Featured Headlines
DCHS-led Health Through Housing initiative hits major milestone
In the field with Executive Zahilay: Listening to staff and empowering solutions
Tap to pay: Puget Sound region transit systems to accept credit and debit cards, and digital wallets as fare payment
Major ‘Revive I-5’ repairs continue for Ship Canal Bridge
News
You’re invited: Star Awards and Celebration, Feb. 20
It’s time to celebrate all the goodness! And that means celebrating you, our King County employees — the people who went above and beyond to make the Annual Giving Drive a success. You’re invited to our Annual Employee Giving Program Celebration and Awards. Thursday, Feb. 20, 2020, 8:30 – 10 a.m., King County Courthouse, 9th Floor, Room E-942 We are also looking for employees to share their Employee Giving Ambassador stories of inspiration, gratitude, and connection. Whatever goodness it was, we want to hear, and then share as part of the celebration. Submit stories… Read More
Addressing stigma: United response to coronavirus, February 12
On Friday, Feb. 7, Executive Dow Constantine joined public health professionals and community leaders in a strong stance against stigma and discrimination that can be exacerbated during global disease outbreaks. Watch the full press conference here. We know that protecting health and safety is not only about safety from a virus, it is also about creating communities where people support each other and we all have our basic needs met. Public Health – Seattle & King County has launched new resources for our collective community to help address stigma. Right now there are a lot of rumors… Read More
Celebrating Black History Month in King County
King County Executive Dow Constantine has proclaimed February 2020 to be Black History Month in King County. “Whereas. the scientific, technological, economic, political, and cultural innovations by Black Americans and African Americans have been essential to the progress of our nation and we will continue to honor these accomplishments every month and every day in Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., County, Washington State,” Executive Constantine said in his Proclamation.
2020 Engagement Survey changes
Every year, the employee engagement team recommends improvements to the data and survey process that enhance the employee experience, increase the effectiveness of the data, and provide more useful analysis. That said, the team always retains the two most important elements of the survey: trending data, and the confidentiality and anonymity of participants. Changes to this year’s Employee Engagement Survey are: Everyone will take the survey electronically Data will be available four weeks sooner, creating more time for action planning Demographic questions are optional, will be more specific, and the option for “prefer not… Read More
King County Executive visits Wastewater Treatment Division
On the final day of one of the rainiest months in the region’s recorded history, King County Executive Dow Constantine took a day-long tour of several wastewater treatment facilities. He was able to meet employees who work on the front lines, keeping treatment plants and pump stations operating 24/7 under adverse winter conditions. He started in Georgetown where construction of a major new facility, the Georgetown Wet Weather Treatment Station, is underway. It will treat polluted stormwater that currently flows directly into the Duwamish River during severe rainstorms. Afterwards, he was briefed on… Read More
2020 Worksite Fund application coming soon
The Balanced You Worksite Fund is back for its third year. Beginning in mid-February, employees will have the opportunity to learn more about the project and apply. Previous applicants are also encouraged to re-apply. So, start connecting with colleagues and brainstorming ways you’d like to create positive change in your workplace this year. Visit the Balanced You blog for more information and a slide show of 2019 Worksite Fund projects.
Recipients of the 2019-2020 ESJ Opportunity Fund announced
The ESJ Opportunity Fund is a competitive process overseen by the Office of Equity and Social Justice that provides resources to King County employees to develop and implement projects that work to advance equity and social justice and complement the ESJ Strategic Plan. This year, 33 applications were received totaling more than $185,000 in requests, with a 2019-2020 ESJ Opportunity Fund budget of $75,000. This was a highly competitive process that highlights the commitment across the County to equity and social justice work, not only at the department and agency level but also of our… Read More
Featured Job: Facilities Electrician I
Salary: $38.32 – $42.13 Hourly Location: Seattle, WA Job Type: Career Service, Full Time, 40 hrs/week Department: DES – Executive Services Job Number: 2020TM11251 Division: FMD – Facilities Mgmt Closing: 2/20/2020 11:59 PM Pacific Learn more about this position or view all available positions.
Pet of the Week: Trap
Hi! My name is Trap and I am available for adoption. My personality color is RED. I am a spirited dog with a fun-loving personality! I am still working on my manners, so I would do best with a family who is willing to work with me and help me become the best dog I can be! Read more and view all available pets at www.kingcounty.gov/adoptapet.
Employee discounts to Seattle Symphony for February performances
King County employees are welcome to take advantage of discounts for upcoming Seattle Symphony performances. Use code VIOLIN20 to save 15% on Orchestra Level Seats on performances of Dvořák Symphony No. 8 on Thursday, Feb. 6 and Saturday, 8, and Mozart Concerto for Two Pianos on Thursday, Feb. 27, Friday, Feb. 28, and Saturday, Feb. 29. Employees can also use code LOVE30 for $30 Orchestra Level Seats for The Best of Quincy Jones performances on Friday, Feb. 14, Saturday, Feb. 15, and Sunday, Feb. 16. Visit www.seattlesymphony.org to purchase tickets and for more information. See all… Read More
Plan for more time for security screening at courthouse
Starting Wednesday, Feb. 5, security screening at the King County Courthouse will take longer. New security equipment has been set to a sensitivity level that ensures a more thorough screening process. Items such as loose change, keys, underwire in bras and shoe shanks may require secondary screening such as wanding. To speed up the process, please remove all metals from pockets. As a side note, beginning this Friday, Feb. 7, the Fourth Avenue entrance will open from 7:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m., and noon to 2 p.m.
