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“A mentor is someone who allows you to see the hope inside of yourself” – Oprah Winfrey
The King County Mentorship Program provides opportunities for growth, development and support, and also helps employees achieve their career goals. The program supports mentors by providing opportunities to deepen their knowledge on a specific topic (to teach is to know), increase their reputation and influence, and the satisfaction of passing on critical knowledge important to the continued success of the county. The program supports mentees by providing a trusted advisor to urge each person to learn new things about his or herself, help make more of personal strengths and develop hidden talents. To learn… Read More
Executive Services employee represents Seattle region at Harvard Business School
King County employee Chris Franco, a Procure and Pay Functional Lead in the Business Resource Center, was selected to attend Harvard Business School’s (HBS) Young American Leaders Program (YALP) this June, as a representative of the Seattle region. Only 10 members are chosen each year to participate in the program from select cities across the country including: Birmingham, Boston, Chattanooga, Columbus, Detroit, Miami, Milwaukee, Minneapolis-Saint Paul, Nashville, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, and Seattle. “Being selected to represent the Seattle Region is a deeply humbling honor, and means the world to me,” said Chris. “We’re… Read More
A perfect fit: How King County’s Mentorship Program develops employees
As Mary scrolled through the database of potential mentors a quote caught her attention: “I believe in having a ‘growth mindset.’ I think our potential exceeds our awareness, and the benefits of having someone guide your thinking in that direction can be incredibly helpful. Seeing someone make intentional choices about their next step in their careers will be very gratifying.” “I recognized the support I needed when I read this approach to mentoring before we were matched, said Mary Lear, Capital Project Manager, Department of Natural Resources and Parks. “Getting to meet Chris and talk to her has helped me learn more… Read More
KCIT communications employee honored for military service on International Women’s Day
Elizabeth Inglese, a Visual Designer with King County Information Technology, was recently featured in a New York Times article highlighting women’s achievements in the military as part of International Women’s Day. As a Gunnery Sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Elizabeth served as the Chief Designer for the Reserve’s Centennial Commemoration Campaign, (2015-2016). Her design work appeared across America, including such locations as the National World War II Museum in New Orleans, La., the Navy Memorial Museum in Washington DC, and even Times Square in New York. “It was an honor to be selected for the job of designer… Read More
Halfway through the Employee Survey, who’s leading the participation contest?
We’re halfway through the 2019 Employee Engagement Survey and more than 4,800 employees have already had their say on their experience at King County. The survey is an opportunity to check in with you about what’s working and not working, how we can improve our services, and what we can do to help you get the most out of your King County career. This year we are running a countywide Speak Up! participation contest, with all divisions placed in contest classes with their peers by employee headcount. Those with the highest participation or… Read More
Womxn’s History Month Panel 2019: Womxn Who Lead
Employees are welcome to join the 4th annual panel discussion in recognition of March as Womxn’s History Month at King County. This year’s theme is, “Womxn Who Lead: Stories from the Past and How They Influence the Future.” Monday, March 25, from 11:45 a.m. – 1:15 p.m. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. King County Courthouse room E-942. The King County Courthouse is located at 516 Third Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104. This event is free and open to the public. No RSVP is needed. Lunch is not provided, but there will be light refreshments. Employees are welcome to bring their own lunch to eat during… Read More
Training Spotlight: Emotional Intelligence for Leaders and Emerging Leaders series and Communication and Problem-Solving Skills
Emotional Intelligence for Leaders and Emerging Leaders series, April 27-May 11: Emotional intelligence describes the ability to understand one’s own feelings, and that of groups, and how these emotions can influence motivation and behavior. Leaders who are emotionally intelligent foster safe environments, where employees feel comfortable to take calculated risks and to voice their opinions. Engage in interactive, hands-on self-evaluation and exercise to develop your emotional intelligence and become a respected and inspiring leader. Register and learn more. Communication and Problem-Solving Skills, June 19: This one day training will address communication and… Read More
Featured Job: Paramedic Intern
Salary: $20.67 Hourly Location: Washington, WA Job Type: Career Service, Full Time, 40 hrs/week Department: DPH – Public Health Job Number: 2019NH09421 Closing: 3/31/2019 11:59 PM Pacific King County Emergency Medical Services / Medic One are seeking applicants to enter a 10 to 12 month training program to become certified as King County Paramedics. Paramedic certification is granted upon the successful completion of the University of Washington / Harborview Medical Center / Seattle Fire Department Paramedic Training Program. Paramedic training includes: lectures, medical labs, medical/surgical rounds, emergency room and ICU/CCU experience, and riding… Read More
Employees welcome to ukulele jam session
Play the ukulele? Come join other King County enthusiasts every Monday at noon for a lunchtime strumming session! We meet in the Administration Building in Project Space Conference Room 335. Everyone is welcome, even folks with minimal experience. So bring your uke (and a portable music stand, if you have one) and come jam! If you have questions contact organizer Stef Frenzl. Please ensure you are on your lunch break or not working at this time.
