First Poetry-Based Symposium on Race and Racism Elicits Thoughtful Questions and Answers
by Donna Miscolta, Department of Natural Resources and Parks. “I didn’t expect to feel so much.” This testament to the power of the spoken word was one of several offered by the audience at the first of four symposiums on “Reflecting on Race and Racism through Spoken Word, Story, and Conversation” on January 12. This project, innovative in its approach to an understanding of racism, is made possible by the King County ESJ Opportunity Fund. Two poets, Quenton Baker and Casandra Lopez, presented their work to a group of 50 employees. It… Read More
Employee training spurs life changing decision
King County is inspiring. Its beauty, its people and its mission inspire King County employees to make a difference in their communities. It has even inspired outgoing employee Autumn Salamack to make a difference far away in Mascota, Mexico, about 2 hours east of Puerto Vallarta. She has taken her work with equity and social justice to heart and will soon leave King County for an adventure in the Peace Corps. Since August 2013 Autumn has served as the Sustainability Program Coordinator for King County Metro Transit. Her role soon grew to… Read More
A great place to look for love
Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC) has recently partnered with Petco in Kirkland to bring pet adoption services to the region through the new Eastside Adoption Center facility. “We were approached by Petco to think more broadly about how we can reach the animal-loving public in King County, and an opportunity to bring dogs and cats to our pet-loving public,” said RASKC Director Gene Mueller. Located inside the Petco store, the 1,100 square foot location services many cities in the north King County region. Each animal available for adoption is originally… Read More
Invite to the OLEO Candidates “Meet and Greet”
King County has been recruiting for a new Director of the Office of Law Enforcement Oversight and has set aside dates for King County residents to meet and provide feedback on the final candidates. Join us to “Meet the Candidates” on either: Tuesday, February 16 from 6:30 – 8 p.m. at the TAF Center/Bethaday Community Learning Space, 605 SW 108th Street, Seattle (White Center); or Wednesday, February 17 from 6:30 – 8 p.m. at the Lake Wilderness Lodge 22500 SE 248th St, Maple Valley We are planning the two different events to give residents in… Read More
Eat healthy & support local farmers through Farm Fresh Local
Healthy IncentivesSM began on Tuesday, Feb. 2. and the program has a number of ways to help you eat healthy, including a new focus area, Farm Fresh Local. Through the Farm Fresh Local Text for Well-Being Individual Action Plan, you’ll receive tips and inspiration for eating local and making a difference—directly to your phone. During this Text for Well-Being program, you’ll learn fun facts about local food in King County, find out what’s in season, and get motivated to eat farm fresh food. Look for Community Supported Agriculture this spring As part of… Read More
Employees talk about importance of paid parental leave
Several employees are featured in a new King County TV video talking about the importance of bonding with a new-born child and how King County’s Paid Parental Leave pilot program will help them create that bond. “All the study shows that if you have that dedicated time that’s focused on a child you have better health outcomes for the child but also for the parents,” Councilmember Rod Dembowski said in the video. “And in this case, the program we’re talking about here, the parents are King County employees and we want to have good… Read More
Healthy Incentives is now underway
Healthy IncentivesSM is now underway! This year’s program offers the same great options and features as last year to help you achieve your health goals and be your best every day—while saving on your 2017 health care expenses. We invite you to think about your reason for being healthy and celebrate the reasons of your coworkers. You’re our reason for offering this program—to help you live a long, full life doing the things you love. By now, you should have received a welcome letter at your home with your Healthy Incentives ID and instructions… Read More
Disability doesn’t stop dancing employee
If you happen to see a man busting a move while cleaning up hedge trimmings or emptying a trash can at Marymoor Park, it’s probably Parks Specialist Dwight Lewis. Dwight has been with parks for 17 years and his enthusiasm for the work is showing no signs of waning. “He actually makes people on our crew want to be better at what they do,” Andy Boland, Parks Maintenance Coordinator, said. “He pushes us, he comes in with a lot of energy, positive attitude, and it’s really what we need; he’s a spark… Read More
Featured Job: Business and Finance Officer I
Opening Date/Time: Fri. 01/22/16 12:00 AM Pacific Time Closing Date/Time: Wed. 02/03/16 4:30 PM Pacific Time Salary: $29.82 – $37.80 Hourly Job Type: Career Service, Full Time, 40 hrs/week Location: Chinook Building, 401 5th Avenue, Seattle, Washington Department: Department of Community & Human Services Description: The Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) provides equitable opportunities for people to be healthy, happy, self-reliant and connected to community. This position is being created to support the new Best Starts for Kids fund. The position will be responsible for day to day accounting transactions,… Read More
Five Questions with Heather Barr, Public Health Nurse
1. When did you start as a Public Health Nurse with King County? 30-plus years ago. I started out in the Jail as a Registered Nurse in 1984. I met a nurse there (Kathryn Crawford) who asked me what I wanted to do with my career. I told her I liked to work with homeless people, and people with addictions. She said “I have the perfect job for you, I am leaving a position at the tuberculosis clinic running a drug trial for the Centers for Disease Control, most of my patients are alcoholic… Read More
Employee News 