Employee Spotlights
Navigating a loved one’s military deployment
A DPD mitigation specialist begins to use videos to tell clients’ stories
Honoring King County’s active duty employees
Five questions with John Miller, Organizational Development Practitioner, Department of Human Resources
News
Employee representative needed for Deferred Compensation Board
The King County Employees Deferred Compensation Plan Board is seeking a King County employee for a three-year term as a board representative. Applications are due Jan. 31, 2020. In keeping with the vision of the King County Strategic Plan for Equity and Social Justice, the board is keenly interested in broadening the diversity of perspectives represented on the board. The employee representative must currently participate in the King County Deferred Compensation Plan—prior board experience is not required. As a board member, you will: Attend monthly meetings Devote a reasonable amount of time to working on… Read More
A DPD mitigation specialist begins to use videos to tell clients’ stories
By Leslie Brown, Department of Public Defense At a recent sentencing of a client represented by the Department of Public Defense (DPD), the judge heard a compelling story about the father of two at the table before him – but not only from his public defender. He also watched a 20-minute video, a film that showed how much the man was loved and supported despite addictions that had led him down a troubled path. His mother spoke about his empathy. His best friend said he’d offer him a job. His fiancée discussed… Read More
2020 CPR/AED training dates available
Registration is open to all King County employees for Basic CPR classes offered in the Chinook Building. Classes cover Adult, Child and Infant CPR, AED, and Choking Rescue. To register and view the full schedule, visit www.kccpr.eventbrite.com. Additionally, registration is open for the BLS for Health Care Provider classes. This class is intended for Public Health- Seattle & King County employees who are required to have BLS for Healthcare provider card as a condition of employment. To register and view the full schedule, visit www.kcbls2020.eventbrite.com. For questions or more information, contact Laura Miccile at 206-477-8664 or Laura.Miccile@kingcounty.gov.
What’s happened to traffic since SR 99 tunnel tolling started
Crossposted from Metro Matters One month after tolling began in the State Route 99 tunnel, we’re getting our first few weeks of traffic data. While it’s still early, SR 99 tunnel usage remains high and exceeds forecasts. Traffic volumes were within normal ranges on I-5 and ridership on King County Metro Transit remained consistent. Initial information from Seattle-area transportation partner agencies reflects weekday data between Nov. 12 and Nov. 22. (Thanksgiving week was excluded as it is an unusual travel week). Traffic patterns vary and we expect they will continue to change as… Read More
Making Life Easier offers webinars throughout the year to King County employees
The King County Making Life Easier program offers webinars throughout the year to King County employees, free-of-charge. Topics include mental health, support for caregivers, healthy communication, and more. Employees interested in improving relationships with others can tune into Making Life Easier’s next webinar, “Creating Strong Relationships: Examining Healthy vs. Unhealthy,” which will be released Dec. 17. Webinars are available on-demand. Employees can access webinars via the Making Life Easier portal, using username King County. For more information contact Balanced You at BalancedYou@kingcounty.gov.
Leadership Series+ A Training opportunity now accepting applications
The Office of Equity and Social Justice in partnership with Our BODHI Project presents the Leadership Series+ A Training on Belonging, Racial Equity, Co-liberation, & Health. This series is for King County employees leading efforts towards greater racial equity and social justice and is rooted in Our BODHI Project’s Embodying Belonging and Co-liberation Frame. Participants will engage with expanding their racial equity and social justice analysis, deepening their purpose, and centering collective well being. Employees must be able to attend both dates in one of the cohorts. Both cohorts also require attendance at the three follow up sessions. Cohort… Read More
New employee discounts available to Seattle Symphony holiday performances and airport parking
King County employees are welcome to take advantage of discounts for upcoming Seattle Symphony holiday performances. Use code HOLIDAY20 to receive 20% off performances of Handel’s Messiah on Friday, Dec. 20, Saturday Dec. 21, and Sunday, Dec. 22. Use code CELEBRATE to receive 30% off the New Year’s Eve performance and party Tuesday, Dec. 31. Visit www.seattlesymphony.org to purchase tickets and for more information. Parking Access is now offering a $10 Parking Reward Credit when you sign up and reserve at any participating parking lot, including parking at SeaTac International Airport. Visit https://parkingaccess.com and enter coupon code KINGGOV10. Shuttlefare.com offers Uber and Lyft pre-arranged rides,… Read More
Featured Job: Senior Applications Developer – Two Openings
Salary: $95,494.08 – $120,229.44 Annually Location: Seattle, WA Job Type: Regular, Full time, 35 hrs/week Department: KCSC – Superior Court Job Number: 2019-10982 Closing: 1/17/2020 11:59 PM Pacific Learn more about this position or view all available positions.
