Training Spotlight: Facilitating Effective Meetings
Facilitating Effective Meetings, Nov. 14: A common challenge faced by individuals in business is how to lead and facilitating meetings that are interesting and solicit active engagement. This one day training covers the skills used by a facilitator to design and run an effective meeting. How to be a better participant is also discussed. Topics include specific facilitation skills, group decision making skills, and how to deal with disruptive behaviors.
View more training and development opportunities at www.kingcounty.gov/learning.
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Featured Job: Animal Care Technician
Salary: $19.90 – $25.22 Hourly
Location: Kent, WA
Job Type: Multiple job types-career service and/or temp
Department: DES – Executive Services
Job Number: 2019SG10680
Closing: 10/13/2019 11:59 PM Pacific
Learn more about this position or view all available positions.
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Pet of the Week: Priscilla
Priscilla is a 7 year-old, female, shorthair, gray tabby cat (A591804). Her personality color is GREEN, meaning she is an adaptable cat who loves to go with the flow. This sweet girl can be a little shy in new situations, but it doesn’t take her long to get comfortable and show you what a sweetie pie she is!
Read more at www.kingcounty.gov/adoptapet.
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2020 Strategic Climate Action Plan – All staff workshop, Oct. 31
Advancing our “We are responsible stewards” value
We are updating King County’s Strategic Climate Action Plan – the five-year blueprint for climate action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, prepare for climate change, and work with partners and communities on climate. All King County employees are invited to participate in a staff workshop to provide their feedback and ideas. What are the most important and impactful climate actions we can take? Where can the County lead? What can we accomplish in partnership with you?
The workshops will take place Thursday, Oct. 31 from noon to 2 p.m. in King Street Center, 201 S. Jackson St, 8th Floor Conference Center. Register here. For questions, contact climatechange@kingcounty.gov.
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Volunteer to be a Ballot Drop Box Closer for Nov. 5
Looking for some Election Day excitement? Meet your neighbors and continue your commitment to public service by volunteering as a drop box closer. Drop box closers are the friendly face the public sees on Election Day, ensuring that every vote is counted and every voice is heard.
Who: You and your co-workers!
What: Closing ballot drop boxes across King County
When: Election Night – Tuesday, Nov. 5 from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Where: A drop box location near you
Most voters wait until Election Day to return their ballots, with drop boxes seeing the most traffic in the final few hours. We need your help to provide customer service and assistance to voters using this last opportunity to return their ballots. Sign up and join us for a fun and fulfilling experience helping your neighbors experience the excitement and community of casting their ballots.
King County Elections has expanded our ballot drop boxes to nearly 70 over the last few years. We need your help to fill over 100 volunteer shifts across King County to bolster our operational capacity. You’ll be partnered with Elections staff and no experience is necessary – we provide all the training you need!
Our colleagues who volunteered in Aug. described their experiences as rewarding, fun, and inspiring! Join us by signing up to help with the General Election on Nov. 5, 2019 from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Have questions? Learn more here.
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2019 Annual Giving Drive: Spotlight on nonprofits supporting people with disabilities
King County’s Annual Giving Drive Program started Monday, Oct. 7, and almost 1,200 nonprofits are taking part this year. Throughout this year’s drive, we’ll feature four nonprofits in different categories.
In honor of Disability Awareness Month, we’ve highlighted four nonprofits that support people with disabilities that you can donate to.
- Art with Heart (9220) 316 Broadway Ste. 316 Seattle, WA 98122 –The foundation helps children in trauma and or/adversity find peace, by spreading the healing power of creative expression through art and humanities.
- Athletes for Kids (9774) 3020 Issaquah Pine Lake Rd #254, Sammamish, WA 98075 – A unique nonprofit that matches children who have disabilities with high school athletes. They learn from one another and impact each other’s lives, in a positive and compassionate way.
- Hope Animal – Assisted Crisis Response (AACR) (9795) 1292 High Street, #182 Eugene, OR 97401 – Hope AACR serves people affected by disasters and traumatic events by providing comfort through specially-trained dogs.
- Open Doors for Multicultural Families (9668) 24437 Russell Rd., Suite # 110 Kent, WA 98032 – Dedicated to ensuring that diverse families with loved ones that have disabilities are provided with equal access to culturally appropriate information, resources, and services.
With various nonprofits participating this year, the Employee Giving Drive Program offers employees the option to participate in a nonprofit expo online or in person, making it more inclusive. Before attending a nonprofit expo, don’t forget to download a Giving Passport. Once you complete the Giving Passport, you can be entered for a chance to win a prize. For more information, a list of participating nonprofits, or if you would simply like to donate, visit the Employee Giving Campaign Annual Drive Nonprofit Search Directory. Happy Giving!
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Oct. 17 – Test of KCInform employee alert and warning system
On Oct. 17 at 10:17 a.m., millions of people worldwide will practice how to Drop, Cover, and Hold On during an earthquake as part of the annual ShakeOut drill.
That same day, Thursday, Oct. 17, just prior to the drill, we will test KCInform, our employee alert and warning system. A text, voice, and email alert will be sent to all registered county phones and emails, and employee personal phones and emails, with a message that looks like this:
“This is a test of KCInform, King County’s employee emergency notification system. This is only a test. Remember to Drop, Cover and Hold On at 10:17 a.m. during the Great ShakeOut drill. Thank you.”
