Employee News - May 23, 2018

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Executive Constantine visits KCIT to learn from and thank employees

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Executive Constantine visits with KCIT employee Steve Coffing

King County has recently been experiencing a wave of phishing attacks on its data and information systems, so King County Executive Dow Constantine visited the County employees who are working to protect our data to learn more about the attacks and thank them for their efforts.

Executive Constantine met with King County Information Technology Operations and Security, Risk, and Compliance staff in the Chinook Building to learn more about how KCIT handles cybersecurity before, during, and after an incident and get an update on KCIT’s security strategy and vision to be better positioned to protect the County from emerging threats.  

“The threat from cybercriminals is constant, and KCIT is remaining vigilant to protect our data, technology platforms, and reputation so we can continue to serve the diverse needs of our customers,” Executive Constantine said. “I am thankful for the dedication and sophistication of KCIT employees and their 24/7 efforts to safeguard our data and IT capabilities.”

Highlights

Walkpools: Safety in numbers

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Have you heard of walkpooling?

Walkpooling is a buddy-up initiative that helps employees travel safely. Some of you have said you’d feel more comfortable walking to and from work with a buddy, and walkpools are a great option; whether you walk long distances, walk early in the morning or late in the evening, or have to navigate transit stations.

Our top three reasons why walkpools are great: safety in numbers, health benefits, and mutual interdependencies that can lead to friendships.

Check out our video, or visit the Employee Transportation Program website for more information.

Chief Operating Officer tours treatment plant, meets with employees

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Casey Sixkiller, Chief Operating Officer for King County Executive Dow Constantine, has been out meeting employees and leaders at worksites across the county since joining Executive Constantine’s Senior Leadership Team in February to learn more about all of the County’s lines of business, and he recently met with employees at the West Point Wastewater Treatment Plant in Magnolia.

West Point treats sewage and stormwater from Seattle and its northern suburbs – about 100 million gallons a day, and up to 440 million gallons during heavy rains – and serves approximately 700,000 customers.

“I’m just so impressed by the level of dedication and professionalism that our employees are bringing to the work that they do,” Sixkiller said. “To see this government in action is very exciting. It reminds me why I decided to make this move across the country to be part of public service.”

Watch the short video to learn more about West Point and Casey’s visit.

Take Trailhead Direct transit from Capitol Hill to Mount Si

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The second Trailhead Direct route kicked off Saturday, offering service from Sound Transit’s Capitol Hill Link light rail station to Mount Si and Mount Teneriffe. There are stops for customers in downtown Seattle and at the Eastgate and North Bend park-and-rides.

Beginning June 16, customers will also be able to board a Trailhead Direct transit van at a free satellite parking lot in North Bend for a ride to the Mailbox Peak trailhead.

“We are connecting high-capacity transit to some of the most popular hiking trails in the Pacific Northwest,” said King County Executive Dow Constantine. “The seamless transit system we are building offers faster, more reliable commutes and convenient options to enjoy the best recreation our vibrant region has to offer.”

Employee Spotlights

Employee engagement, health and well-being at DNRP

When the Department of Natural Resources and Parks’s Wastewater Comprehensive Planning and GIS group sat down to review their engagement survey results, they kept coming back to one thing – improving their well-being. To support each other in this engagement goal, they posted a list of 25 things they can do together, or alone, and place a check next to the item when they’ve done it so the team can encourage each other and hold each other accountable.

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“There are so many things I love about this engagement action plan,” said Employee Health and Well-Being Manager Janna Wilson. “We know from research that when people share their goals and progress with each other, they are more likely to achieve those goals.  And, studies have shown that your own behavior can inspire changes in the health habits of those around you. It’s so powerful that this group is finding a way to build a positive team dynamic through their shared interest in well-being.  This is a great marriage of employee engagement and health and well-being, two things that are important to the county’s culture.”

Announcements

Sign-ups now open for weekly produce deliveries at work

Crossposted from Employee Health and Well-Being

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Support local King County farmers through the CSA@Work program

It’s summertime and the cooking is easy. With produce from local farmers that is! King County proudly supports local farmers through its CSA@Work program (Community Supported Agriculture). CSAs are a popular way for consumers to buy local seasonal food directly from a farmer who offers a “share” in their harvest.

Pride t-shirts are ready to order

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The 2018 Pride “Beyond Borders” t-shirts are ready to order!

Fill out an order form, get payment of check or cash ready (no credit or debit cards), and return the completed order form with payment to Mariah Taylor either in person or through interoffice mail (CNK-PH-1250) no later than June 5.

If you work outside of the downtown core and want your shirt sent through interoffice mail, include your mailstop on your order form.

View the original bulletin or contact Leah Holland with questions. Leah will send updates on t-shirt orders and parade details as we get closer to the June 24 event.

Third payday of the month on May 31

Most King County employees get paid on a biweekly basis. Since there are 52 weeks in a year, there are actually 26 pay periods. So, two months each year you will receive three paychecks—this year, it will happen on May 31 and Nov. 29.

