Featured Training: Lean Problem-Solving Basics and Introduction to Career Development,

Lean Problem-Solving Basics, Feb. 5: Do you feel like you tackle the same problems over and over again? In order to effectively solve problems once and for all, they must be solved at the root! Attendees will learn basic A3 Problem Solving, the powerful method borrowed from the Toyota Production System (TPS), learn techniques to incorporate problem solving and continuous improvement in daily work and build on existing Lean practices within your organization. Register and learn more.  Introduction to Career Development, Feb. 5: In this workshop you will learn the key elements of career development,… 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

Training Spotlight: Introduction to Career Development and Lean Basics

Introduction to Career Development, Dec. 10: In this workshop you will learn the key elements of career development, identify your individual interests and values as they relate to career options, explore similar job classifications, learn the importance of competencies when identifying career options, leverage tips for engaging in conversations with your leadership, and gain the knowledge of how to research and seize career opportunities. You will choose a partner and participate in various exercises together. Register and learn more.  Lean Basics, Jan. 8: Have you heard about Lean before? Have you wondered if Lean could… Read More

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

Honoring the victims of Pittsburgh synagogue attack

Dear fellow King County employee, On Saturday morning we woke to the terrible news that 11 innocent people had been killed by a gunman in a hate-filled anti-Semitic attack on a Pittsburgh synagogue. We grieve for those who lost their lives celebrating their faith among family and friends. We stand with the people who lost loved ones and the entire city of Pittsburgh. This horrifying event is another tragic reminder that we can no longer accept the status quo. When not even our places of worship are safe from gun violence –… Read More

King County remembers Sue Ammeter

“Sue was strong, she was fierce, but she also didn’t direct attention to herself and her efforts,” said Karla Lynch, Employment and Community Access Program Manager with the Department of Community and Human Services. “When I think about her energy and her effort, it really was to improve the lives of all people with disabilities.” While at King County Sue Ammeter worked as a Disability Services Specialist. She understood how disabilities could impact people’s lives, as she was blind herself. Her impact in the areas of civil rights, disability accommodations, and employee… Read More

Congratulations to DCHS Director Adrienne Quinn

Crossposted from the Best Starts for Kids Blog  Today King County Executive Dow Constantine announced that Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) Director Adrienne Quinn has accepted a new position at the University of Washington’s Evans School of Public Policy & Governance as a Distinguished Practitioner (a faculty post). We are deeply grateful for Adrienne’s leadership with our department and with Best Starts for Kids. Under her leadership and vision, we’ve launched the most comprehensive approach to childhood and youth development in the nation, living into our equity and social justice values at… Read More

Training Spotlight: Lean Problem-Solving and Stories that Lead

Lean Problem-Solving, Oct. 10: In order to effectively solve problems once and for all, they must be solved at the root. Participants I this course will learn basic A3 Problem Solving, the powerful method borrowed from the Toyota Production System (TPS), techniques to incorporate problem solving and continuous improvement in daily work and build on existing Lean practices within your organization. Learn more and register on Eventbrite. Stories that Lead, Oct. 18: This one-day class explores stories as creative strategies that can help you create a workplace—and a life—that inspires profound results.Through reflective processes and story sharing,… Read More

Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month upcoming events

National Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month officially starts on September 15 and ends October 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 North America. In line with Metro’s values of community building, shared learning, and increased understanding, employees are invited to participate in three interactive Lunch and Learn events celebrating Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month. These will be held on Sept. 6, Sept. 13 and Oct. 1. For information about each event, click here…. Read More

Increasing home-visiting services so more parents and caregivers have the support they need

A wide range of support services for expectant mothers, parents, and caregivers – funded by Executive Dow Constantine’s Best Starts for Kids initiative – are increasing parents’ knowledge and confidence, strengthening parent-child bonding, and improving school readiness throughout King County. The services – delivered during home visits by community-based partners – provide parents and caregivers with support for a healthy pregnancy, free screenings for developmental milestones, information on breastfeeding, referrals to treatment for maternal depression, models for healthy parent-child interactions, and more. “We created and strengthened partnerships that provide parents and caregivers… Read More