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
King County applies for Phase 2 of Safe Start recovery plan
Following two weeks of progress in modified Phase 1, King County has submitted an application to the state Department of Health to move to Phase 2 of the Safe Start coronavirus recovery plan, which would allow more re-opening of businesses to increase operating capacity. King County Executive Dow Constantine and King County Council Chair Claudia Balducci submitted an application to the state Department of Health to move King County to Phase 2 of the Safe Start recovery plan following approval of the plan by the King County Board of Health. “After two weeks in what… Read More
Communication and Problem Solving Skills three-day online webinar, June 30-July 2
In this three-day training, instructor Lenny Borer will address communication and problem-solving skills with the public and with co-workers. This class covers skills for effective listening, speaking, dealing with conflicts and with defensive behavior. Participants will learn how to name and demonstrate seven active listening skills, five assertive verbal skills, the five steps to deal with defensive behavior, and identify the differences between aggressive and assertive behavior, as well as list the seven steps in the problem solving process. Tuesday, June 30, Wednesday, July 1, and Thursday, July 2, from 9 – 11:30 a.m. Register… Read More
On-demand webinar recording: Supporting Kids through the Pandemic
During the recent Balanced You webinar “A Conversation on Self-care and Connection,” we heard from employees that one of your top concerns is how the pandemic is impacting your kids. Because you asked for help supporting your kids through this, we reached out to one of the area’s top parent coaches, Sarina Behar Natkin, to coordinate a webinar and Q&A session for King County employees. Attendees of the “Supporting Kids through the Pandemic” webinar learned how to support their children and themselves while building resilience and increasing connection in the home. To listen… Read More
How to be an ally: Anti-racism resources for white people
Many white people witnessing the violence against Black bodies and minds are committed to action that will set our country on a more just path. As such, many are resolving to demonstrate allyship by taking actions to counter, disrupt, and dismantle systemic racism through anti-racism. If you’ve heard these words, wondered what they mean, and want to know how you can make a difference, visit the Balanced You blog for definitions, tips, and resources.
Featured Job: Human Resource Manager II – SDA
Salary: $108,494.26 – $137,522.94 Annually Location: Seattle, WA Job Type: Special Duty Assignment Department: KCSO – Sheriff’s Office Job Number: 2020-11741 Division: Support Services Closing: 6/24/2020 11:59 PM Pacific Learn more about this position or view all available positions.
Racism is a public health crisis: The transformation starts here. It starts with us.
Crossposted from Public Health Insider By King County Executive Dow Constantine and Public Health — Seattle & King County Director Patty Hayes “There’s nothing new under the sun but there are new suns.” Octavia E. Butler, Parable of the Trickster Today, we declare that racism is a public health crisis. Public Health – Seattle & King County and all of King County government are committed to implementing a racially equitable response to this crisis, centering on community. King County government and Public Health – Seattle & King County are committed to working in stronger… Read More
Anita Whitfield named Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer
Dear fellow King County employee, I have named Anita Whitfield to serve as the County’s Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer in my office and as part of my Senior Leadership Team as we continue our work to embed our “We are racially just” value across all of our operations. In this new role, Anita will lead our Equity and Social Justice strategy and oversee the Office of Equity and Social Justice (OESJ). She will work across all of our functions to ensure that we are doing everything we can to push our… Read More
Health officials stress continued vigilance as limited reopening begins
Crossposted from Public Health Insider As King County continues its first week of limited reopening of some businesses and recreational activities, Public Health – Seattle & King County reminds the public to continue following physical distancing and infection control practices to help prevent an increase in COVID-19 cases. Also, expanded data available on the COVID-19 dashboard. Story After nearly three months of stay-at-home orders and other guidelines targeted at slowing the spread of COVID-19, the gradual reopening of businesses, recreational opportunities and social activities is underway across King County. And, while some restrictions… Read More
KCIT fixing IT system Saturday, June 13
On Saturday, June 13, from midnight until 4 a.m., KCIT will be fixing a part of the IT system. This repair will fix a bug that has caused widespread outages over the last few weeks. Many IT systems will be down for about four hours. Some programs will stay online during the repair, while others will not. Unfortunately, it is not possible to predict which stay on and which will not. The good news is many everyday tools will not be affected. This includes Office 365 applications (e.g., SharePoint, Teams, Planner) and Oracle EBS. Employees… Read More
Building Gender Inclusive Spaces online workshops, June 22 or June 26
As part of King County’s continuing efforts to lead with racial justice and in celebration of LGBTQ+ Pride Month, the Department of Human Resource’s Learning and Development team will be hosting two online workshops titled Building Gender Inclusive Spaces: Exploring the Intersection of Race and LGBTQ+ Identities. In this two-hour workshop, participants will learn foundational knowledge of gender and sexuality and best practices to support a gender diverse workforce, with a focus on the intersection of race and LGBTQ+ identities. Participants will have the opportunity to move through real-life scenarios, apply their understanding… Read More
Bloodworks NW now offering Pop-Up Donor Center June 15 through July 29
