Featured Headlines
VIDEO: Interim DNRP Director Mo McBroom shares her path to public service
KCSO in the spotlight: Air support
Welcoming new neighbors: King County invests in vital support for immigrant and refugee communities
King County, Plymouth Housing, and City of Kirkland celebrate opening of new permanent supportive housing community, Sheila Stanton Place
News
Meet the Benefits and Retirement Navigators
Navigators are available to help you understand the complexities of your robust King County employee benefits and learn everything you need to know about preparing for retirement. The Benefits Navigator and the Retirement Navigator are part of the Department of Human Resources’ Benefits, Payroll, and Retirement Operations Section and they are available year-round to talk with you about your benefit and retirement-related questions and concerns. Benefits Navigator Matt Munson: Matt.Munson@kingcounty.gov Talk with Matt to learn more about: Employee benefit choices New employee benefit education sessions Selecting a medical plan that fits your… Read More
Make your nominations for Executive’s Performance Excellence Awards
Nominations are now open for the Executive’s Performance Excellence Awards to recognize individual employees and workgroups whose innovations and improvements are delivering excellence for our customers, our organization, and our region. This year, we will honor Executive branch employees and teams for their exceptional contributions in leadership, innovation, and Lean maturity in the past 12 months. We have three award categories: Innovation awards for Cost, Equity and social justice, People, Service, and Sustainability; Leadership Excellence awards for people leaders and individual contributors; and the Road to Excellence awards for divisions that achieve one of three… Read More
At-home COVID-19 tests now covered by your medical plan
Federal guidelines were released last week that require all health plans to pay for FDA-approved over-the-counter (OTC) at-home COVID-19 tests purchased on or after Jan. 15, 2022. If you’re covered by a King County employee medical plan, see the information below about how to get reimbursed. The processes are still being worked out by the health plans, and plans are working to obtain adequate supplies as soon as possible. For now, be sure to save your receipts for at-home COVID-19 tests purchased on or after Jan. 15, 2022. For SmartCare (Kaiser Permanente)… Read More
Flood control to Major Tom: River and Floodplain Management Section keep King County high and dry
The heavy rains and melting snows have brought upon King County its annual river flooding season. As the most common winter weather occurrence, flooding is a danger in both rural and urban areas. King County’s River and Floodplain Management Section (RFMS) within the Water and Land Resources Division of the Department of Natural Resources and Parks (DNRP) works to overcome these flooding challenges and educate the public about safety. Capital Project Manager Stella Torres and Engineer Heather McPherson shared about their work with this team, and how important it is to be… Read More
Changes to Temporary COVID-19 Personnel Policy
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recently shortened the recommended time for isolation of the public when infected with COVID-19. It is now recommended that people with COVID-19 should isolate for 5 days (instead of 10) if they are asymptomatic. If they continue to be asymptomatic or their symptoms are improving, and they are fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication, they can come out of isolation after 5 days and return to work. Additionally, the guidance has changed for those who are exposed to COVID-19 and must quarantine…. Read More
Kids in need get a chance to Shop with a Cop
From Woodinville to Covington and locations in between, groups of kids got to experience some holiday cheer thanks to dedicated members of the King County Sheriff’s Office and the support of various community organizations. Shop with a Cop is a program that takes place across the nation during the holidays and locally is an opportunity for law enforcement to connect with the community. The common perception is that when an officer shows up in a neighborhood or at a business it’s because of a disturbance or a traffic accident, or some other… Read More
Spotlight on King County Regional Veterans Court Mentor Program
By Troy Brown, Communication Manager, King County District Court The King County Regional Veterans Court (RVC) seeks to increase effective cooperation between federal, state and local veterans’ service agencies and the criminal justice system. The RVC’s Mentor Program is a key part of the support available to help veterans successfully complete the RVC requirements. “Veterans often find it hard to talk to others who are not veterans, or to ask for help,” says Terrell Carrington, RVC Mentor Program Coordinator for King County District Court, and a U.S. Army veteran himself. “The RVC… Read More
Reminder on measures to reduce spread of COVID-19
With the rapid rise in cases of the Omicron COVID-19 variant, employees are reminded that several measures remain in place to slow the spread of the virus: Operations that require employees to be onsite will have KN95 or N95 masks available for all employees. Find out more about using these masks in this Public Health article on improving the quality and fit of your mask. Employees who are currently telecommuting should continue to do so where possible and not go into the office unless necessary and approved by their supervisor. Non-essential in-person gatherings… Read More
Be prepared for cold temperatures, snow, and ice
Updated Tuesday, Dec. 28 Extremely cold temperatures and icy road conditions are forecast for our region this week, so please be prepared for possible commute delays and impacts to business operations. If you work on site, please be prepared for cold weather. Have a plan for your commute, dress warmly, and let safety be your guide when making commute decisions. If you drive, have an emergency kit in your vehicle, including extra clothing, food, water, and a flashlight. Also, make sure your mobile phone is fully charged. Please remember to wear a mask indoors… Read More
Reduce your risk, sign up for a COVID-19 booster shot