King County employee Metro commuter van pilot: Four-month update
In October 2019, the Employee Transportation Program (ETP) launched a one-year pilot program offering 100% Metro Vanpool and Vanshare benefits to all King County employees. Since the launch, employees formed eight new vanpools and one vanshare. This pilot is an effort to decrease the drive-alone rate to King County worksites not served well by transit as well as provide all employees with an additional ORCA Passport fare-free mode to get to and from work. If the pilot program’s success continues through September, ETP plans to request that this benefit be a permanent transportation benefit for… Read More
Four things you need to know for the Census
Every 10 years in the United States, a national census takes place, and King County is partnering with community-based organizations, philanthropies, other governments, and stakeholders across the region to support and promote a fair and accurate 2020 Census. Starting March 12, people will receive letters in the mail with instructions on how to complete the 2020 Census. Until July 31, you can complete the census online, by mail, or over the phone. The results inform how funding is distributed for things like our schools, affordable housing, hospitals, and public transportation for the… Read More
Redmond Youth Court participants practice restorative justice
By Troy Brown, Communication Manager, King County District Court Editor’s note: This article only uses first names to protect the privacy of minors. Each time 16-year-old “Mary” (not her real name) steps behind the wheel, she likely will be a safer driver thanks to lessons she learned at her Redmond Youth Court hearing. Redmond Youth Court is a student-led organization that works with King County District Court to hear real cases of traffic citations issued to 16- and 17-year olds by Redmond Police within the City of Redmond, offering them an alternative to… Read More
Update on novel coronavirus, February 4
On Friday, the federal government declared the new (novel) coronavirus a public health emergency in the U.S. and announced a series of restrictions on U.S. citizens and foreign nationals entering the U.S. after trips to China, which took effect Sunday at 2 p.m. PST. While government officials stress that the risk to the general U.S. public continues to be low at this time due to the small number of cases in the United States, the global situation continues to change rapidly. Public health officials here and around the world continue to be… Read More
777X first flight lands at King County International Airport
Crossposted from DES Express In a long-anticipated trip delayed two days by windy weather, Boeing’s new 777X took its first flight on Saturday, Jan. 25 from Paine Field in Everett. It landed about four hours later at King County International Airport (KCIA), after flight testing over Eastern Washington and a flight-to-flight photo session over Mount Rainier. The jet roared down the runway, leaving a trail of spray from the rain as it ended its journey. At least 40 media representatives – videographers, photographers and reporters – stood in a roped-off area near the… Read More
Focus on values: We lead the way
Dear employee, “We lead the way” is an attitude that we bring to our work, and one of our eight Executive Branch values. Everything that we accomplish is due to your hard work and innovative thinking, and as an organization, we are creating a culture where you feel empowered to push for new and better ways of doing things. As we focus on our “We lead the way” value this month, please take a moment to watch the “We lead the way” video. Your supervisor will make time to discuss what this… Read More
View your W-2 form online
Your 2019 W-2 form is now available in PeopleSoft to view and print. A paper copy of your W-2 form was mailed last week by ADP to the address you have listed in PeopleSoft. To view or print your W-2, log in to PeopleSoft from work, choose the Payroll tile, then go to “View W-2/W-2c Forms.” You can also access W-2 forms by registering at the ADP website. If you need help with PeopleSoft, call the KCIT Service Center at 206-263-4357. Your Form 1095-C—Employer-Provided Health Insurance Offer and Coverage—will also be sent to your home… Read More
New additions to the January – March 2020 mindfulness calendar
Balanced You’s Jan. to March 2020 Mindfulness Calendar is now open for registration. Classes are filling quickly and new classes have just been added. On Feb. 13, “Meeting Mindfulness,” a six-hour workshop that teaches the origins of mindfulness and allows participants to practice the skill, will be held. On Feb. 18, “Mindful Eating,” a four-hour class that helps participants become wiser and more joyful in their approach to eating, will be offered to employees. Classes are free for King County employees. Visit the Balanced You blog for more information.
Employees who open a new My Secure Advantage account will be entered to win $100 gift card
My Secure Advantage (MSA) offers free money coaching and education, including tax advice, to King County employees. Employees who open a new MSA account and take the financial wellness survey before Feb. 14, will be entered by MSA into a drawing to win a $100 Amazon gift card. To hear more on how to save on taxes, join MSA’s webinar “Making Tax Returns Less Taxing” on Feb. 11 at 9 a.m. and noon. You can register for the webinar by opening an MSA account. Visit the Balanced You blog for more information.
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