King County Whistleblower Protection Code
King County encourages employees to report significant wrongdoing, called “improper governmental action,” so that problems can be identified and corrected. The Whistleblower Protection Code creates a reporting process for such improper governmental action (IGA), and aims to protect employees from retaliation for reporting or cooperating in an investigation of improper governmental action. Employees with concerns about improper governmental action, including violations of laws, dangers to the public health or safety, or gross mismanagement or waste, are encouraged to report these concerns to their department head or the King County Office of the Ombuds. Reports… Read More
King County Veterans Court celebrates Veterans Day and court graduates, Nov. 8
Regional Veterans Court will be holding a celebration of all veterans and a graduation for those successfully completing the court program on Thursday, November 8, 2018 at 1 p.m. at the King County Courthouse (Courtroom E-326). Regional Veterans Court is a specialized track within King County District Court that connects veterans in the justice system to health and behavioral health treatment, housing and other services they may need to re-stabilize their lives. The Court helps veterans stay out of further involvement in the justice system, and reduces the use of jails and… Read More
King County Drug Court serves as international model
King County Superior Court’s Drug Court is an international model, and recently had two international visits to capture what Superior Court is doing right to help manage the opioid epidemic. On Monday, the U.S. State Department sponsored a high-level delegation from Haiti. Visitors spent several hours speaking with Drug Court Supervisor Mary Taylor and Judge Dean Lum about how it works and the success rate. On Tuesday, French journalist Romain Bolzinger from the French version of 60 Minutes captured how drug court impacts just one person as he followed a participant through the process. He… Read More
New department focused on helping employees succeed
A new standalone department focused on building a workplace culture where every employee has the tools, support, and opportunity to do their best work was created on October 3 when King County Executive Dow Constantine signed a Council-approved Ordinance to establish the Department of Human Resources (DHR). Executive Constantine proposed the new department in April to focus on serving, supporting and developing King County’s current and future employees so they can more effectively meet the changing needs of the people who live and work in King County. “As we embark on building this department… Read More
Behavioral Health Legislative Forum: A community conversation about mental health and substance use recovery, Nov. 8
Are you interested in learning more about funding and services for mental health and substance use disorders? Come to the 2018 Behavioral Health Legislative Forum at Seattle Center on November 8. Thursday, November 8, 6-8:30 p.m. Program begins at 7 p.m. Seattle Center Exhibition Hall – 301 Mercer St, Seattle The forum will include: Opportunities to meet with legislators before the program Remarks by King County Executive Dow Constantine and King County Prosecuting Attorney Dan Satterberg King County’s proposed 2019 behavioral health legislative priorities Compelling personal stories from individuals in recovery Legislative Round Table Interpretation available… Read More
“Who has the best job? I do!”
Chief Administrative Officer Caroline Whalen recently toured King County International Airport, and posted this ‘thank you’ on LinkedIn: “Who has the best job? I do! Today I got a tour of King County International Airport (aka Boeing Field) from the cab of the Crash Truck. Thanks Captain Greg Thomas of the Airport Rescue and Firefighting Unit for showing me around. KCIA joins the department I direct at King County in January and I’m stoked! #kingcountyisagreatplacetowork”
CPR/AED Training registration available
Registration is open to all King County employees for Basic CPR classes offered in the Chinook Building. Classes cover Adult, Child and Infant CPR, AED, and Choking Rescue. Spots are still open for the November class and classes in 2019. Wednesday, November 7 , 2018 from 9 a.m. to noon, Chinook Building, Room 126 Tuesday, January 29, 2019 from 1-4 p.m., Chinook Building, Room 126 Monday, February 11, 2019 from 1-4 p.m., Chinook Building, Room 126 To register, go to www.kccpr.eventbrite.com
Q&A with Elections translators: Nhien Huynh, Vietnamese
Crossposted from Election Connection We’re highlighting the great work our translators do helping to make our elections and services accessible to every member of the community. Here we sit down for a brief Q&A with Nhien Huynh, our Vietnamese language translator. What is your background and what brought you to working in local government at King County? I was the Student Government Community Service Chair at South Seattle College. That experience taught me the importance of being involved and making a difference in the community. For that reason, I was attracted to working in… Read More
Prepare for winter weather conditions before a storm hits
It’s that time of year again. Fall and winter months typically bring a variety of weather conditions to our region – flooding, freezing temperatures, high winds, snow and ice – that can impact your home, commute, and workplace with little notice. King County Emergency Management urges everyone to take time now to get ready and stay informed. Take action now Your safety, and that of your family, is a top priority. Taking a few steps now to plan ahead will give you peace of mind and help you make good decisions in… Read More
Training Spotlight: Basic Data Visualization and Critical Thinking
Basic Data Visualization, Nov. 8: Our ability to gather and collect data has steadily increased over the past decade. But data alone is not information and does not easily convey a compelling story. This half-day introductory course will allow participants to understand why data visualization is important, explore ways to tell a story with data and mock up data visualizations in whiteboard exercises, using tips explored in class. Register and learn more. Critical Thinking, Nov. 8: Critical thinking is one of the most valued skills in today’s workplace. Employers need employees who can analyze situations,… Read More
Employee News 