Featured Coronavirus Information
Updated guidance for mandatory telecommuting (updated July 28, 2020)
Emergency childcare for first responders & essential workers
Help needed to support COVID-19 efforts
Cleaning and disinfecting facilities during COVID-19
News
Celebrate the Americans with Disabilities Act, July 26 and 27
The American’s with Disabilities Act (ADA) is turning 30 on Sunday, July 26, 2020. The ADA prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in several areas, including employment, transportation, public accommodations, communications and access to state and local government programs’ and services. In honor of this groundbreaking legislation, King County, the City of Seattle and the Northwest ADA Center have put together a three-hour block of television programming that highlights individual stories about disability, ways to support accessibility, and challenges that remain for individuals with a disability in our community. Please join us… Read More
Introduction to Mindfulness – Online, July 15
In this 2-hour workshop, we will review the various aspects of mindfulness practice, the ways mindfulness can help reduce stress, reactivity and burnout, and the science that supports the practices. This free workshop includes hands-on learning of several simple but effective mindfulness practices that participants can put to use in their lives right away. Wednesday, July 15, from 3-5 p.m. Register and view additional dates here. For more information, contact Balanced You at BalancedYou@kingcounty.gov.
CDC updated the high-risk list. And it’s not just older adults.
Crossposted from Public Health Insider In spite of Washington State’s ongoing efforts to contain it, COVID-19 is spreading more rapidly by the day, especially among people aged 20-40. And while they are less likely to become seriously ill from the virus, they can still spread it to friends, family and neighbors – without even knowing they have it. Many young people are also in the higher risk categories recently updated by the CDC. Who’s at risk: An update Much about the virus remains a mystery, but we are learning more each week about… Read More
Black mental health matters
Crossposted from Zero Youth Detention The direct effects of increased exposure to violence, police brutality, and systemic racism placed on the Black Community, and a pandemic that has disproportionately affected communities of color here in King County, continues to be a concern for Black Children and Families. Depression, stress and anxiety impacts adults and children in the Black Community in many ways. Inherited and experienced racial trauma and systemic inequities in healthcare limits an individual’s quality of life and life expectancy. It is particularly important for parents and caregivers to be mindful of… Read More
Featured Job: Assistant Personal Health Services Supervisors (A-PHSS) for the Isolation and Quarantine facilities
Salary: $41.91 – $54.69 Hourly Location: Seattle, WA Job Type: Special Duty Assignment or Term Limited Temp (TLT) Department: DPH – Public Health Job Number: 2020AC11808 Division: Community Health Services Closing: 7/14/2020 11:59 PM Pacific Learn more about this position or view all available positions.
Tech Tip: New Microsoft Teams training webinars, multiple dates
Does this sound familiar? “Teams does so much. But what exactly is applicable to me and my work?” or “I have so many tools already! Teams feels overwhelming!” or “I’ve got the basics-how I can I go to the next level with my Teams skills?” We’ve got you! KCIT Training is offering a series of free webinars all about Microsoft Teams. We think Teams has a lot to offer, and we want to make it work for YOU! Select the free King County webinar that best fits your interests or skill level or attend them all. Webinars are available multiple dates from Monday, July 13 through Wednesday, Sept. 9. Register here.
Wear your mask and keep your distance! We need you to fight the surge of COVID-19 in King County
Crossposted from Public Health Insider Since May 7, the greater Seattle Coronavirus Assessment Network — or SCAN — has been asking volunteers to fill out a survey about their mask and physical distancing habits. Through June 30, SCAN survey respondents have reported increased rates of mask usage across all age groups. However, as the percentage of people who say they always wear face masks has gone up, the percentage who say they always try to stay six feet away from people who do not live with them has gone down. This is particularly evident among… Read More
Pet of the Week: Newman
Hi! My name is Newman and I am available for adoption. I am an affectionate lovebug who likes to get attention on my own terms. I can get overstimulated with petting, so please move carefully with me and keep an eye out for signs that I might need a break. My caregivers have noticed that I seem to not do well with other cats. I would do best as the only cat in my new home, or would need a slow introduction. My personality color is RED. I am a spirited cat with a… Read More
Featured Job: Senior Applications Developer
Salary: $96,926.40 – $122,032.80 Annually Location: Seattle, WA Job Type: Regular, Full time, 35 hrs/week Department: KCSC – Superior Court Job Number: 2020-11646 Closing: 7/31/2020 11:59 PM Pacific Learn more about this position or view all available positions.
