Employee Spotlights
Five questions with Lluvia Ellison-Morales, Animal Services Administrator, Department of Executive Services
Overcoming a life changing injury with strength, dignity and a committed team
Best of the best: King County Metro names Neal Safrin Operator of the Year
Employee shares the powerful experience of working in Juvenile Court
From Our Blog
Featured Job: King County District Court Human Resource Manager II
Salary: $106,889.33 – $135,488.70 Annually Location: Seattle – Regional area, WA Job Type: Career Service, Full Time, 40 hrs/week Department: KCDC – District Court Job Number: 2019 KCDC HRM II Closing: 9/29/2019 11:59 PM Pacific The Human Resources Manager II (HR Manager II) for the Department of Human Resources (DHR) works entirely for the King County District Court (Court) as their Human Resources Director. The delivery of all of the human resources services is accomplished through a Service Level Agreement between the two Branches of government. Because of the separation of branches, strict… Read More
Don’t be left out – Update your PeopleSoft information
Reasons why it’s important to review and update your personal information in PeopleSoft: You will get important Open Enrollment and other employee benefits information mailed to you at the address you provide. Your emergency contact can be notified if something happens to you at work. Someone at King County can reach you with information about building closures, safety directives, etc. You can receive information at the email address you prefer. Here’s how: Sign in to PeopleSoft. You can also access PeopleSoft from home: ess.kingcounty.gov. Go to Personal Details Make sure all items are up-to-date … Read More
Accessing mental health services through your medical plan
If you are experiencing a mental or emotional health issue, you can access services offered by your King County medical plan. Kaiser Permanente SmartCare plans: Kaiser Permanente has licensed mental health clinicians on primary care teams to provide assessment and short-term treatment for many mental health concerns. At Kaiser Permanente Mental Health specialty facilities, adults, families, teens, and children can get treatment and support for a wide range of issues. No referral is needed from your primary care provider to get care from Kaiser Permanente Mental Health. For first-time, non-emergency appointments, call 888-287-2680… Read More
Pet of the Week: Kingston
Hi! My name is Kingston and I am available for adoption. I was brought into the shelter because I was sometimes too pushy with the other dog in the home. I do like other dogs though! I just maybe like to be the boss :). After all I’m a spunky little guy with a big boy personality! I also love to play and cuddle with people, but I like to get to know you first. Give me a few minutes to warm up, and I’ll be jumping up and down in your… Read More
Panel Discussion on Mental Health, Recovery, and Suicide Prevention, Sept. 25
As this video from the World Health Organization shows, mental illness can affect anyone at any time. Join us for a panel discussion on actions and resources to support mental well-being and a mentally healthy workplace. The panel will feature representatives from Public Health, Community and Human Services, Metro Transit, and Human Resources, along with King County’s Chief People Officer Whitney Abrams. Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2019 from 9:30 – 11 a.m., in the King County Administration Building’s 5th Floor Training Room Join by Skype Meeting or phone at 206-263-8114 using conference ID 5289695 Please Note: This is… Read More
Focus on values: We drive for results
Dear employee, In July, Executive Constantine launched our True North vision and values to Executive Branch employees as part of our ongoing effort to build a workplace culture of respect, innovation, and performance excellence. Beginning this month, we are launching a monthly focus on each of our eight values to help us gain a deeper understanding of the values and how to apply them to our work. This month, we are focusing on the value “We drive for results.” When we talk about driving for results, we are talking about doing more… Read More
Sept. 15 – Oct. 15, 2019 King County celebrates Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month
National Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month officially starts on Sept. 15 and ends Oct. 15. This month is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the long and important presence and contributions of Hispanic and Latino and Latina (Latinx) Americans. In the spirit of shared learning, increased understanding, building community, and advancing pro-equity values at Metro, all King County employees are invited to participate in these events, below. For more information about each event, view this flyer. Cross Agency Hispanic-Latinx Heritage Month Celebration: Thursday, Sept. 19, noon to 1 p.m., Union Station, Ruth Fisher Board… Read More
King County 2019 flu shot schedule, week of Sept. 18
Check out the King County 2019 Flu Shot Schedule and mark your calendars for the location most convenient for you. These are open to all employees, unless noted otherwise. If you miss the opportunity to get a flu shot at work, here are some tips for getting your flu shot through your health plan. Contact balancedyou@kingcounty.gov for more information. Some things to remember: Clinics are open to all employees, except when noted otherwise. Benefits-covered spouses and family members (age 11 and above) are welcome to attend most clinics, but please confirm these details with your site contact(s) beforehand…. Read More