KCInform is used to reach County employees during an emergency with timely information about infrastructure disruptions, facility closures, changes in your department’s business operations, and other critical impacts. Your King County desk phone number and @kingcounty.gov email address are already in the KCInform system, but it’s important to register your County-issued cell phone (if applicable) and personal cell phone and email address to ensure you don’t miss critical, time-sensitive messages. The service is free and your personal contact information is secure and protected.
If you haven’t yet registered your information into KCInform, please contact kcinform@kingcounty.gov or 206-296-3830 (between 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday – Friday) to request your unique registration link. Watch this short video to learn more or visit our website.
Thank you for your participation in this important system test.
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King County 2019 flu shot schedule, week of Oct. 9
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. When able, bring your medical ID card or number.
Dates this week are:
- Thursday, Oct. 10 from 7 a.m. – 9 a.m. at Environmental Lab, 322 West Ewing St. Seattle, WA 98119, West Large Conference Room. Contacts are Lori McGill at 206-477-1230 and Kirsten Lee at 206-263-1661.
- Thursday, Oct. 10 from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. at Issaquah District Court, 5415 220th Ave. SE, Issaquah, WA 98029, Jury Assembly Room. Contact is Cherie Lusk at 206-477-2977.
- Tuesday, Oct. 15 from 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. at Airport, 7277 Perimeter Road S, Seattle, WA 98108, Airport Terminal Room 110. Contact is Tricia Diamond at 206-477-9617.
- Tuesday, Oct. 15 from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. at Cedar Hills, 16645 228th Ave SE, Maple Valley, WA 98038, Conference Room C. Contacts are Mary Ann Hale at 206-263-1143 and Brenda Loder at 206-263-1824.
- Wednesday, Oct. 16 from 5 a.m. – 9 a.m. at Power Distribution, 2255 4th Ave S., Seattle, WA 98134,3rd Floor Conference Room. Contact is Jennifer Bretzer at 206-263-1600.
- Wednesday, Oct. 16 from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. at King Street Center, 201 S. Jackson St., Seattle, WA 98104, 8th Floor Conference Center. Contact is Chris Zanassi at 206-477-4541.
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King County EAP has new location and contact information
Pictured: The Seattle Central Building.
The King County Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a free, confidential resource that provides all county employees, regardless of job title or classification, with counseling and coaching around work related concerns and problems. This includes assistance with workplace stress, coaching and consulting, conflict with co-workers, supervisor support, and other issues.
EAP has recently moved to a new location and updated the program contact information. To make an appointment and access services, please call the number or email below.
The EAP is located in the Central Building at 810 3rd Ave., Seattle, WA 98104, on the 8th Floor. The Central Building is in downtown Seattle, between Columbia and Marion Streets.
The Program now has a single phone number and email: 206-263-8733 and hrdeap@kingcounty.gov.
EAP King County’s internal EAP providers are Licensed Mental Health Counselors qualified for DOT Substance Abuse Professionals (SAP) work. To attend an appointment with the EAP, work time may be used for this activity. All employees (FTE, part-time, Seasonal and temporary employees) are eligible to use the EAP. Managers are encouraged to permit their staff to attend if possible while ensuring normal operations are maintained. Read the full FAQs here.
For more information about the program visit www.kingcounty.gov/EAP.
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Transition Fairs provide connection and opportunity for youth with developmental disabilities
The King County School-to-Work Program provides students with developmental disabilities the resources to plan a bright future after high school. The program is currently planning its 13th annual Transition Resource Fairs: two one-day conferences attended by families, teachers, local agencies, and potential employers intended to help students with developmental disabilities find employment before leaving their high school programs. Several years ago, Microsoft approached the School-to-Work Program to be a partner in hosting and coordinating the Transition Resource Fairs. This partnership has helped it become one of the most informative and resourceful events for students with disabilities and their families in Washington State.
“We offer attendees approximately 12 sessions on such topics as the School-to-Work program, Washington’s adult employment services system, Social Security, housing, recreation, guardianship, wills and trusts, among other critical information to successfully transition to adult living.,” says Program Manager Richard Wilson.
In 2020, the first fair will be held at the Microsoft Commons on Thursday, February 27, and the second at Highline College on Saturday, March 14. In recent years, the events have attracted nearly 1,200 attendees who are able to hear from other students already employed as well as employers who share the value of hiring a diverse workforce that includes people with disabilities. Approximately 50 organizations are represented at each event. School districts help plan and host sessions, encourage families, and support students to attend while agencies such as Open Doors for Multicultural Families, The Arc of King County, Wise, and employment service agencies serving King County help run the day. Several King County groups participate, including the Supported Employment Program and the Developmental Disabilities and Early Childhood Supports Division.
Started in 2005 as a response to community need, the School-to-Work Program partners across systems to help students with developmental disabilities seek and gain employment before they leave their high school transition programs. Together with the Washington State Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, the program co-funds several important School-to-Work services, and for students who leave the program at 21, it contracts with the State’s Developmental Disabilities Administration to provide ongoing support. Since the program began, hundreds of students have found job opportunities through it. The Program takes this mission to heart, ensuring that students have the support needed to obtain employment and grow as working members of the community.
“King County has been a national leader for over 20 years in promoting and supporting people with developmental disabilities to gain and keep jobs,” said Richard. “It has supported our fellow citizens with developmental disabilities to become highly valued employees in our workforce. As such, we have continued to make strides toward a more inclusive community here in King County and the School-to-Work Program is proud to be part of that.”
Employee News 