Accessing mental health services through your medical plan
If you are experiencing a mental or emotional health issue, you can access services offered by your King County medical plan. Kaiser Permanente SmartCare plans: Kaiser Permanente has licensed mental health clinicians on primary care teams to provide assessment and short-term treatment for many mental health concerns. At Kaiser Permanente Mental Health specialty facilities, adults, families, teens, and children can get treatment and support for a wide range of issues. No referral is needed from your primary care provider to get care from Kaiser Permanente Mental Health. For first-time, non-emergency appointments, call 888-287-2680… Read More
Pet of the Week: Kingston
Hi! My name is Kingston and I am available for adoption. I was brought into the shelter because I was sometimes too pushy with the other dog in the home. I do like other dogs though! I just maybe like to be the boss :). After all I’m a spunky little guy with a big boy personality! I also love to play and cuddle with people, but I like to get to know you first. Give me a few minutes to warm up, and I’ll be jumping up and down in your… Read More
Panel Discussion on Mental Health, Recovery, and Suicide Prevention, Sept. 25
As this video from the World Health Organization shows, mental illness can affect anyone at any time. Join us 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. Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2019 from 9:30 – 11 a.m., in the King County Administration Building’s 5th Floor Training Room Join by Skype Meeting or phone at 206-263-8114 using conference ID 5289695 Please Note: This is… Read More
Focus on values: We drive for results
Dear employee, In July, Executive Constantine launched our True North vision and values to Executive Branch employees as part of our ongoing effort to build a workplace culture of respect, innovation, and performance excellence. Beginning this month, we are launching a monthly focus on each of our eight values to help us gain a deeper understanding of the values and how to apply them to our work. This month, we are focusing on the value “We drive for results.” When we talk about driving for results, we are talking about doing more… Read More
Sept. 15 – Oct. 15, 2019 King County celebrates Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month
National Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month officially starts on Sept. 15 and ends Oct. 15. This month is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the long and important presence and contributions of Hispanic and Latino and Latina (Latinx) Americans. In the spirit of shared learning, increased understanding, building community, and advancing pro-equity values at Metro, all King County employees are invited to participate in these events, below. For more information about each event, view this flyer. Cross Agency Hispanic-Latinx Heritage Month Celebration: Thursday, Sept. 19, noon to 1 p.m., Union Station, Ruth Fisher Board… Read More
King County 2019 flu shot schedule, week of Sept. 18
Check out the King County 2019 Flu Shot Schedule and mark your calendars for the location most convenient for you. These are open to all employees, unless noted otherwise. If you miss the opportunity to get a flu shot at work, here are some tips for getting your flu shot through your health plan. Contact balancedyou@kingcounty.gov for more information. Some things to remember: Clinics are open to all employees, except when noted otherwise. Benefits-covered spouses and family members (age 11 and above) are welcome to attend most clinics, but please confirm these details with your site contact(s) beforehand…. Read More
Helping young people thrive in our community
King County is helping young people who have not completed high school but want to attain the General Educational Development (GED) or high school diploma and go on to college or a better job through services at Learning Center North and YouthSource. Learning Center North and YouthSource provide different services supporting young adults toward their goals in secondary education through a successful model of Leadership, Career Development, and support to and through college. The program helps young people earn their High School Equivalency Certificate and overcome barriers such as housing, employment, behavioral… Read More
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
Employee News 