Helping young people thrive in our community
King County is helping young people who have not completed high school but want to attain the General Educational Development (GED) or high school diploma and go on to college or a better job through services at Learning Center North and YouthSource. Learning Center North and YouthSource provide different services supporting young adults toward their goals in secondary education through a successful model of Leadership, Career Development, and support to and through college. The program helps young people earn their High School Equivalency Certificate and overcome barriers such as housing, employment, behavioral… Read More
Employee Resource/Affinity Group Policy
Dear King County employee, As we continue to build a supportive, respectful, and equitable workplace culture at King County, we are committed to providing opportunities and spaces for employees to come together, share their experiences, and work to advance our Equity and Social Justice Strategic Plan. Executive Constantine recently signed the Employee Resource/Affinity Group Policy, which formalizes the work of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), also known as affinity groups. These groups are employee-led and focus exclusively on state- and federal-protected categories – such as race, gender, and sexual orientation – and their common… Read More
New employee discount for Disney on Ice and Sesame Street Live
Employees can now take advantage of discounted savings for two upcoming family shows: Disney On Ice presents Mickey’s Search Party at the accesso ShoWare Center in Kent, WA, Oct. 30-Nov. 4, 2019. Order tickets before the deadline on Wednesday, October 23, 2019 at 11 a.m. Sesame Street Live! Make Your Magic is also coming to the acesso Showare Center in Kent, WA, Dec. 11-12, 2019. Tickets must be ordered before the deadline on Friday, December 6, 3029 at 11 a.m. Tickets for either show can be purchased by calling 866-248-8740, option 1. For questions call the number or email FeldDirectGroups@feldinc.com. Savings will be applied at… Read More
Video provides hope, guidance to parents whose children are removed by CPS
Crossposted from For the Defense One of the most painful experiences a parent can face is the removal of their child by Child Protective Services. A new video by the King County Department of Public Defense explores this difficult issue, profiling two parents who experienced both removal and reunification and who have guidance to offer others as a result. The video also highlights the value of dedicated public defenders in child welfare cases. “My public defender – she’s the reason I got my son back. She didn’t give up on me. She directed me,… Read More
Training Spotlight: Communication and Problem Solving Skills
Communication and Problem Solving Skills, Oct. 16: This one-day training 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. Register and learn more. View more training and development opportunities at www.kingcounty.gov/learning.
KCIA employees cut ribbon at new Activity Center
Employees at the King County International Airport (KCIA) celebrated the opening of the airport’s first-ever Activity Center on August 28. Located at the Maintenance Shop, 6518 Ellis Ave. S., the Activity Center features full-service exercise equipment including treadmills, a stationary bicycle, free weights, stability balls, and more. The ribbon-cutting event also featured personal trainers, who showed employees how to use the equipment. The center is open to all King County employees from 6 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. “We encourage employees to take some time to get up from their desks for… Read More
Pet of the Week: Slinky
Slinky is a 4 year-old, female, shorthair cat (A524490). Her personality color is BLUE, meaning she is a gentle and loving cat who likes to take things slow. She may get nervous in new situations, so she is looking for a family who understands that she might need some time to warm up. Once she gets to know you, she is a very playful and affectionate girl! Slinky has lived with young children and other cats in the past and did not seem to enjoy them, so she would prefer a quiet… Read More
Featured Job: Communications Specialist III
Salary: $61,360.00 – $77,750.40 Annually Location: Seattle, WA Job Type: Career Service, Full Time, 30 hrs/week Department: DPH – Public Health Job Number: 2019EY10528 Closing: 9/17/2019 11:59 PM Pacific Public Health’s Digital Communications Lead will serve as part of Public Health – Seattle & King County’s Communications Team, which is a unit of the Office of the Director. S/he will carry out a wide range of external and internal communications functions that support goals and activities that protect and improve our community’s health. The candidate selected for this position will be an outstanding… Read More
Supporting the mental health of employees
Anyone can experience the challenges of mental illness. It does not discriminate based on race, age, gender, ability or identity. King County and Balanced You support the mental health of employees in many ways. Whether you’re seeking help for yourself or a loved one or trying to learn more, there are many tools available to you. Visit Balanced You’s website or check out this Mental Health Resource Sheet for a list of community resources, counselor directories, benefits information, and more. Together we can learn more, change the conversation and continue building a stronger, more supportive environment for all.
