Featured Headlines
DCHS-led Health Through Housing initiative hits major milestone
In the field with Executive Zahilay: Listening to staff and empowering solutions
Tap to pay: Puget Sound region transit systems to accept credit and debit cards, and digital wallets as fare payment
Major ‘Revive I-5’ repairs continue for Ship Canal Bridge
News
Executive Constantine proclaims Latinx/Hispanic Heritage Month
In recognition of the historical, cultural, and economic contributions of the Latinx and Hispanic residents of King County, and the firm commitment by the administration to addressing critical issues for the the Latinx and Hispanic community in the county, Executive Dow Constantine has proclaimed September 15 through October 15 as Latinx/Hispanic Heritage Month. Read the full proclamation below.
Professional Development Scholarship Program: Individual Development Plan
By Travis Gershaneck, Veteran Fellow, Department of Human Resources The first application period for the Coalition Labor Agreement Professional Development Scholarship Program is quickly approaching. The first period opens on Jan. 9, 2023, but it is recommended to have information for your application materials prepared well ahead of time. The completion of an Individual Development Plan (IDP) is not required to apply for this scholarship, but it is strongly recommended. The IDP is a roadmap that you create to identify your career goals, how to achieve them and how you will apply… Read More
Tech Tip: Manage IT tickets with KCIT’s new omni-channel chatbot, capable of voice or text responses
KCIT and Amazon are now piloting an exciting new automated chatbot option that lets you quickly and easily manage your IT Helpdesk tickets – without waiting to speak with a live technician. Watch this 5-minute video to see how Executive Branch employees can ask the chatbot to check the status of their open tickets, close a ticket, request a priority escalation, add a note for the technician, or transfer to a live agent. The chatbot will even answer frequently asked questions! The new chatbot is now available to serve you 24 hours a… Read More
Discounted tickets for Seattle Thunderbirds Hockey Club opening night, Oct. 1
King County employees are invited to join the Seattle Thunderbirds as they open their defense of the Western Conference Championship at the Accesso ShoWare Center, in Kent. King County employees receive a $30 ticket for only $20, plus a small service fee. Purchase discounted tickets here. Enter the discount password: county. For more information, contact Cory Howerton at 253-856-6844. See all available King County employee discounts on the Employee Discount webpage.
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and it’s a reminder for all of us of the importance of checking in on each other and seeking support in times of crisis. This year, the new 988 number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline went into effect. Too many people are experiencing suicidal crisis or mental health-related distress without the support and care they need, and sadly, the COVID-19 pandemic only increased the mental health challenges we face. 988 offers 24/7 access to trained crisis counselors who can help people experiencing mental health-related distress. That… Read More
Robert Dargan, Metro’s 2022 Vehicle Maintenance Employee of the Year
Cross-posted from Metro Matters King County Metro recently announced Robert Dargan as the 2022 Vehicle Maintenance Employee of the Year. He began his career with King County in May 1999 as Transit Mechanic and has been providing excellent service at King County Metro in this position. Dargan was surprised with the honor at a ceremony at Metro’s East Base by King County Executive Dow Constantine, Metro General Manager Terry White, and Vehicle Maintenance leadership staff. Read more.
Is your information correct in PeopleSoft?
Benefits Open Enrollment is Nov. 1-15 and it’s important that you review and update your personal information in PeopleSoft to ensure you receive announcements. You can also update your emergency contact information, receive important updates, and select the email address where you prefer to receive information. Got to ess.kingcounty.gov and select Personal Details to make sure all items are up to date. For login help, call the IT Service Center at 206-263-4357.
September is Nationial Recovery Month — Join Us as #KingCountyGoesPurple
National Recovery Month celebrates all those on a recovery journey and spreads a message of hope to people, families, and communities. At King County Department of Community and Human Services, particularly the Behavioral Health and Recovery Division, our shared vision is to ensure that everyone in King County has a path to achieving and sustaining recovery to live full and healthy lives. Read more.
Husky tickets flash sale for this Saturday, Sept. 17
Michigan State is rolling into Husky Stadium this Saturday, Sept. 17 at 4:30 p.m. and King County employees are eligible for discounted tickets. Click here to save $20 on tickets on the Upper Sideline, and get as close as possible to the action with East Endzone tickets going for just $75. The University of Washington is grateful for all you do and is happy to offer exclusive discounts to those working in our local government. Check out other deals as the Huskies still have Stanford, Arizona, and Colorado on the schedule this season…. Read More
EAP Counselors destigmatize mental health and suicide
In honor of National Suicide Prevention Awareness month, Balanced You talks with Employee Assistance Program (EAP) counselors about how to support loved ones, and the importance of destigmatizing the conversation around suicide and mental health. To learn more about supporting others and yourself in times of crisis, watch these short videos with EAP counselors Tierra Lovelace and Evie Lewis-McNeil.