Kudos! Trailhead Direct program featured for improving access to trails
Launched in 2017, the Trailhead Direct program was recently highlighted on the REI store blog, with one writer sharing how the program encourages residents to both drive less and explore the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Reliant on the weather, the program will star back up later this year. Read the full article here. Kudos to our innovative programs, like Trailhead Director, for helping residents to better access the outdoors and for minimizing traffic!
King County wins organizational leadership award for government performance and continuous improvement
The Center for Accountability and Performance, affiliated with the American Society for Public Administration, awarded King County the CAP Organizational Leadership Award for 2019. The annual CAP Organizational Leadership Award recognizes outstanding management strategies that result in a culture change, sustained improvements, and demonstrated positive effects on government performance and accountability. “This award is a tribute to the thousands of King County employees who embrace continuous improvement every day,” said Executive Constantine. “We are creating a culture of excellence and innovation that will endure and enable us to tackle the most pressing… Read More
Pet of the Week: Mer
Crossposted from Tails from RASKC Mer has so much love to give, he just can’t wait to find his forever home! Could it be with you? Mer is a 3yr old male cat, Brown Tabby, domestic short hair (ID #A579532). This handsome boy is an affectionate lovebug who would be thrilled to cuddle up with you at home. He enjoys having his head scratched, as well as under his chin and behind his ears. He thinks it’s simply divine, and may even lean into the pets and stretch his neck out when you… Read More
King County leaders discuss importance of 2019 Employee Survey
The 2019 King County Employee Survey is now underway, and we’ve asked some County leaders why the survey is important to them and their employees, and how they will act on the results. In this video, we talk to King County Executive Dow Constantine, Chief People Officer Whitney Abrams, Chief Operating Officer Casey Sixkiller, Chief Information Officer Tanya Hannah, Director of the Department of Executive Services Caroline Whalen, King County Elections Director Julie Wise, and King County Assessor John Wilson. The survey runs through Friday, March 29 (March 22 for Metro paper… Read More
Using sick leave to volunteer helps employees make a difference in our community
“When you ask most people what they want to do when they retire, they will often say two things – travel and volunteer more,” said Junelle Kroontje, King County Employee Giving Program Manager (KCEGP). “During an employee’s work life, making time for volunteering can be difficult. By allowing our employees to use up to three days of sick leave to volunteer at a King County Employee Giving Program nonprofit or at a local school, it frees them up to do it today – instead of waiting for retirement.“ The volunteer program allows… Read More
Stev Weidlich: Mining data to address policy issues at DPD
By Leslie Brown, Department of Public Defense Remember story problems from high school math — those vexing questions about the arrival times of trains or the number of apples a shopkeeper has to sell to break even? Some of us hated them. Stev Weidlich loved them. And today, he’s putting that puzzle-solving mind of his to good use. Stev is the research and data analyst at the King County Department of Public Defense (DPD), where he ferrets out the answers to tricky questions every day. How many DUIs did one of the divisions handle at the Maleng Regional Justice… Read More
A leader in secondary trauma provides insights and support to DPD staff
By Leslie Brown, Department of Public Defense Laura van Dernoot Lipsky, a pioneer in the field of trauma exposure, visited the King County Department of Public Defense (DPD) last month, where she led a spirited, provocative, and often humorous exploration into the impact of secondary trauma on one’s life. The genesis for the training came out of the Secondary Trauma Care Work Group, recently organized by SEIU Local 925, Teamsters Local 117, and DPD. Laura discussed common responses to trauma, from guilt and hopelessness, to chronic exhaustion, to feelings of depression. When trauma is… Read More
2019 Employee Survey: How it works
The 2019 Employee Survey is now underway and you should receive your unique link from kcemployeesurvey@us.confirmit.com by the end of today. Why take the survey? How will your responses be used? Watch the short video below to find out. The survey runs through Friday, March 29 (March 22 for Metro paper surveys), so please take 15 minutes to have your say and make a difference in your workplace.
Featured Job: Medical Assistant – Eastgate Public Health
Salary: $22.40 – $28.40 Hourly Location: Bellevue, WA Job Type: Term Limited Temporary, Full Time, 40 hrs/wk Department: DPH – Public Health Job Number: 2019-09266 As the only county in the United States named after Martin Luther King Jr, one of the most influential civil rights leaders in our nations’ history, King County is a vibrant community with residents that represent countries from around the world. It is a region with increasing diversity that cherishes the artistic and social traditions of many cultures. We continue to build on an enduring legacy of shared values of… Read More
2019 Employee Survey kicks off today
Dear fellow King County employee, The 2019 Employee Survey kicked off today and you will soon receive an email from our survey consultant asking you to participate. This is now our fourth successive survey and each year your responses help us make King County a better place to work and a more effective service provider for our residents. Your responses have already had an impact. Almost 8,000 employees participated in our last survey and 290 action plans were implemented to address the issues you raised. As a result we’ve made many changes,… Read More
Pet of the Week: Dexter
Crossposted from Tails from RASKC Who’s a handsome boy? Why, it’s Dexter, our Pet of the Week! This young pittie is full of energy and loves to play! That’s why he’s one of our “Rambunctious Red” pets. He tends to calm down more when people around him stay calm. Dexter also does best when he gets lots of exercise and something to keep his mind busy. Read more.
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