Panel Discussion on Mental Health, Recovery, and Suicide Prevention: Sept. 25, 2019
September is National Recovery Month and National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Join us Wednesday, September 25, for a panel discussion on actions and resources to support mental well-being and a mentally healthy workplace. The panel will feature representatives from Public Health, Community and Human Services, Metro Transit, and Human Resources, along with King County’s Chief People Officer Whitney Abrams. Through this discussion, we join others around the nation in celebrating the millions of people who are in recovery from mental health and substance use disorders, reminding us that treatment is effective and… Read More
Benefits and Retirement Fairs Oct. 15 and 16
Do you want to better understand your King County benefits before Open Enrollment starts on Nov. 1? Do you have questions about your retirement? King County is hosting benefits fairs where you can meet with benefits and retirement plan vendors. The fairs give you an opportunity to learn more about your options and ask questions—so that you can plan ahead for your and your family’s well-being. There’ll also be raffles, prizes, and giveaways: Oct. 15 and 16, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. King County Elections, Alvine Room, 919 SW Grady Way, Renton Many of the… Read More
Celebrating National Recovery Month this September
National Recovery Month is celebrated in the U.S. annually each September to promote access to recovery, celebrate those participating in services, and educate communities about how to overcome the barriers of stigma and discrimination. The theme for this year’s Recovery Month is “Join the Voices for Recovery: Together We Are Stronger.” In solidarity with this national movement, and to recognize recovery wins in our community, each year King County spotlights individuals and hosts activities that spread the message that behavioral health is essential to wellness, that treatment is effective, and that people… Read More
Drug Court manager shares personal impact of program
National Recovery Month is an opportunity to learn more about what King County is doing to support people with services that allow them to rebuild their lives after difficult situations. The internationally renowned King County Drug Court Program, started in 1994 and celebrating its 25th anniversary this October, provides multiple resources for people by combining those from the criminal justice system, substance abuse treatment, and other community services providers. We sat down with Mary Taylor, Drug Court Manager, to learn more about the steady growth and continued success of this amazing program. “This is… Read More
Bringing the region together to fight homelessness: Seattle and King County unveil new authority to unify response systems and services
Crafted by Executive Constantine and Mayor Durkan, legislation now before the King County Council and Seattle City Council establishes the King County Regional Homelessness Authority to oversee policy, funding, and services for people experiencing homelessness countywide. The legislation includes a proposed Interlocal Agreement (ILA) and a Charter that authorizes the creation of the new Public Development Authority (PDA) to administer and oversee regional homelessness efforts. “The new regional authority represents a concerted effort to increase coordination and collaboration of our planning, resources and service delivery countywide to achieve a more efficient and… Read More
Know how to register to vote
Do you know how to register to vote? In King County, you can register to vote online or by mail until eight to days before an election or in-person through Election Day. Registrations done by mail need to be received, not postmarked, by the eight-day deadline. Learn more.
Snow emergencies will now mean free Metro transit
On August 28 the Council approved legislation sponsored by Councilmember Jeanne Kohl-Welles that would waive enforcement of Metro transit fares when Metro activates its Emergency Snow Network to encourage people to use transit and avoid driving during severe snowstorms. Metro customers will be able to ride without paying the transit fare while the Emergency Snow Network is in effect. The legislation increases accessibility of Metro transit service for those experiencing homelessness in need of shelter and encourages all residents to avoid driving during severe snowstorms. “Like our policy of free fares on New Year’s… Read More
Life Cycle device replacement milestone
The King County Information Technology (KCIT) Customer Support Services Provisioning team has deployed its 2,000th life cycle device replacement in August. LAN Administrator Daniel Co performed the deployment, bringing replacement equipment to Metro Administer Sara Stefano (pictured). The team is working towards replacing all Windows 7 devices by the end of the year, when Microsoft stops supporting it. The team has almost doubled its monthly deployment numbers in the past two years, from an average of 235 a month in 2017 to an average of 461 a month in 2019. “The team has… Read More
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