Airport fire trucks get cleaned of “forever chemicals”
Crossposted from the DES Express In a partnership with the Port of Seattle, King County International Airport’s fire engines are being cleaned of PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroakyl substances, found in firefighting foam. These chemicals stick around for a long time, possibly thousands of years, and can build up in the environment and people’s bodies, causing harmful effects. Among the health effects are developmental problems, immune system issues, and links to certain cancers. PFAS are man-made chemicals used in things like non-stick cookware and fire-retardant materials. The presence of PFAS is pervasive in… Read More
EAP or MLE: Which program is right for you?
During Suicide Prevention, take a moment to learn more about MLE and EAP and when and how to contact them. EAP and MLE are both comprehensive programs and services to help King County employees to be healthy and safe. But which one is right for you? Watch this video to learn more about each program and, when and how to contact each.
Leslie Harper-Miles to retire after nearly 40 years of service
Crossposted from the DES Express At the heart of King County’s Harborview Bond Program stands a resilient woman who will retire at the end of September with nearly 40 years of public service. Leslie Harper-Miles’ career is a testament to the power of perseverance, advocacy, and the relentless pursuit of equity and social justice in a world that can often resist it. A native of Seattle, Leslie has lifelong family and community ties to the Pacific Northwest. Her public service career started in 1986 in the Office of Performance, Strategy, and Budget,… Read More
Amber Green Named Deputy Director for King County Department of Community and Human Services
Crossposted from Cultivating Connections This week, Kelly Rider, Department Director, appointed Amber Green as Deputy Director for King County Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS). Amber is a long-time employee at DCHS, and most recently served as Chief Administrative Officer. In March, Amber was named Acting Deputy Director, a role that hasn’t existed since 2021. Amber holds a wealth of expertise across the department, including emergency response, workforce and workplace strategies, and department level efforts on Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (EIB). In 2000, Amber joined DCHS in an administrative position and… Read More
RASKC found homes for more than 400 pets in Clear the Shelters campaign
Crossposted from the DES Express More than 400 pets, including 105 adult and senior cats, 213 kittens, 84 adult dogs, 10 puppies and five small mammals, found their “furever” homes after Regional Animal Services wrapped up participation in the “Clear the Shelters” campaign last week. Clear The Shelters is a nationwide campaign to get more pets adopted into more homes. This is the 10th anniversary of the event, and the first time that RASKC is participating. “We’re always grateful to our pet-loving community for opening up their hearts and homes to these… Read More
Records Management Reminder: Records must be retained in their “native format”
State law requires that records be retained in their “native” format. This means that if they were created as an email, they need to be retained as an email (and not printed out). And if they were created on paper (like a piece of mail received from a customer), they need to be retained in paper format. The exception to this is the Destruction After Digitization (DAD) Process. This gives any county employee the authorization to re-format or scan a record to a new digital version. They can then retain the new version… Read More
Pre-register for upcoming onsite King County flu and COVID-19 clinics
Getting your updated flu and COVID-19 shots is an important part of protecting your health, your family’s health, and your community’s health. Each year, King County’s Balanced You arranges onsite flu and COVID-19 shot clinics for employees who work onsite. You will need to pre-register for the onsite clinics. You are welcome to walk-in, but you will still need to register to receive shots, so please do so prior to the clinics. The following are upcoming onsite clinics: Atlantic/Central Bus Base, Classroom C, 1500 6th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98134, Monday, Sept. 23,… Read More
Now Recruiting 2024 Employee Giving Program Ambassadors
Bring a little inspiration to your day and build connection with your team by signing up to be an Ambassador. The Employee Giving Program is now recruiting King County Employees to serve as an Ambassadors for this year’s Annual Giving Drive to their work groups/sites. As an Ambassador, you are the heart and soul of our Employee Giving Program team. We can NOT run this program and support so many great causes without you. Last year that resulted in $2.29 million! You are the key to making sure that every King County… Read More
Generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) guidelines for King County employees
King County’s new guidelines set expectations for the responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) in the workplace. These guidelines were developed collaboratively by KCIT and OERSJ, according to state and national standards. GenAI systems create new content such as text, audio, images, and video by learning patterns and relationships within vast data sets. Although this exciting new technology can enable tremendous efficiencies, it is essential King County employees use GenAI responsibly. The guidelines are designed to reduce bias and protect sensitive personal data the public has entrusted to us. Key points include: All employees should read the GenAI guidelines Employees may… Read More
Leesa Manion: Breaking barriers as King County’s trailblazing prosecutor
Leesa Manion made history as the first Korean American woman and person of color to serve as King County Prosecutor. From her roots in Kentucky to leading one of King County’s largest law firms, she’s breaking barriers and inspiring future leaders to “dream big.” Read more. More about the American Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Pasifika Affinity Group The next American Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Pasifika (AANHP) virtual gathering will take place Friday, Sept. 20, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. If you are interested in attending the online event or getting connected to the AANHP… Read More
Employee News 