Employee News
Telling the stories of King County employees
Crossposted from Metro Matters Six Puget Sound area transit agencies have joined agencies across the nation to commit to industry best practices for safe transportation during the COVID-19 crisis. Community Transit, Everett Transit, King County Metro, Kitsap Transit, Pierce Transit and Sound Transit have all committed to a health and safety program developed by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) in response to public concerns about riding transit during the pandemic. Read more.
King County and the City of Seattle are jointly opening a shelter in Seattle for homeless persons with conditions vulnerable to smoke, and there is an urgent need for employees to fill positions starting today and tonight. There is an immediate need to fill roles through temporary redeployment at the shelter site in SoDo as we respond to wildfire smoke in our region. Both medical and non-medical volunteers are sought for the temporary emergency smoke shelter from Friday afternoon through Monday morning. The site is located at 1045 6th Ave South, Seattle…. Read More
Dwight Dively, Director of the Office of Performance, Strategy and Budget, has recorded a short video update on the 2021-2022 Proposed Budget. In the video, he shares an update on the revenue forecast, the COVID-19 response, and the upcoming proposed budget. “We have identified some exciting budget proposals that will come out in the County Executive’s budget on September 22 which will fundamentally change our legal system,” Dwight said. “We’re also working with lots of groups around the county and with community organizations on ways that the County can pursue other aspects of… Read More
Salary: $34.54 – $43.78 Hourly Location: Seattle, WA Job Type: Career Service, Full Time, 40 hrs/week Department: DES – Executive Services Job Number: 2020JM12060 Division: FBOD-Finance & Business Ops Closing: 9/13/2020 11:59 PM Pacific Learn more about this position or view all available positions.
Dear employee, Our region is experiencing significant levels of wildfire smoke today, which is expected to continue through the weekend. Wildfire smoke can cause a range of health problems, including chest pain, coughing, fast heartbeat, headaches, and asthma attacks. Some people need to be outdoors for their work or other responsibilities. With our current unhealthy air conditions, it’s recommended that you limit your time outdoors. If you are concerned about doing field work in these conditions, please consider these tips and guidance: Talk to your supervisor about possible options to reduce the amount of… Read More
Many groups around King County have had to adapt rapidly to the challenges posed by the coronavirus, switching gears to accommodate new policies and procedures. But for the Central Payroll Operations Team, a small group of employees who already move at a quick pace, these changes are part of their ever-evolving work routine. As we celebrate National Payroll Week, we spoke with Payroll Operations Supervisor Pam Bell to learn more about how the Team is operating during this time. Pam joined King County in 2004 and has been with the Department of Executive… Read More
King County will close the aging Administration Building to most operations in early 2021, with employees relocating to King Street Center and the Chinook Building when it is safe for them to return to work. Executive Constantine will propose decommissioning the Administration Building – which requires significant maintenance and replacement of aging systems – in his 2021-2022 budget address. Existing customer-facing services previously provided at the Administration Building will be co-located at King Street Center. The Administration Building closure is part of a comprehensive effort to re-envision how King County can best… Read More
Employees of King County now have access to a new discount through T-Mobile. For a limited time, eligible customers who are switching to T-Mobile can save up to $200 (via 20 monthly bill credits) when you activate a new account on Magenta Plus. Call 855-570-9947 to speak to one of our experts, visit us online here, or visit a retail store near you. Restrictions apply. Additionally, from Sept. 1-30, 2020, join and get $150 after rebate via Virtual Prepaid Card with each new line. Get premium features like Netflix, international texting and data, and free… Read More
King County is hosting three live virtual panels with local community leaders, equity experts and small business owners as part of a conversation series called “12 Arguments for Change.” Beginning on Thursday, September 10 and continuing on September 15 and 17, King County Executive Dow Constantine will moderate these panel discussions to identify how we create a sustainable, equitable recovery for King County into 2021 and beyond. Each panel will have a unique set of speakers with backgrounds ranging from healthcare to community-based nonprofits, small business owners, racial and social justice activists, educators, and… Read More
On Friday, Sept. 11, King County Executive Constantine will present his 10th Executive Award for Community Resilience. The award is given each fall in recognition of outstanding efforts made by organizations to prepare for and respond to emergencies. As King County deals with two pandemics, COVID-19 and racial injustice, organizations across the region are stepping up. This award honors those who have done extraordinary things in the arena of preparedness and response, to make sure their community can weather any storm. View the award ceremony live tomorrow, Friday, Sept. 11 at 1 p.m. to watch… Read More
Crossposted from Public Health Insider Maybe it’s happened to you: you wake up one morning with a new cough and a slight fever, and you’re not sure what to do. You’re worried it might be COVID, so what are your next steps? Getting tested is one of the best ways to protect your family, friends, and community, but if you’ve never been tested before, you might be a little nervous. We reveal what really happens when you get a COVID test in this short video, below. For more information on testing, including where to… Read More
Every fall, King County’s Balanced You team encourages employees to get their flu shot and this fall, flu shots are more important than ever. To encourage social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic, telecommuting employees are being asked to get their flu shots from their healthcare providers or pharmacists, instead of coming into the workplace. Visit this Balanced You blogpost for information telecommuting employees need to know about flu shots this fall, including how to access them near you.
