Employee News - February 6, 2019

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Highlights

kcinform

KCInform alert system reaches employees in emergencies 

The snowy weather is a perfect reminder for employees to sign up for KCInform, the King County employee emergency alert system . This system, powered by CodeRED, allows us to reach you by phone, text, and email with timely information in an emergency or natural disaster. 

Your safety is our priority, whether you are at work or home, so having updated personal contact information (work cell phone and home phone, email, and/or cell phone) is critical for reaching you wherever you are. 

Many employees previously registered to receive alerts through this system, but if you have not registered your personal contact or work cell information yet, 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 the KCInform website.


pet alliance

RASKC honored with participation in state wide “No Kill” effort 

Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC) has been elected to sit at the board for Pet Alliance of Washington, with manger Dr. Gene Mueller serving as Secretary.  

“Regional Animal Services of King County is excited and enthusiastic to work with the Alliance to help pets and people across the State, while we in turn grow and learn from colleagues,” says Dr. Gene Mueller, RASKC Manager and Secretary of Pet Alliance of Washington.    

The Pet Alliance of Washington was created to increase the lifesaving efforts of organizations in Washington State that provide care for homeless cats and dogs, and is committed to achieving a 90% live release rate for cats and dogs in Washington State by 2020, and helping all individual participating agencies to reach a live release rate of 90% by 2025. 

It is pleased to announce the election of Melanie Rushforth, executive director of Northwest Spay and Neuter Center; Lisa Feder, vice president and director of shelter operations of the Humane Society for Southwest Washington, Dr. Gene Mueller, manager of Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC); and Dawn Davies, executive director of Wenatchee Valley Humane Society. They will serve as chair, co-chair, secretary and treasurer of the Alliance respectively. Read more.


Employee Spotlights

kcexec

Big shoutout to King County Metro and King County Roads employees! 

Thank you to King County Metro and King County Roads employees for working hard to keep employees, residents and our community safely moving throughout the snow and ice.

We are grateful to Metro employees for getting us all safely to and from our destinations, and to Road Services for maintaining our roadways throughout the county to keep traffic moving carefully and free from harm. 

Kudos to you for your commitment and dedication!

Pictured: King County Metro received a thank you tweet from King County Executive Dow Constantine praising the great work of employees during this difficult time.


Announcements

measles

Measles in Washington   

On Friday, January 25, Governor Inslee declared a State of Emergency to bolster the State’s response to a large 
measles outbreak in Clark County, Washington, that could spread widely. In King County we have had one reported case of measles as of January 31, 2019 and we remain very concerned about the potential for additional cases here. Measles spreads effectively among unvaccinated people, including in schools, households, places of employment, social settings, public spaces, healthcare facilities, and any place where people gather.  

Measles is very contagious and can cause serious illness, especially in young children, pregnant women, and anyone with weakened immune system. The good news is that measles is preventable with the safe and highly effective measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine. All children and adults who are up-to-date with their MMR vaccinations are very well protected. Read more.


empgstars

You’re invited: Star Awards & celebration 

As our 30th anniversary season comes to a close, we’re celebrating you — the people who went above and beyond to make the Annual Giving Drive a success. 

You’re invited to our Annual Celebration and Star Awards! 

  • Tuesday, Feb. 12 from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. in Chinook Rooms 121/123 

Enhancements coming to 2019 employee survey, opens March 11 

Since 2015, the annual Employee Engagement Survey has been used to hear from employees about how to make King County a better place to work, and how to provide services more effectively to residents. The learnings form the basis of Investing in YOU, a strategy to build a workplace where employees have the tools, support, and opportunity to do their best work.   

Four years into this journey, it’s time to reflect, learn and look at where improvements can be made. 2019 will bring some exciting changes and a relationship with a new vendor, Confirmit. Read more.


animals snow

Winter weather tips for your pet 

A significant snowstorm hit King County this week, dropping as much as ten inches of snow. Temperatures are not expected to warm much above freezing the next couple of days, so it’s important to make sure your pet is kept safe and warm. 

As always, the best thing to do is to keep your pet inside when it’s cold and wet outside. Read more.


Training Spotlight 

Basic Data Visualization, April 10: Our ability to gather and collect data has steadily increased over the past decade. But data alone is not information and does not easily convey a compelling story. This half-day introductory course will allow participants to understand why data visualization is important, explore ways to tell a story with data, and mock up data visualizations in whiteboard exercises, using tips explored in class. Register and learn more.

Facilitating Effective Meetings, April 16: 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. Register and learn more.


checkers

Pet of the Week: Checkers 

We’re not playing games – Checkers is our awesome Pet of the Week! 

This young pittie mix loves exploring, so he is looking for an adventurous family who can help get his energy out through exercise and keeping his mind busy. Because he’s so spirited, he’s one of our “Rambunctious Red” personality pets. Checkers already knows “sit,” “lay down,” and “off,” but he is still working on his manners. Read more.


Featured Job: Chief Pharmacist Officer 

Salary: $112,068.95 - $142,054.02 Annually 

Location: Washington, WA 

Job Type: Career Service, Hours Vary 

Department: DPH - Public Health 

Job Number: 2019-09307 

Closing: 2/11/2019 5:00 PM Pacific 

Public Health Seattle-King County is searching for a (Career Service) Chief Pharmacist Officer to supervise the clinical practice of other pharmacists, general oversight of pharmaceutical services, including quality improvement and assurance standards, ensure integrity of the 340B Drug Pricing Program, and ensuring that services and programs are in alignment with the department's strategic plan. 

Learn more about this position or view all available positions.


KC Headlines


Contact us!

Interested in sharing a news story, or have a news tip? Click here to submit an item to Employee News. For questions or suggestions, please contact KCEmployees@kingcounty.gov.