King County Council recognizes 2019 Disability Awareness Month
On Oct. 16, 2019, the Metropolitan King County Council proclaimed October as Disability Awareness Month in King County, celebrating the many contributions that people with disabilities make to our community and workforce. The proclamation is a reminder of our continued efforts to break down barriers so that people of all abilities can share their unique abilities, perspectives and talents. Signed into law in 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ensures that people with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else. The ADA prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in… Read More
Focus on values: We are responsible stewards
Dear employee, Last month, we launched a monthly focus on our values to help us gain a deeper understanding of King County’s values and how we apply them to our work. This month, we are focusing on the value “We are responsible stewards.” Being a responsible steward is a value I take very seriously. For me, stewardship is taking care of the resources entrusted to our care. As Director of the Office of Performance, Strategy and Budget, my primary focus is making sure we are strong financial stewards, so people know their… Read More
Mental Health, Recovery, and Suicide Prevention panel resonates with employees
More than 50 employees gathered on Sept. 25 in the Administration Building Training Room for a powerful panel conversation about workplace mental health, held in recognition of September National Recovery Month and Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Panelists included Whitney Abrams, Chief People Officer; Heather Steffensen with the Employee Assistance Program; Brandon Banks with Metro Transit Department; Skyler Bridges with the Department of Assessments; and Suzette Dickerson, Council 2 business representative. Sarah Wilhelm from Public Health-Seattle & King County moderated the panel for a standing-room only audience and Skype participants. Recognizing that employees spend so… Read More
UPDATED: Acceptable use of email in the workplace
Dear employee, Email is an important tool for your work here at King County, and it is most effective when used appropriately. It is important that each employee understands the legislation and policies that apply to our use of email: Acceptable Use of Information Assets Policy One of our eight core values is “We respect all people,” and the way that we communicate with another is central to being a safe, respectful, and inclusive workplace. King County’s Acceptable Use of Information Assets Policy sets out the acceptable and prohibited use of all information… Read More
Focus on values: We drive for results
Dear employee, In July, Executive Constantine launched our True North vision and values to Executive Branch employees as part of our ongoing effort to build a workplace culture of respect, innovation, and performance excellence. Beginning this month, we are launching a monthly focus on each of our eight values to help us gain a deeper understanding of the values and how to apply them to our work. This month, we are focusing on the value “We drive for results.” When we talk about driving for results, we are talking about doing more… Read More
Sept. 15 – Oct. 15, 2019 King County celebrates Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month
National Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month officially starts on Sept. 15 and ends Oct. 15. This month is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the long and important presence and contributions of Hispanic and Latino and Latina (Latinx) Americans. In the spirit of shared learning, increased understanding, building community, and advancing pro-equity values at Metro, all King County employees are invited to participate in these events, below. For more information about each event, view this flyer. Cross Agency Hispanic-Latinx Heritage Month Celebration: Thursday, Sept. 19, noon to 1 p.m., Union Station, Ruth Fisher Board… Read More
Featured Job: Communications Specialist III
Salary: $61,360.00 – $77,750.40 Annually Location: Seattle, WA Job Type: Career Service, Full Time, 30 hrs/week Department: DPH – Public Health Job Number: 2019EY10528 Closing: 9/17/2019 11:59 PM Pacific Public Health’s Digital Communications Lead will serve as part of Public Health – Seattle & King County’s Communications Team, which is a unit of the Office of the Director. S/he will carry out a wide range of external and internal communications functions that support goals and activities that protect and improve our community’s health. The candidate selected for this position will be an outstanding… Read More
Using People Roundings to build a better workplace
By Whitney Abrams, Chief People Officer Two years ago, Executive Constantine launched our Investing in YOU strategy to build a supportive and respectful workplace culture at King County where every employee can be at their best and do their best work for our community. One way that I track our progress on this strategy is through a process called People Roundings. Rounding is what doctors and nurses have traditionally done to check on patients in hospitals. We use People Roundings to check in with leaders and staff in departments on our People Measures, the key metrics we… Read More
Training Spotlight: La Cultura Cura Philosophy Overview
La Cultura Cura Philosophy Overview, Sept. 17: The National Compadres Network in partnership with King County’s Office of Equity and Social Justice presents La Cultura Cura Philisophy Overview: A Training on the National Compadres Network Healing Informed Philosophy and Framework with Jerry Tello. La Cultura Cura is a transformative health, learning, justice, and healing philosophy that recognizes that within individuals’, families’ and communities’ authentic cultural values, traditions and indigenous practices exist the path to healthy development, restoration and lifelong well-being. Register and learn more. View more training and development opportunities at www.kingcounty.gov/learning.
From the Hip: Whitney Abrams, Chief People Officer
Why our True North and Values are important When King County employees talk about why they chose to work here, the answers tend to be pretty similar: “I want to help my community.” “I want to make a difference in people’s lives.” “I want to do the work I really care about.” It’s no surprise that these responses are closely aligned with our True North – Making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive – because it’s a vision that succinctly captures the work that we do and why we do… Read More
Employee News 