DNRP employees receive praise for considerate customer service
Two employees from the Department of Natural Resources and Parks (DNRP), Parks Division, were recently highlighted on LinkedIn for the positive and friendly way in which they interacted with a King County resident. While replacing old benches with wood repurposed from parks around the county, carpenters Rob Lohr and Wojciech Maciejewski were approached by a resident who enjoyed their professionalism and courtesy. Here is the original recognition posted on LinkedIn, and here is a brief video of the excellent carpentry work they do.
Simon P. Foster announced as new Director of Housing, Homelessness and Community Development
The King County Department of Community and Human Services recenlty announced Simon P. Foster as the new Division Director for Housing, Homelessness, and Community Development. Foster brings more than a decade of experience leading strategic initiatives, operationalizing programs and policies, and connecting with communities. Foster led teams among a diverse range of industries, including behavioral health, transportation, homelessness, and federal and state funding programs. He most recently led operations for the Salvation Army Northwest Division. Read more.
Allen Nance confirmed to oversee the Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention
By Noah Haglund, DAJD Communications Specialist Allen Nance will bring more than three decades of criminal justice experience as he takes on some of our region’s most important public safety issues. The Metropolitan King County Council voted Tuesday, Sept. 6 to confirm Nance as the Director of the Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention (DAJD). The vote formally approves his leadership of the County’s jails, youth detention facility, and community corrections programs. He had been serving as Director-designee for just over two months. “There’s a lot of difficult work and many complex… Read More
King County’s 2024 Comprehensive Plan survey
King County is starting a once-a-decade update to its Comprehensive Plan, which guides where people live, work, and play in unincorporated King County. To ensure that King County will be a welcoming community where every person can thrive, the 2024 update will focus on policies related to racial equity, affordable housing, and climate change. To achieve this goal, King County employees and residents are encouraged to participate in a survey to provide input. Click here to learn more.
County communicators partner with ethnic media representatives to help all communities
Cross-posted from Executive Services Express Representatives from community and ethnic media outlets met with regional public information officers and communication professionals recently to develop better relationships and improve communication to all communities in the King County region. More than 90 people attended the open house, coordinated by King County’s Office of Emergency Management and the Department of Natural Resources and Parks. Read more.
Get caught up on your preventive care
Preventive Care is a term that means routine health care services, such as check-ups, screenings, and tests, to prevent illnesses and health problems. King County health plans have reported that preventive screenings have declined among our employee population. Scheduling your annual well-visit with your Primary Care Provider is the best way to stay on top of your long-term health. As a King County employee, preventive screenings are 100% covered by your health plan—you pay nothing. Learn more about how to get caught up with your preventive care on the Balanced You blog.
Do you qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program?
As a King County employee, you might be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF). The U.S. Department of Education is allowing a one-time exception to give borrowers credit for payments that may not have qualified in the past for forgiveness. Please forward your completed application form to your department payroll representatives for verification. The deadline for submission is Monday, Oct. 31, 2022. Please note, PSLF is different from the one-time student loan debt relief of up to $20,000. PSLF is a program for people who work in public service in federal, state, tribal,… Read More
Congratulations, Captain Thomas, for 40 years of exemplary service
Excerpted from King County Sheriff’s Office Weekly Newsletter Captain Greg Thomas recently was awarded his 40-year coin after four decades of commendable service to the Sheriff’s Office. As the second-most senior member in the agency, he’s served in many capacities but has found his heart in honoring Fallen Officers. In his current role serving as Chief of Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting, he offers extraordinary leadership and serves as a role model to all, including his legacy within the department. Read more.
Terry Moon, Metro’s Operator of the Year
Cross-posted from Metro Matters King County Metro bus operator Terry Moon has been awarded the department’s highest honor, 2021 Operator of the Year. Moon was surprised with the recognition at a ceremony celebrating his award at Metro’s Atlantic Base. He was chosen by 84 fellow 2021 Operators of the Month as the “best of the best.” Read more.
Regional Animal Services hosts ElleVet Project
Cross-posted from Executive Services Express Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC) leaders and staff know that helping pets and people go hand (or paw) in hand, so to speak. To that end, they recently hosted the ElleVet Project, a non-profit organization that travels to various locations to help pets of people without housing. Read more.
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