The net dollar amount of these two paychecks may be larger because not all deductions are taken out. For example, Deferred Compensation, supplemental insurance premiums, Benefit Access Fees, and Employee Giving donations are not deducted from these “third” paychecks.

For more information about your paycheck, go to Payroll or speak with your department Payroll representative or timekeeper.

Join us at a Road to Retirement class

Are you retiring this month? Next month? If you’re planning to leave King County employment by retiring in the near future, join your Retirement Team for Road to Retirement Class (formerly known as Exit Class). We’ll cover important information you need—so you’re ready to walk out the door.

Road to Retirement class is held on the last Tuesday of each month from 1 – 3 p.m., and registration is required, as space is limited. The next class is Tuesday, May 29, 1 – 3 p.m.

Before attending, go to Leaving Employment and read the Exit Guide to get some of your questions answered ahead of time.

Please note: attendance at this class is strictly voluntary, on your own time, and non-work related.

Register for Road to Retirement Class.

For more information, contact KC Orientations.

Your Big Backyard 5K run and walk - fitness and more!

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Since 2010, the Big Backyard 5K presented by Kaiser Permanente has promoted fitness and community involvement, and has raised more than $300,000 for King County Parks – your big backyard. Supporting King County Parks through the BBY5K helps keep our parks, trails and open spaces operating for all to enjoy, and you'll have a lot of fun doing it! This year's family-friendly event takes place Sunday, June 3 at Marymoor Park.

$20 off registration!

BBY5K presenting sponsor Kaiser Permanente wants to help King County employees thrive! If you are one of the first 250 people to enter Discount Code KPThrive when you sign up for the event, you’ll get $20 off your registration fees.


Bridge Fellowship Program application window closes Friday, June 8

We announced Applications now open for 2018 Bridge Fellowship Program in last week’s newsletter, and wanted to remind everyone this week that the last day to submit applications is Friday, June 8.

Visit www.kingcounty.gov/bridge for more information and application guidance.


Superior Court block party to celebrate Juneteenth, June 19

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In observance of Juneteenth, the King County Superior Court is hosting a Juneteenth A Day of Remembrance block party celebration Tuesday, June 19 from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The event is free and open to the King County work community. Join the Superior Court for exhibits, live entertainment and food on Spruce Street between 12th and 14th Avenues!


Pet-of-the-Week 2fur: Smidgen and Tidbit

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Crossposted from Tails from RASKC

These senior miniature poodles were brought in a couple weeks ago by a resident who found them. Smidgen and Tidbit love spending time together and are always found curled up together on their bed. These two are affectionate lovebugs who would love to cuddle up with you at home!

Smidgen has an adorable snaggle-tooth that adds to his character. Tidbit is also very charming, and has an adorable squeal she makes when she’s happy. Read more.


Featured Job: Senior Legislative Analyst - Council

Closing: 05/30/18 11:59 PM

Salary: $102,777.38 - $130,276.64 Annually

Location: King County Council, 516 Third Ave., Seattle, WA

Job Type: Regular, full time, 40 hours per week

Department: King County Council

Job Number: 2018-08145

Description: The Metropolitan King County Council is seeking to hire a seasoned Senior Legislative Analyst with a strong background in policy analysis and navigating complex and controversial policy initiatives. The role develops policy and fiscal options for council decision makers and conducts analysis of legislation and issues that have profound and enduring impacts on how the county does business.

Contact: For more information, contact Tracy Calderon, Senior HR Business Partner at 206-477-0979 or Tracy.Calderon@KingCounty.gov.

Learn more about this position or all available jobs.


Tech Tip: Username format for new employees

King County changed the username format for new employees in March 2017 to a single, universal sign on. The new format is simpler to remember, easier to automate for new account creation, and it increases the county’s ability to protect against phishing, scams and other cyber threats.

What is the new username?

For PCs or email, it is the first letter of first name plus the last name. For example, Juan Hernandez would be JHernandez to sign into a PC, laptop, all work stations, and - eventually - PeopleSoft. Juan’s email address would be JHernandez@kingcounty.gov. Not Hernandezj,  HernanJ, or any other combination. Simply JHernandez. Read more.


Kudos! to Records and Licensing Services Division

Records and Licensing Services received a great Thank You tweet during Public Service Worker Appreciation Week from J.P. Stewart:

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Thank you for all you do for King County, RALS! And, thank you for the shout out, J.P.!


Social Media Spotlight: Public Health - Seattle & King County on Twitter

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Public Health - Seattle & King County works to protect and improve the health and well-being of all people in King County, WA.

Join their 5,700+ followers and follow Public Health – Seattle & King County on Twitter today @kcpubhealth!


KC Headlines

Curbed Seattle - Pre-paid ballot postage is coming for all of Washington State

kcyouthjustice - Superior Court seeks volunteers for youth justice board

kingcountyweeds - Milk Thistle – May 2018 Weed of the Month

beststartsforkids - Loud at the Library

Voice of the Valley - Honoring Service and Sacrifice, County Council recognizes Police Week

Learning and Development Newsletter, May 15, 2018


Contact us!

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