Employee Resource/Affinity Group Policy
As we continue to build a supportive, respectful, and equitable workplace culture at King County, we are committed to providing opportunities and spaces for employees to come together, share their experiences, and work to advance our Equity and Social Justice Strategic Plan.
Executive Constantine recently signed the Employee Resource/Affinity Group Policy, which formalizes the work of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), also known as affinity groups. These groups are employee-led and focus exclusively on state- and federal-protected categories – such as race, gender, and sexual orientation – and their common interests.
Affinity groups are another opportunity to enhance professional growth and strengthen workplace effectiveness while supporting our Equity and Social Justice priorities and embodying our “we are racially just” value. Read more.
|
First ever Spirit Day celebrates public service
Executive Constantine and his Senior Leadership Team celebrated King County employees at the first ever Employee Appreciation Spirit Day on Friday, Sept. 13.
The event celebrated King County employees for their commitment to public service, and to making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. Those in attendance enjoyed hot dogs and veggie dogs as well as a performance by the University of Washington Marching Band.
Helping young people thrive in our community
King County is helping young people who have not completed high school but want to attain the General Educational Development (GED) or high school diploma and go on to college or a better job through services at Learning Center North and YouthSource.
Learning Center North and YouthSource provide different services supporting young adults toward their goals in secondary education through a successful model of Leadership, Career Development, and support to and through college.
The program helps young people earn their High School Equivalency Certificate and overcome barriers such as housing, employment, behavioral health, and transportation, to achieve their goals. Read more.
|
King County 2019 flu shot schedule, week of Sept. 18
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.
-
Thursday, Sept. 19 from 3 a.m. - 6 a.m., at Atlantic - Central Base, 1500 6th Ave. South, Seattle, WA 98134, 2nd Floor Classroom 2C. Contacts are Benita Grace at 206-477-2409 and Tutti Compton at 206-477-0426.
-
Thursday, Sept. 19 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., at Dexter Horton, 710 2nd Ave. Seattle, WA 98104, Room 125. Contact is Leslie Brown at 206-263-1634.
|
Sept. 15 – Oct. 15, 2019 King County celebrates Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month
National Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month officially starts on Sept. 15 and ends Oct. 15. This month is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the long and important presence and contributions of Hispanic and Latino and Latina (Latinx) Americans.
In the spirit of shared learning, increased understanding, building community, and advancing pro-equity values at Metro, all King County employees are invited to participate in these events, below. For more information about each event, view this flyer.
-
Cross Agency Hispanic-Latinx Heritage Month Celebration: Thursday, Sept. 19, noon to 1 p.m., Union Station, Ruth Fisher Board Room, 401 S. Jackson Street. Executive Dow Constantine will proclaim Hispanic and Latinx month 2019 for King County.
-
Lunch and Learn: Meet King County’s New Latinx Affinity Group (LAG), Thursday, Sept. 26, noon to 1 p.m., King Street Center, 4th Floor Transit GM Conference Room, 201 S. Jackson Street, Seattle. Come connect with Latinx members about what’s happening and how to get involved with King County affinity groups.
In addition to the events Metro is partnering with or supporting, all King County employees are also welcomed to join in two additional events this month. Read more.
Pictured: A group of representatives from Sound Transit, Seattle Department of Transportation, King County ESJ office and King County Metro attended the Fiestas Patrias 2019 Celebration held Saturday, Sept. 14, in South Park, Seattle.
Panel Discussion on Mental Health, Recovery, and Suicide Prevention, Sept. 25
As this video from the World Health Organization shows, mental illness can affect anyone at any time. Join us for a panel discussion on actions and resources to support mental well-being and a mentally healthy workplace. The panel will feature representatives from Public Health, Community and Human Services, Metro Transit, and Human Resources, along with King County’s Chief People Officer Whitney Abrams.
-
Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2019 from 9:30 – 11 a.m., in the King County Administration Building’s 5th Floor Training Room
- Join by Skype Meeting or phone at 206-263-8114 using conference ID 5289695
Please Note: This is a County-sponsored event and supervisors are encouraged to permit employees to participate, if possible. Read King County’s HR Bulletin regarding employee attendance at County-sponsored events for more information. Attendance is voluntary, and employees will not be compensated or receive overtime for attending.
|
Accessing mental health services through your medical plan
If you are experiencing a mental or emotional health issue, you can access services offered by your King County medical plan.