Sharp increases in COVID-19 driven by cases among younger adults
Crossposted from Public Health Insider Two weeks of sharp increases in COVID-19 cases in King County points to a concerning sign that our community is moving in the wrong direction to contain the virus. The daily average number of cases has more than doubled in the past two weeks, from an average of 40 daily cases in mid-June to 87 daily cases the week of June 21. Our target is to have about 39 cases or fewer per day. This is the number of cases that meets the statewide target of fewer than… Read More
Donations Connector making a difference
The King County Donations Connector is making a big difference in our community during the COVID-19 pandemic! As of June 19, King County had received: More than 47,000 N95 respirators More than 2,000 KN95 respirators More than 144,000 surgical masks About 105,000 gloves More than 1,800 gallons of hand sanitizer More than 37,000 face shields Nearly 2,400 gowns 200 thermometers More than 5,300 “ear savers” You can still help or get help in the COVID-19 response through the King County Donations Connector! Check the Donations Connector for an updated list of current needs. If you are… Read More
Navigating a pandemic within a pandemic: Coping and care for Black communities
Crossposted from Public Health Insider Prior to and throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, another crisis has been taking place for communities of color, particularly for Black individuals of all genders. We are facing ongoing racial trauma and distress that impact every aspect of daily life – including mental health. Racism is a public health emergency that affects us all. As we experience, educate, and encounter it on a systemic and institutional level, we must commit to taking care of ourselves and our communities as well. Below are several resources and ideas to consider: Determine what amount… Read More
BECU discount available for employees
With BECU, King County employees who apply by Sept. 30, 2020, can receive a $150 statement credit on cash back credit cards. There is also a 0% intro APR for 12 months. This offer is valid July 1 – Sept. 30, 2020. Find out more. Free financial education webinars are also available: self-paced and in-person. View all available discounts at www.kingcounty.gov/employeediscounts.
Featured Job: Positive Family Connections Program Manager – PPM II TLT
Salary: $37.42 – $47.44 Hourly Location: Seattle, WA Job Type: Term Limited Temporary, Full Time, 40 hrs/wk Department: DCHS – Community & Human Services Job Number: 2020SC11822 Division: Children & Youth Services Closing: 7/19/2020 11:59 PM Pacific Learn more about this position or view all available positions.
Pet of the Week: Mouse
Hi! My name is Mouse and I am available for adoption. Generally, I’m a nervous kitty and I like to hide in the back of my kennel. But if you go slow and give me little scratches, I’m super duper friendly! With that being said, if you give me lots of awesome hidey spots at my new home I will be even friendlier because I will feel safer! My personality color is BLUE. I am a gentle and loving cat who likes to take things slow. I may get nervous in new situations, so… Read More
Increasing cases of COVID-19 in King County highlight the need to limit close contact
Crossposted from Public Health Insider Public Health—Seattle & King County continues to monitor cases, hospitalizations and deaths from COVID-19 and has noted an increase in cases over the past two weeks. Public Health expects to see some increase in cases as we get back to work and other activities in the community because there are more opportunities for COVID-19 to spread. It’s been one week since King County moved into Phase 2 of the Governor’s Safe Start plan. With more re-opening of businesses, community activities and contact with one-another, Public Health—Seattle & King County is… Read More
Webinar for employees: How are you?: A Conversation on Emotional Health, July 8
As we continue to navigate life during the COVID-19 era, our mental and emotional health is likely shifting. We may experience waves of different emotions, ranging from fear and anxiety to grief and gratitude. And, we may struggle with how to understand or regulate them. Join Shawna Johnson, Balanced You Employee Health Specialist, and Heather Steffensen, Interim Employee Assistance Program Manager, for How are you?: A Conversation on Emotional Health. During this live, interactive webinar facilitators will share some of the feelings that may be arising during the pandemic, techniques and tools to regulate… Read More
Guidance for Workforce, Operations, and Customer Service Recovery
Dear employee: These unprecedented times have challenged us in ways we never imagined. Throughout, you have demonstrated unfailing commitment to our community and personal and professional resilience in the face of massive change. You have proven time and again your expertise and dedication to public service, inspiring the country to follow your lead and inspiring me daily with your efforts. We have a True North guiding vision to make King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. Our value of Racial Justice is foundational and will guide us in all… Read More
Consider donating to the Emergency Leave Program
The Emergency Leave Donation Program was developed so that King County employees who have been affected by COVID-19 can request donated leave. When the program debuted, many employees generously donated personal leave to support their colleagues. Now, the program is asking employees to again consider donating personal leave to the program, as the paid leave available is running low. Employees interested in supporting colleagues affected by COVID-19 can donate accrued sick and vacation leave in two different ways: Using PeopleSoft to make donations. Learn how by viewing this PeopleSoft Emergency Leave Donation guide (SharePoint), or viewing this short video (also below) from the… Read More
If you’re living with a long-term health condition, these free programs can improve your quality of life
We know that for many people, daily life looks a little different right now. As we continue to adapt, it’s more important than ever to take care of ourselves — especially if you’re living with a long-term health condition. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 6 in 10 adults in the United States have a long-term health condition (also known as an “ongoing condition” or a “chronic disease”). Doctors generally define long-term health conditions as lasting three or more months, and many don’t have cures. Diabetes, cancer, heart disease,… Read More
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