Pet of the week: Taser
Taser is an 8 year-old, male, brown tabby, shorthair cat (A074252). His personality color is BLUE, meaning he is a gentle and loving cat who likes to take things slow. He might need some time to warm up to new people and new environments. Once he feels comfortable with you, he will really come out of his shell! Taser likes being petted on his head and neck. He can be sensitive further down his back, but don’t let that fool you: this affectionate boy just loves being petted. Read more and view… Read More
Honoring King County’s active duty employees
King County supports and thanks all who have served in the military or are currently serving in the Guard or Reserve. It is important for employers to value their military personnel and support them to take leave for military operations, while allowing for them to stay gainfully employed. To highlight this, we have profiled a King County employee who is also currently serving in the Reserve. Elizabeth Inglese, a Visual Designer with King County’s Department of Information Technology (KCIT), shares her experience while serving as a Master Sergeant in the U.S. Marine… Read More
Making diversion programs more culturally responsive
Crossposted from Zero Youth Detention Community Accountability Boards (“CABs”) have served as a diversion program – or alternative to the formal court process – for first-time juvenile misdemeanor cases in King County since 1959. CABs are made up of trained community volunteers who hear juvenile cases and devise a tailored plan of accountability for each young person. Read more from Zero Youth Detention
Martin Luther King, Jr. calendars arriving at worksites
The 2020 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. calendars will start arriving at King County distribution points this week through the end of the year. Please contact your team’s administrative professionals for information on how you can get one at your worksite. Any additional questions can be asked of Tynishia Walker at 206-263-0534 or TWalker@kingcounty.gov.
How we use data to combat racial disparities in homeless housing
Crossposted from Cultivating Connections Over the past year, the Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) has partnered with C4 Innovations to analyze the racial equity impact of homeless housing prioritization tools used across the country. C4’s report, published in October 2019, found that one of the most commonly used tools – the Vulnerability Index – Service Prioritization Decision Assistance Tool or VI-SPDAT – results in higher average vulnerability scores for white people compared to people of color. Their conclusions reinforce DCHS evaluators’ ongoing efforts to understand and improve coordinated entry prioritization. Read more… Read More
2020 Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration, Jan. 16
Community members and King County employees are invited to join in honoring our nation’s foremost human rights leader and King County’s namesake, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The theme for the 2020 Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration is “Yes, we are on the move and no wave of racism can stop us. We are on the move now.” They keynote address will be given by john a. powell, Director, Othering & Belonging Institute, University of California, Berkeley. The program also includes music and spoken word. Thursday, Jan. 16, 2020, noon to 1 p.m.,… Read More
Are you ready for winter weather?
Crossposted from King County Emergency News Pacific Northwest winters can bring rain, wind and power outages, cold and icy roads, and sometimes, snow flurries or epic snowstorms. Are you ready for whatever Mother Nature has in store? Winter weather preparedness includes three simple steps: Build a kit. Create an emergency preparedness kit with at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food and water for your home, office and car. Read more from King County Emergency News
Featured Job: Business and Finance Officer II
Salary: $76,689.39 – $97,208.38 Annually Location: Seattle, WA Job Type: Career Service, Full Time, 40 hrs/week Department: DCHS – Community & Human Services Job Number: 2019SC10987 Closing: 12/23/2019 11:59 PM Pacific Learn more about this position or view all available positions.
Pet of the Week: Pepper
Crossposted from Tails from RASKC Put some spice into your life – adopt Pepper, our Pet of the Week! This six-year-old female shorthair cat has a “Bashful Blue” personality, meaning she is a gentle and loving cat who likes to take things slow. Pepper 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 this girl comes out of her shell, she is such a sweetheart! Read more from Tails from RASKC
King County Wins I-976 Preliminary Injunction
Crossposted from Metro Matters Over the past few weeks, King County joined with other plaintiffs to challenge Initiative 976, which reduces car tab fees and cuts transportation and transit projects across the state. The county’s lawsuit sought an injunction to halt the immediate and irreparable harms of an initiative that violates the state constitution. Read more from Metro Matters
Five questions with Jesse Kent, Project/Program Manager III, Department of Local Services
When did you start in your role with King County, and what is your official title? I started at King County in March 2019. I am the Manager for the Service Partnership Program within the Department of Local Services (DLS). The department works to ensure the local service needs of unincorporated communities are met. We have created service partnerships with other King County departments to help determine needs, better coordinate services, and monitor service delivery in the unincorporated areas. These partnerships help to define the relationship, services and processes in unincorporated King… Read More
Nominate team members for 2019 Performance Excellence Awards
Nominations are now being accepted for the Executive’s second-annual Performance Excellence Awards. The recognition program – the first of its kind at the County – honors employees and workgroups for their exceptional contributions in performance, leadership, and innovation. Anyone in the Executive Branch can nominate a team or individual for a Performance Excellence Award until Jan. 10. You’ll find information about the awards here, including nomination categories, criteria, and forms. Executive Constantine introduced the Performance Excellence Awards last year, and five teams were recognized for their outstanding performance in 2018. The awards program… Read More
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