“A mentor is someone who allows you to see the hope inside of yourself” – Oprah Winfrey 

The King County Mentorship Program provides opportunities for growth, development and support, and also helps employees achieve their career goals. The program supports mentors by providing opportunities to deepen their knowledge on a specific topic (to teach is to know), increase their reputation and influence, and the satisfaction of passing on critical knowledge important to the continued success of the county. The program supports mentees by providing a trusted advisor to urge each person to learn new things about his or herself, help make more of personal strengths and develop hidden talents. To learn… Read More

Executive Services employee represents Seattle region at Harvard Business School 

King County employee Chris Franco, a Procure and Pay Functional Lead in the Business Resource Center, was selected to attend Harvard Business School’s (HBS) Young American Leaders Program (YALP) this June, as a representative of the Seattle region. Only 10 members are chosen each year to participate in the program from select cities across the country including: Birmingham, Boston, Chattanooga, Columbus, Detroit, Miami, Milwaukee, Minneapolis-Saint Paul, Nashville, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, and Seattle. “Being selected to represent the Seattle Region is a deeply humbling honor, and means the world to me,” said Chris. “We’re… Read More

A perfect fit: How King County’s Mentorship Program develops employees 

As Mary scrolled through the database of potential mentors a quote caught her attention: “I believe in having a ‘growth mindset.’ I think our potential exceeds our awareness, and the benefits of having someone guide your thinking in that direction can be incredibly helpful. Seeing someone make intentional choices about their next step in their careers will be very gratifying.” “I recognized the support I needed when I read this approach to mentoring before we were matched, said Mary Lear, Capital Project Manager, Department of Natural Resources and Parks. “Getting to meet Chris and talk to her has helped me learn more… Read More

KCIT communications employee honored for military service on International Women’s Day   

Elizabeth Inglese, a Visual Designer with King County Information Technology, was recently featured in a New York Times article highlighting women’s achievements in the military as part of International Women’s Day. As a Gunnery Sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Elizabeth served as the Chief Designer for the Reserve’s Centennial Commemoration Campaign, (2015-2016). Her design work appeared across America, including such locations as the National World War II Museum in New Orleans, La., the Navy Memorial Museum in Washington DC, and even Times Square in New York. “It was an honor to be selected for the job of designer… Read More

Halfway through the Employee Survey, who’s leading the participation contest?

We’re halfway through the 2019 Employee Engagement Survey and more than 4,800 employees have already had their say on their experience at King County. The survey is an opportunity to check in with you about what’s working and not working, how we can improve our services, and what we can do to help you get the most out of your King County career. This year we are running a countywide Speak Up! participation contest, with all divisions placed in contest classes with their peers by employee headcount. Those with the highest participation or… Read More

Womxn’s History Month Panel 2019: Womxn Who Lead 

Employees are welcome to join the 4th annual panel discussion in recognition of March as Womxn’s History Month at King County. This year’s theme is, “Womxn Who Lead: Stories from the Past and How They Influence the Future.”   Monday, March 25, from 11:45 a.m. – 1:15 p.m. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. King County Courthouse room E-942. The King County Courthouse is located at 516 Third Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104.  This event is free and open to the public. No RSVP is needed. Lunch is not provided, but there will be light refreshments. Employees are welcome to bring their own lunch to eat during… Read More

Training Spotlight: Emotional Intelligence for Leaders and Emerging Leaders series and Communication and Problem-Solving Skills

Emotional Intelligence for Leaders and Emerging Leaders series, April 27-May 11: Emotional intelligence describes the ability to understand one’s own feelings, and that of groups, and how these emotions can influence motivation and behavior. Leaders who are emotionally intelligent foster safe environments, where employees feel comfortable to take calculated risks and to voice their opinions. Engage in interactive, hands-on self-evaluation and exercise to develop your emotional intelligence and become a respected and inspiring leader. Register and learn more. Communication and Problem-Solving Skills, June 19: This one day training will address communication and… Read More

Featured Job: Paramedic Intern 

Salary: $20.67 Hourly Location: Washington, WA Job Type: Career Service, Full Time, 40 hrs/week Department: DPH – Public Health Job Number: 2019NH09421 Closing: 3/31/2019 11:59 PM Pacific King County Emergency Medical Services / Medic One are seeking applicants to enter a 10 to 12 month training program to become certified as King County Paramedics. Paramedic certification is granted upon the successful completion of the University of Washington / Harborview Medical Center / Seattle Fire Department Paramedic Training Program. Paramedic training includes: lectures, medical labs, medical/surgical rounds, emergency room and ICU/CCU experience, and riding… Read More

Employees welcome to ukulele jam session 

Play the ukulele? Come join other King County enthusiasts every Monday at noon for a lunchtime strumming session! We meet in the Administration Building in Project Space Conference Room 335. Everyone is welcome, even folks with minimal experience. So bring your uke (and a portable music stand, if you have one) and come jam! If you have questions contact organizer Stef Frenzl.  Please ensure you are on your lunch break or not working at this time. 

Kudos! Trailhead Direct program featured for improving access to trails 

Launched in 2017, the Trailhead Direct program was recently highlighted on the REI store blog, with one writer sharing how the program encourages residents to both drive less and explore the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Reliant on the weather, the program will star back up later this year. Read the full article here.  Kudos to our innovative programs, like Trailhead Director, for helping residents to better access the outdoors and for minimizing traffic!