With the highly infectious Omicron variant now circulating rapidly in our region, it is more important than ever to take steps to reduce your risk – including getting a booster dose if you are eligible. If it has been at least six months since your second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, or at least two months since your single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, you are eligible for a booster shot. To schedule a COVID-19 vaccine booster, visit http://www.kingcounty.gov/vaccine or use the Washington State Department of Health’s vaccine… Read More
N95 masks for employees working onsite
King County is making N95 masks available to employees who are required to be onsite for voluntary use as we continue to monitor the rise of the Omicron variant of COVID-19. All King County department and division leaders have been provided with information on ordering N95 masks, and these masks will be available soon for onsite employees to request. If you would like to request a N95 mask for voluntary onsite use, please contact your supervisor. Before using a N95 mask, please ensure that you read the information below on voluntary use… Read More
Update on in-person operations in January
By Dow Constantine, King County Executive Many of you have been asking about Future of Work (return-to-office) plans in the new year, and the impacts of the Omicron variant to our timelines. Our Future of Work plans are created to be nimble and responsive to health and safety, operations, and the needs of our employees. We have not set a firm return-to-office date for those employees who are currently teleworking. At this point, due to the changing environment around the Omicron COVID-19 variant, and the expectation that the spread of the variant… Read More
We thank you, our employee audience
Our top stories and videos for 2021 This past year, the twice weekly Employee News newsletter shared employee accomplishments and events, COVID-19 resources and vaccine updates, training and career development information, and other relevant employee news. The Department of Human Resources Employee Communications Team also featured these items on the KC Employee News blog, the King County Employees YouTube channel, the KCEmployees Twitter account, and the King County, WA LinkedIn account. We would like to thank you, our employee audience, for interacting with this information, sharing it with colleagues, and helping us provide timely news… Read More
Is it time to schedule your COVID-19 booster?
If it has been at least six months since your second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, or at least two months since your single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, you are eligible for a booster shot. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend everyone currently eligible should get a COVID-19 vaccine booster to maximize protection. To schedule a COVID-19 vaccine booster, visit http://www.kingcounty.gov/vaccine or use the Washington State Department of Health’s vaccine locator to check out your options and get on a waitlist. With the Omicron… Read More
Supported employee takes pride in his work, shares joy with community
The Supported Employment Program (SEP) provides employment opportunities within King County government to people with disabilities. With an assigned job coach, and supportive supervisors and team members, participants are encouraged to fulfill their potential, pursue career goals, and thrive in a helpful environment. One employee within the Supported Employment Program who enjoys his work and the chance to make a difference is Naveed Labib, an Office Assistant in the Transit Facilities Division of the Metro Transit Department. Naveed has been with King County since January 2018. While some of his duties include… Read More
Vanpool and Vanshare program requirements lowered from five riders to three
Starting Jan. 1, 2022, King County employees may start a King County Metro Vanpool or Vanshare with only three or more participants and the cost will be covered 100% by the Employee Transportation Program (ETP). This reduced ridership minimum from five participants to three or more participants is being offered after the recent survey of employee safety programs highlighted employee interest in more shared ride options for commuting into downtown Seattle. As a result of the survey and support from ETP, the Executive’s Office approved continuing the 100% subsidy for employees commuting in… Read More
Paid Family and Medical Leave benefit and rates to increase Jan. 1
The state of Washington is making the following changes to the Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) program, effective Jan. 1, 2022. Higher premiums The total premium rate for Washington PFML will increase to 0.6% (from 0.4% in 2021) of each employee’s gross wages up to the 2022 Social Security cap of $147,000 (was $142,800 in 2021). Increased benefit for employees The maximum PFML weekly benefit will increase to $1,327 for leaves beginning in 2022 (from $1,206 in 2021). The PFML benefit amount is based on your income. Employees to pay a larger… Read More
Our recent survey about employee safety programs
Almost 2,500 King County employees who work in downtown Seattle recently had their say on new and existing programs designed to enhance safety at and around county worksites in the downtown campus. A total of 6,833 employees were invited to take the survey, with 2,491 submitting responses. The key findings were: For existing programs, employees were most interested in the Security Escort program (57% very or somewhat interested) followed by Walk-pooling (47%), VanPool (35%), Goat Hill Garage Tunnel (30%), and VanShare (25%). Almost half (42%) of employees were very or somewhat interested… Read More
Spend your Flexible Spending Account money
Do you have money left in your Flexible Spending Account (FSA)? Check the balance of your Health Care or Day Care FSA by going to Navia Benefits and signing in to your account. Expenses incurred by Dec. 31, 2021, must be submitted for reimbursement by March 31, 2022. For this year only, any unused funds in your 2021 Health Care or Dependent Day Care FSAs will automatically roll over and be available next year. You do not have to be enrolled in an FSA next year to access these funds. (Normally, the… Read More
$2 million for King County departments, agencies to increase language access services
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
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