The essential measures Bloodworks NW has taken for social distancing has taken away the usual setting for mobile blood drives that account for 60% of collections. With hospitals preparing to re-start surgeries, organ transplants and cancer treatments that were suspended in March, donors are needed now, and in the coming months. To help keep the blood supply stable during this unprecedented time, Bloodworks NW has partnered with the iconic STG Paramount Theatre to host a Pop-Up Donor Center, beginning June 15 through July 29. With King County on-site blood donations temporarily on hold, this is a great opportunity to give… Read More
Emotional well-being resources for Black communities
Over the past two weeks, we have witnessed continued harm to Black bodies and minds, harm that has been perpetuated for generations via institutions, policies, and laws in every community throughout the United States. The combined impact of police violence, a pandemic disproportionately affecting People of Color, and centuries of systemic racism places undue stress on Black communities. This stress continues to impact each individual Black person’s emotional well-being uniquely, based on their identity, support systems, and other contexts. Balanced You stands with Black Lives Matter and recognizes the resiliency and strength… Read More
PeopleSoft HCM outage this weekend, June 12-14
To allow for KCIT infrastructure maintenance, the PeopleSoft system will not be available this weekend, June 12 through June 14. During this planned outage, KCIT will upgrade infrastructure including server maintenance that impacts the PeopleSoft system. As a precautionary measure, the PeopleSoft system will be taken offline and not available during this time. This work will begin on Friday, June 12 at 6 p.m. and is scheduled to be completed by 6:30 a.m. on Monday, June 15. The system will not be available for access by any County staff during this outage window…. Read More
Black Lives Matter silent march and general strike Friday, June 12
Dear employee, Black Lives Matter Seattle-King County (BLMSKC) has called for a statewide silent march and general strike across Washington on Friday, June 12. King County remains steadfast in our fight against racism, hatred, and violence, and in our commitment to our “We are racially just” value. We respect, value, and support people peacefully expressing their views and exercising their First Amendment rights. Employees who are scheduled to work and wish to attend any of the strike events on June 12 must follow their department’s appropriate leave policies. For more information on your… Read More
Use new W-4 to change your tax withholding
Form W-4 is used to let your employer know how much federal income tax to withhold from your pay. The IRS recommends completing a new Form W-4 when your personal or financial situation changes. This year, the IRS redesigned Form W-4 to reduce complexity and improve accuracy. Go to the IRS website for information about Tax Withholding, FAQs on the 2020 Form W-4, and a Tax Withholding Estimator. If you would like to adjust the amount withheld from your King County paycheck for tax purposes, please use PeopleSoft to update your W-4: Sign in to PeopleSoft…. Read More
PRIDE rides on
Crossposted from Metro Matters June 28, 2020 marks the 50th anniversary of the first Pride parade. Started in New York City, the event was originally known as Christopher Street Liberation Day. This activist-created march bloomed in reaction to the police raid against LGBTQ patrons of the Stonewall Inn, and the five days of community protests and riots a year earlier. The first Pride parade brought together thousands of participants. Today, millions participate in Pride events around the world. In 1977, Mayor Charles Royer made the first official declaration of Gay Pride Week in… Read More
King County submits plan to re-open limited business activity in COVID-19 recovery
King County Executive Dow Constantine, King County Council Chair Claudia Balducci, and King County Board of Health Chair Joe McDermott today submitted a plan to the state Department of Health that would allow limited and modified openings for a wide range of businesses and personal activities. The county’s application includes recommendations from King County local health officer Dr. Jeff Duchin that would: allow all outdoor recreation permitted in Phase 2 in Gov. Inslee’s Safe Start plan expand opening indoor fitness studios for one-on-one activities allow restaurants to begin opening indoor seating at 25% of normal capacity allow hair… Read More
COVID-19 and unrecognized realities experienced by black people
Crossposted from Public Health Insider Face coverings help protect our community from COVID-19. Unfortunately many members of the Black community are concerned that wearing face coverings may lead to dangerous and harmful encounters with law enforcement or other community members. Racism influences perceptions of face coverings and those wearing or not wearing them. After rounds of engagement and feedback from community partners, the decision was made to roll out the face covering policy as as a directive, not an order, so as to prevent further policing of black and brown communities or perpetuate further… Read More
Featured Job: Disease Research & Intervention Specialist – Hepatitis A
Salary: $30.67 – $38.88 Hourly Location: Seattle, WA Job Type: Special Duty Assignment or Term Limited Temp (TLT) Department: DPH – Public Health Job Number: 2020AB11705 Division: Prevention Closing: 6/17/2020 11:59 PM Pacific Learn more about this position or view all available positions.
Tech Tip: Reminder about regular emails from KCIT vendor KnowBe4.com
Each Wednesday all King County email users will receive an email from authorized King County vendor KnowBe4.com about phishing scams. King County Information Technology (KCIT) has partnered with KnowBe4.com to regularly provide information and training to employees about phishing scams and other email red flags. KnowBe4.com is a leading industry expert in security awareness training. Its mission is to help employees to make smarter security decisions, every day, and keep the County’s and employees’ information secure. Employees are encouraged to read through the helpful information in each email and review the security tips… Read More
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