Supported Employment in Roads Division: Matt Everson 

King County’s Supported Employment Program matches job seekers with developmental disabilities to jobs by identifying efficiencies and unmet needs throughout King County government. Roads Division partnered with Christina Davidson, Supported Employment Program Manager, to hire through the Program to meet their business needs.    Matt Everson started working with the Roads Division in December of 2017 to provide support around recycling and other tasks. “[Matt] is just a part of the family now. People from front-line employees to management love to interact with Matt. He’s been a great addition to the team,” stated Jeremy Ferguson,… Read More

Payroll deductions for Washington Paid Family and Medical Leave program start Jan. 1, 2019

In 2017, the Washington state legislature passed a bill to create a mandatory statewide Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) insurance program that will provide almost every Washington worker with partial wage replacement while on leave beginning January 1, 2020, to: Recover from a serious illness or injury; Bond with a new child (through birth, adoption, or foster placement); Take care of a seriously ill or injured family member; or Participate in certain military-connected events. Under the state PFML, eligible employees are entitled to up to 12 weeks of family or medical… Read More

Plan ahead, expect delays during SR 99 closure beginning Jan. 11, 2019

Dear fellow King County employee, Starting January 11, 2019, after the evening commute, the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) will close SR 99 through downtown Seattle for approximately three weeks, and permanently close the SR 99 Viaduct. Additional ramp closures mean this work could create up to six weeks of traffic disruption. No matter how you commute, or where from, you should expect significant delays during these closures and be prepared for crowded buses, trains, water taxis, and light rail. All buses coming into or through downtown Seattle will face delays…. Read More

Pet of the Week: Kingston 

Crossposted from Tails from RASKC  This regal-looking fellow is Kingston, our Pet of the Week!  Kingston is a German Shepherd/Australian Shepherd mix who is smart, playful, and protective of his people. Since he’s so spirited and fun-loving, he’s one of our “Rambunctious Red” pets.  Read more at Tails from RASKC

Featured Job: Chief Legal Counsel 

Salary: $155,783.00 – $209,511.00 Annually  Location: Seattle, WA  Job Type: Appointed  Department: King County Council  Job Number: 2018-08997  Closing: 1/1/2019 11:59 PM Pacific  The Metropolitan King County Council is seeking an experienced, enthusiastic attorney with a passion for Public Policy, Leadership and Professionalism to join our team. The Chief Legal Counsel serves as a legal advisor to the Council and staff on a variety of matters dealing with public policy, legislation, and Council actions. The ideal candidate will be adept at municipal law, and the powers and duties of public officials and… Read More

Training Spotlight: How to Navigate Amidst Overwhelming Times, Lean Basics and Introduction to Career Development

How to Navigate Amidst Overwhelming Times, Dec. 11: The King County Office of Equity and Social Justice is hosting a workshop that centers on the lived experiences of native employees and employees of color. This session will pay special attention to the intersection of trauma and oppression especially that of indigenous and people of color lived experience and background. This will be a large a cross disciplinary gathering that works towards building a critical mass of those striving for sustainability. Register and learn more, use password affinitygroup.  Lean Basics, Jan. 8: Have you heard about… Read More

Kudos! King County Archives welcomes UK film crew 

On November 13, three representatives of London-based Arrow Media came to the King County Archives to see the Ted Bundy collection. Assistant Archivist Amanda Demeter laid out a selection of maps, photographs, and documents from the collection, and the crew also got footage of the collection in the vault. A documentary about Bundy is in production and slated for release some time next year. Arrow Media is expected to return to Archives soon for footage on a documentary about Gary Ridgway.  Kudos to King County Archives for being a valuable international resource on Pacific Northwest history!

Did you know you had this benefit? Volunteer sick days  

King County will pay you to volunteer: Eligible employees may use up to three days of sick leave each year to volunteer at any local school or any nonprofit organization participating in the King County Employee Giving Program. Learn more here.

Inmate program provides opportunity and education 

The Maleng Regional Justice Center’s Janitorial Certificate Program was recently featured on KING5 News. A story highlighting the program aired on Nov. 2 that featured how the custodial program sparks positive change for inmates.   Through an interview with Renton Technical College instructor Martin Douthit and current students, the video shows how programs like this provide people a second chance.  View the below or at this link.

Looking to reduce stress? Try a mindfulness class 

Balanced You offers a variety of health and well-being options to support employees so you can feel good, get the most out of life, and do your best work for the people of King County. If you’re looking to reduce stress, give one of our popular mindfulness classes a try. Practice mindfulness at County worksites, online, or in the community. There are still spots available in many upcoming classes. Contact Balanced You with questions at BalancedYou@kingcounty.gov or 206-263-9626.