Employee News
Telling the stories of King County employees
We know language access and providing King County communities with accurate information in a language they understand is more important than ever. When people can receive information and services in the language and format that is accessible, it leads to more equitable and healthier outcomes King County has $2 million in federal funding to distribute to departments, agencies and divisions to increase language access as part of our pandemic response and recovery efforts. The Office of Equity and Social Justice (OESJ), in partnership with the Office of Performance, Strategy and Budget (PSB), will be allocating these resources. Applications will open soon. … Read More
King County’s AnyConnect VPN software will get MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication) security starting on December 1, 2021. What does this mean for you? Each time you connect to VPN you must provide your username (username@kingcounty.gov) and password, and verify your identity on a separate device such as a cell phone or digital fob – just like when you access your Microsoft account. For employees currently enrolled in MFA, no additional action is necessary. Simply respond to the MFA security requests on your enrolled device, as described below. If you are not enrolled in… Read More
Starting Monday, Nov. 22, you will be prompted to log in to PeopleSoft using your King County network username and password. This streamlined login experience gives you one less password to manage and better protects your PeopleSoft account from cyber attacks using Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) security, also called “two-step verification.” For employees currently enrolled in MFA, no additional action is necessary. If you are not currently enrolled in MFA, you should do so immediately to maintain access to PeopleSoft. Executive branch employees should contact the KCIT Helpdesk. Employees in other branches of county government… Read More
By Whitney Abrams, Chief People Officer This week, as we celebrate Transgender Awareness Week, we are launching a new King County policy: Gender Identity in the Workplace: Policies for Supporting Transgender, Non-Binary and Gender Diverse Employees. This policy sets out guidelines to address the workplace needs of transgender, non-binary, and gender diverse employees and helps us create a safe, inclusive, and productive workplace that is free of harassment and discrimination in accordance with the county’s Non-Discrimination, Anti-Harassment and Inappropriate Conduct Policy. Our True North – Making King County a welcoming community where all people… Read More
The most recent employee engagement pulse survey found that Engagement, Well-being, and Belonging indices are all trending upwards since the previous survey, and that a sense of belonging among teams can help reduce stress and increase well-being. The pulse survey, conducted in September 2021, took a deeper dive into belonging to better understand how our public service work benefits when employees have a strong sense of belonging and well-being. Key findings included: Well-being, engagement, and belonging are all trending up for most demographics, except 51 and older where belonging and engagement have… Read More
Posted by the King County Martin Luther King Day Committee Since COVID-19’s emergence, our community has been rocked by despair, tests and trials, grief, and struggle. In the midst of what some may deem the greatest turmoil we have ever experienced, we still fight and work towards solutions that bring our community together, ever better. Every year the King County MLK Day committee chooses a theme that honors Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and that guides the tone of the event and the recognition. This year, the committee chose to focus on… Read More
As part of the 2021 Annual Giving Drive, we are highlighting nonprofits whose work supports organizations committed to human and civil rights issues. These and hundreds of nonprofits are participating in this year’s Annual Giving Drive. Businesses Endling Slavery and Trafficking (10972) – Provides training, education and awareness to prevent human trafficking and help to identify trafficking victims, prevent exploitation and provide safe employment to survivors. Northwest Justice Project (9739) – Free civil legal services ensure that low-income persons in WA can pursue justice when faced with eviction, foreclosure, domestic violence, loss of income,… Read More
Every October, King County recognizes Disability Employment Awareness Month, celebrating the many contributions of people with disabilities to our communities, workforce, and country. In 2021, the Disability Awareness Month Committee gathered stories about King County employees working to improve accessibility, provide services, and engage people with disabilities. Click here to read these stories of courage and motivation.
