaxation music. Access Instant Relief at www.kcmakinglifeeasier.com, enter username “King County,” and click on Stress Center.
Employee News 