Kaiser Permanente SmartCare plans: Kaiser Permanente has licensed mental health clinicians on primary care teams to provide assessment and short-term treatment for many mental health concerns. At Kaiser Permanente Mental Health specialty facilities, adults, families, teens, and children can get treatment and support for a wide range of issues. No referral is needed from your primary care provider to get care from Kaiser Permanente Mental Health. For first-time, non-emergency appointments, call 888-287-2680 or 206-630-1680. Your copay for outpatient mental health visits is the same as for other office visits. For additional information, go to Kaiser Permanente Mental Health
Regence BlueShield KingCare or KingCare Select plans: If you are a member of KingCare or KingCare Select, you can access a wide range of mental health services. professionals in their networks. When you need care, contact Your Primary Care Provider first. Your Primary Care Provider can treat you and help you find a specialist, or you can call the customer service number on the back of your member ID card for assistance in finding a qualified mental health professional. You can also sign in to your Regence BlueShield account and use the Find A Doctor tool. Your coinsurance for outpatient mental health visits is the same as for other office visits.
Don’t be left out - Update your PeopleSoft information
Reasons why it’s important to review and update your personal information in PeopleSoft:
-
You will get important Open Enrollment and other employee benefits information mailed to you at the address you provide.
-
Your emergency contact can be notified if something happens to you at work.
-
Someone at King County can reach you with information about building closures, safety directives, etc.
-
You can receive information at the email address you prefer.
-
Sign in to PeopleSoft. To access PeopleSoft from home: ess.kingcounty.gov.
- Go to Personal Details
- Make sure all items are up-to-date
- Save any changes
If you need a new password, go to Forgot My Password. If you have any other login issues, call the IT Service Center: 206-263-4357.
Benefits and Retirement Fairs: Oct. 15 and 16
Do you want to better understand your King County benefits before Open Enrollment starts on Nov. 1? Do you have questions about your retirement?
King County is hosting benefits fairs where you can meet with benefits and retirement plan vendors. The fairs give you an opportunity to learn more about your options and ask questions—so that you can plan ahead for your and your family’s well-being. There’ll also be raffles, prizes, and giveaways:
-
When: Oct. 15 and 16, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
-
Where: King County Elections, Alvine Room, 919 SW Grady Way, Renton
|
Training Spotlight
Supervision and Leadership Skills – Series, beginning Oct. 4: Develop your leadership, communication, motivation, and problem-solving skills with this workshop based series. Take all six classes in the series to enhance your professional toolbox with skills to be used in a variety of workplace situations. Register and learn more here.
Pet of the Week: Kingston
Hi! My name is Kingston and I am available for adoption.
I was brought into the shelter because I was sometimes too pushy with the other dog in the home. I do like other dogs though! I just maybe like to be the boss :). After all I'm a spunky little guy with a big boy personality!
I also love to play and cuddle with people, but I like to get to know you first. Give me a few minutes to warm up, and I'll be jumping up and down in your lap to give you kisses!
|
Featured Job: King County District Court Human Resource Manager II
Salary: $106,889.33 - $135,488.70 Annually
Location: Seattle - Regional area, WA
Job Type: Career Service, Full Time, 40 hrs/week
Department: KCDC - District Court
Job Number: 2019 KCDC HRM II
Closing: 9/29/2019 11:59 PM Pacific
The Human Resources Manager II (HR Manager II) for the Department of Human Resources (DHR) works entirely for the King County District Court (Court) as their Human Resources Director. The delivery of all of the human resources services is accomplished through a Service Level Agreement between the two Branches of government. Because of the separation of branches, strict confidentiality and firewalls must be maintained. The HR Manager II must maintain effective working relationships with all levels of the court including 25 elected Judges. This position will ensure service delivery continuously meets or exceeds the service level agreement between the Court and DHR. The position maintains a dual reporting structure to both the Court and DHR. The DHR team supporting the Court includes the HR Manager II, a Human Resource Manager I and a Sr. Human Resource Analyst.
KC Headlines
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.
|