The National Weather Service is predicting a double-dip La Niña winter, similar to last winter. This weather pattern typically results in colder, wetter conditions in our region – including more snow. The teams at King County International Airport-Boeing Field are ready for whatever Old Man Winter brings. At a recent discussion, the Operations and Maintenance teams detailed their winter weather preparations: For 2021-22, the airport will use a new Priority surface clearing map, including taxiways A and B as Priority I. Thanks to some new hires, Operations now has 24-hour coverage. Both… Read More
King County has launched a “Walking Bus” pilot program where county employees can join their colleagues and a Facilities Management Division (FMD) Security Escort each evening walking to the King Street Station and the Colman Dock from the downtown campus. In this initial pilot phase, two dedicated security escorts will depart daily, Monday-Friday, from the King County Courthouse: one to the King Street Station and one to the Colman Dock ferry terminal: Meet Location: King County Courthouse, 4th Avenue Entrance Walking Time to King Street Station: 5-10 minutes Walking Time to Colman… Read More
Team members from King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks (DNRP) Director’s Office traded a sick day to volunteer with Sound Foundations NW (SFNW) and be part of the solution to end homelessness in our community. At the Hope Factory in SODO, they worked as a team on an assembly line to construct the frame of a tiny home which will provide shelter for someone experiencing homelessness. This tiny home is 96 square feet and will be set-up at the new Friendship Heights Village at Aurora and 125th in Seattle later… Read More
This article is courtesy of the King County Veterans and Military Affinity Group This Veterans Day, America will pause to honor those who have served in the military. Most Americans hold those who have served in high regard, yet sometimes are unsure how to properly thank a veteran without unintentionally saying the wrong thing, appearing intrusive, or somehow offending them. While it is customary to offer a “thank you for your service” to veterans, you could instead say: “Thank you for putting your life on hold to serve our country.” “Thank you for the… Read More
This article is courtesy of the King County Veterans and Military Affinity Group People join the National Guard and Reserves for a variety of reasons. Participating in the Guard and Reserve enables them to continue with their civilian jobs while still serving our country and being part of something greater than themselves. Their success and ability to focus on their varied missions depend on the support they receive not just from their families but also from their employer, direct supervisor, and fellow co-workers. King County is truly proud to have more than… Read More
A Primary Care Provider (PCP) can make a big difference in your health by delivering continuity of care. This means you and your PCP establish a partnership over time to achieve the best possible health outcomes. Next year, if you are enrolled in the KingCare Select medical plan, you must choose a PCP and let Regence know who you selected by calling them at 888-367-2112, visiting regence.com/pick-a-pcp, or emailing cs@regence.com. If you’re not sure which medical plan you are enrolled in, check your medical ID card or login to PeopleSoft and go to the… Read More
As part of the 2021 Annual Giving Drive, we are highlighting nonprofits whose work supports organizations committed to veterans and military issues. These and hundreds of nonprofits are participating in this year’s Annual Giving Drive. Hitching Rail Wellness Center and Retreat (10019) – Provides a center which utilizes horses as a curative tool for helping the recovery of military veterans and first responders who are suffering from P.T.S.D. Operation Restored Warrior (4186) – Healing veterans of PTSD through a life-changing five-day program at no cost to the veteran. Led by combat veterans. USO Northwest (9585)… Read More
Every October, King County recognizes Disability Employment Awareness Month, celebrating the many contributions of people with disabilities to our communities, workforce, and country. As part of our everyday values, King County employees have been working to expand inclusion in the workforce, civic life, and recreation. During the coronavirus pandemic, inclusion means making sure that people with disabilities have access to the basics: food, transportation options, and access to vaccines and health care. In 2021, the Disability Awareness Month Committee gathered stories about King County employees working to improve accessibility, provide services, and… Read More
October was Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and in observance, it is important to highlight the work King County is doing to support survivors of domestic violence in King County. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, on average, nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the U.S., resulting in over 10 million people each year. Here in our region, in 2020 the number of domestic violence-related felony charge referrals, the most serious legal filing, did not decrease, despite temporary court closures, the statewide stay at home… Read More
The Vets 4 Hire program, which offers on-the-job learning experiences for veterans, is now approved to offer King County agencies up to a full year of financial support when hiring military veterans into veteran fellowship experiences, doubling the amount previously available. The program, financed by the Veterans, Seniors & Human Service Levy, reimburses King County departments to cover half of the veteran’s wages up to a maximum of $7,812 after six months of the veteran’s experience. If the department wants to extend the veteran’s experience another six months, up to an additional… Read More
The King County Disability Affinity Group hosted an official kick-off and held its first informational session on October 25. The launch of this new affinity group (aka employee resource group) is an important piece in furthering the County’s commitment to disability equity, and reaching our True North, “Making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive.” The Disability Affinity Group aims to serve the disability community through fellowship, by providing support, and in the co-creation of equitable policies, practices, and approaches – all in service to the disability community, including King County employees. The affinity group is supported by the Office of Equity and Social Justice (OESJ) and the Department of Community & Human Resources (DCHS). “We look forward to working in… Read More
Open Enrollment for 2022 benefits continues until Friday, Nov. 15. Get the most out of your robust King County employee benefits package by finding out what’s offered in 2022 and by participating in Open Enrollment. Attend a virtual information session: Learn about the 2022 benefit changes and get your questions answered at live information sessions hosted by the Benefits Team. This event is offered on a variety of days and times to accommodate your schedules. Register here: Open Enrollment Education Session or here: Transit Open Enrollment Education session Watch an Open Enrollment… Read More