DPD’s new special counsel has long worked at the forefront of social change
By Leslie Brown, Department of Public Defense As a young woman just out of college and well aware of institutionalized racism and its generational impact on black and brown people in America, La Rond Baker decided to use her degree to teach GED and Adult Basic Education classes at the King County Correctional Facility. Even so, she was struck by what she saw in the jail – by the stark racial disparities between the jail population and the general population of Seattle. Two years later, La Rond went to work for Powerful Voices, a Seattle-based nonprofit focused… Read More
Five questions with Chris O’Claire, Division Director for Mobility, King County Metro
Why did you start in your role with King County? I started at King County 15 years ago as an intern in the Service Development. I joined Metro because I was passionate about making a positive impact on the environment. And, I was immediately drawn to public transportation as a way to reduce carbon emissions by getting people out of their cars. But what keeps me here is the people – the employees that are committed to providing the best public transportation and the customers. For me, the ability to connect customers… Read More
King County Council recognizes 2019 Disability Awareness Month
On Oct. 16, 2019, the Metropolitan King County Council proclaimed October as Disability Awareness Month in King County, celebrating the many contributions that people with disabilities make to our community and workforce. The proclamation is a reminder of our continued efforts to break down barriers so that people of all abilities can share their unique abilities, perspectives and talents. Signed into law in 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ensures that people with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else. The ADA prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in… Read More
Please join us in the Annual Giving Drive
Dear Fellow King County Employee and Giving Partner, We want to share something amazing about our Employee Giving Program – thanks to the generosity of the people who work here, we celebrate having raised more than $32 million since our program began in 1988. What does that mean for our community? It means numerous children have learned to read. It means countless seniors at risk for hunger have eaten hot, nourishing meals. It means increasing numbers of animals have gone to live in their forever homes. And it means researchers have achieved… Read More
Training Spotlight: Basic First Aid/CPR/AED, renewal
Basic First Aid/CPR/AED, renewal, multiple dates: The “Medic First Aid” program provides basic first aid, CPR, and AED (automated external defibrillator) training. The renewal option is for those who hold a current First Aid/CPR/AED card. It consists of a brief review of primary topics, followed by performance of each skill. This certification is valid for 2 years. Learn more and register here. View more training and development opportunities at www.kingcounty.gov/learning.
Third payday of the month, Oct. 31
Almost all King County employees get paid on a biweekly basis, every-other-Thursday, resulting in 26 pay periods per year. You usually receive two paychecks per month, but Oct. 31 will be your third payday of the month. The net dollar amount of these “third” paychecks may be larger because not all deductions are taken out. For example, Deferred Compensation, supplemental insurance premiums, Benefit Access Fees, and Employee Giving donations are not deducted from these checks. For more information about your paycheck, go to Payroll or speak with your department Payroll representative or timekeeper.
Discount available for employees at HomeStreet Bank and Disney on Ice
King County partners with HomeStreet Bank to offer employees the Hometown Home Loan Program. This employer-assisted housing program offers a wide selection of home loan options, whether you are buying your first home, refinancing, or remodeling. Visit the website for more information. Disney On Ice presents Mickey’s Search Party at the accesso ShoWare Center in Kent, WA, Oct. 30-Nov. 4, 2019. Tickets 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 time of purchase. Order tickets before the deadline on Wednesday, October 23, 2019 at 11 a.m. View all available discounts at www.kingcounty.gov/employeediscounts.
Getting to know Mohamed Nimeri
Crossposted from DES Express Mohamed Nimeri grew up loving airports. The family moved a lot for his father’s work as Sudan’s ambassador to several countries, so he had quite a bit of experience flying. Although he is from Sudan, he grew up in “a lot of countries,” including the United Arab Emirates and Jordan. King County International Airport recently hired Nimeri as its pavement engineer. He is advancing the state of the industry in pavements, and is one of King County’s most highly trained pavement experts. Nimeri recently completed graduate school, earning master’s and doctoral… Read More
Research results show students across U.S. put high value on FLASH curriculum
Crossposted from Public Health Insider Students in different parts of the country overwhelmingly find the FLASH sexual health curriculum, produced by the Family Planning program at Public Health – Seattle & King County (PHSKC), valuable and worth recommending to their peers. As part of a multi-year study being conducted in the South and Midwest, more than 90 percent of students surveyed say they will use the skills they learned in class in their real lives, and more than 90 percent would recommend FLASH to a friend. Read more from Public Health Insider
ESJ Opportunity Fund now accepting applications, deadline Nov. 22
The Office of Equity and Social Justice (ESJ) is now accepting applications for the Equity and Social Justice Opportunity Fund. The Opportunity Fund is a competitive process that provides resources to King County employees to develop and implement projects that work to advance equity, social justice and King County’s mission to lead with racial justice in support of the ESJ Strategic Plan. Read more in the overview here and download the application here. Applications are due by or before November 22, 2019. For questions contact Tynishia Walker at TWalker@kingcounty.gov or at 206-263-0534.
Employee News 