Each year, King County’s Balanced You provides onsite flu shots for employees. Providing programs to support your health and well-being is one way we’re Investing in YOU. Visit this Balanced You blog post to learn how we’re modifying the flu shot clinic program to serve those most impacted during the pandemic.
Dear King County Employee, Since the first outbreak of COVID-19 in the United States was recognized in King County just over 6 months ago, I have deeply appreciated the care and commitment to public service I see demonstrated every day by my fellow employees. Our response to the pandemic has been a tremendous effort, where the entire workforce has rallied during a public health emergency to take personal actions to stop the spread of the disease, while at the same time working hard to safely continue delivering critical services to our region…. Read More
The economic recession, racial injustice and the global pandemic are all having a profound impact on the mental health of children. Age, direct experience, and pre-existing conditions are all factors that can compound the effects of current events on children’s mental health. NAMI Basics OnDemand, offered free by the National Alliance on Mental Illness, is a six-session online education program for parents, caregivers and other family who provide care for youth ages 22 or younger who are experiencing mental health symptoms. NAMI Basics OnDemand is an adaptation of the in-person course offered in 43… Read More
Hi! My name is Dora and I am available for adoption. I like getting attention on my own terms. When I come up to say hello, sometimes I want to rub against your pant leg, sometimes I want to smack you, and sometimes I want to bite you. I’ll always keep you guessing as to what kind of mood I am in! I am a gorgeous cat that at first was very timid, but once I realized that people just want to make me happy, I have taken my rightful place as princess… Read More
This week is National Payroll Week. It is a week set aside to celebrate all payroll professionals everywhere who, day after day, work hard to ensure the timely and accurate distribution of payroll to approximately 150 million America wage earners. Payroll is important. Not only is it a symbol of the bond of trust and mutual commitment between employers and employees, payroll also funds families, supports households, and keeps our economy going. It enriches careers and allows us amazing experiences as we grow and go. To be a payroll professional means that you… Read More
Dear employee, You have probably noticed the smoky air in our region today. Wildfire smoke can cause a range of health problems, including chest pain, coughing, fast heartbeat, headaches, and asthma attacks. Some people need to be outdoors for their work or other responsibilities. With our current unhealthy air conditions, it’s recommended that you limit your time outdoors. If you are concerned about doing field work in these conditions, please consider these tips and guidance: Talk to your supervisor about possible options to reduce the amount of time you spend outdoors by performing desk… Read More
Crossposted from Public Health Insider New testing sites in Renton and Auburn will bring additional free COVID-testing to south King County, where communities have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. A new site in Auburn opens Sept. 1, and a new site will open in Renton on Sept. 8. If you have symptoms, get tested early Early testing is important to help prevent COVID-19 from spreading to friends, family, and the community. It is important to get tested immediately if you have any of the symptoms of COVID-19, including cough, shortness of breath, fever,… Read More
King County employees have access to a variety of upcoming scheduled webinars hosted by Making Life Easier. Register early for live interactive sessions as space is limited; otherwise, recordings will be available on-demand 48 hours after the live session. Tools for navigating this marathon of uncertainty, Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2020, from noon to 1 p.m. Register here. Supporting your working parents in the chaos of 2020: A webinar for managers, Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2020 from noon to 1 p.m. Register here. For more information about the Making Life Easier program, visit www.kingcounty.gov/MLE.