Employee News - October 9, 2019

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Highlights

rescue ice

King County Search and Rescue receives Executive’s Award for Community Resilience  

Chief Operating Officer Casey Sixkiller presented the King County Search and Rescue (KCSAR) with the Executive’s Award for Community Resilience, citing their exemplary service during the February 2019 snow emergency. King County Executive Dow Constantine selected KCSAR for the award, presented on Sept. 11 in a ceremony at the county’s Regional Communications and Emergency Coordination Center (RCECC) in Renton. This is the ninth year that Executive Constantine has given out the award. Read more.


Employee Spotlights

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Overcoming a life changing injury with strength, dignity and a committed team  

October is Disability Awareness Month in King County. We will be featuring stories that highlight the experiences and contributions of employees experiencing disabilities to our King County community throughout the next few weeks. 

In early December 2017, King County employee Todd Johnson experienced a tragic accident. A truck driver with the then Roads Division in the former Department of Transportation (DOT) for 21 years, Todd was working with a backhoe digger when his right hand got caught in the machine. Read more.


lluvia

Five questions with Lluvia Ellison-Morales, Animal Services Administrator, Department of Executive Services 

Why and when did you start in your role with King County? 

I started in September 2014 in a 3 month STT Project Manager role with Records and Licensing Services focusing on implementing the new TNC legislation (Uber, Lyft, etc.). My position was extended and I took on various other projects during this time.  In July 2016 I was hired at Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC) as an Administrator III in a career-service role. Read more.


Announcements

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Transition Fairs provide connection and opportunity for youth with developmental disabilities 

The King County School-to-Work Program provides students with developmental disabilities the resources to plan a bright future after high school. The program is currently planning its 13th annual Transition Resource Fairs: two one-day conferences attended by families, teachers, local agencies, and potential employers intended to help students with developmental disabilities find employment before leaving their high school programs. Several years ago, Microsoft approached the School-to-Work Program to be a partner in hosting and coordinating the Transition Resource Fairs. Read more.


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King County EAP has new location and contact information 

The King County Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a free, confidential resource that provides all county employees, regardless of job title or classification, with counseling and coaching around work related concerns and problems. This includes assistance with workplace stress, coaching and consulting, conflict with co-workers, supervisor support, and other issues. Read more.


2019 Annual Giving Drive: Spotlight on nonprofits supporting people with disabilities 

King County’s Annual Giving Drive Program started Monday, Oct. 7, and almost 1,200 nonprofits are taking part this year.  Throughout this year’s drive, we’ll feature four nonprofits in different categories. In honor of Disability Awareness Month, we’ve highlighted four nonprofits that support people with disabilities that you can donate to. Read more.


King County 2019 flu shot schedule

Check out the King County 2019 Flu Shot Schedule and mark your calendars for the location most convenient for you. These are open to all employees, unless noted otherwise. If you miss the opportunity to get a flu shot at work, here are some tips for getting your flu shot through your health plan. Contact balancedyou@kingcounty.gov for more information. Read more.


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Upcoming dates for 2019 EGP Nonprofit Expo Roadshow Tour 

Join us at several upcoming expos for the Employee Giving Program (EGP) Roadshow and discover your why! You will have a chance to meet amazing nonprofits, for example: Sarvey Wildlife Center, Wing Luke Museum, El Centro de la Raza, and Mary’s Place. Read more.


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Use Employee ID/ORCA to ride Monorail began Oct. 7 

As of Oct. 7, the Seattle Monorail will accept ORCA cards! To board the Monorail, present your ID/ORCA to the cashier to pay your fare. King County employees can hop on the Monorail with no additional out-of-pocket cost. Visit the Seattle Center Monorail website for more information. 


PeopleSoft weekend outage beginning 3 p.m. Friday, Oct. 11 

To allow for system maintenance, the PeopleSoft system will not be available this weekend, beginning at 3 p.m. October 11 through October 13. During this planned outage, the Business Resource Center (BRC) will apply updates and maintenance. 

This work will begin on Friday, Oct. 11, at 3 p.m. and is scheduled to be completed by 6:30 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 14. Please ensure that you have entered your time into PeopleSoft before 3 p.m., Friday, Oct. 11, where appropriate. Read more.


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. Read more.


shakeout

October 17: Test of KCInform employee alert system 

On October 17 at 10:17 a.m., millions of people worldwide will practice how to Drop, Cover, and Hold On during an earthquake as part of the annual ShakeOut drill 

That same day, Thursday, Oct. 17, just prior to the drill, we will test KCInform, our internal notification system. A text, voice, and email alert will be sent to all registered county employee personal phones and email addresses with a message. Read more.


2020 Strategic Climate Action Plan – All staff workshop, Oct. 31 

We are updating King County’s Strategic Climate Action Plan – the five-year blueprint for climate action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, prepare for climate change, and work with partners and communities on climate. All King County employees are invited to participate in a staff workshop to provide their feedback and ideas. What are the most important and impactful climate actions we can take? Where can the County lead? What can we accomplish in partnership with you? 

The workshops will take place Thursday, Oct. 3 from noon to 2 p.m. in King Street Center, 201 S. Jackson St, 8th Floor Conference Center. Register here. For questions, contact climatechange@kingcounty.gov.


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Volunteer to be a Ballot Drop Box Closer for Nov. 5 

Looking for some Election Day excitement?  Meet your neighbors and continue your commitment to public service by volunteering as a drop box closer.  Drop box closers are the friendly face the public sees on Election Day, ensuring that every vote is counted and every voice is heard. Read more.


smmit logo

Discount to Summit at Snoqualmie 

Discounts for the Summit at Snoqualmie 2019-2020 Season Pass are now available. To take advantage of the King County Discount for Unlimited pass (covering adult, young adult, teenyouth, child, senior, and super senior) and Limited (covering adult, young adult, teen, youth, and senior) season passes follow these online instructions. The deepest discounts will be available until Nov. 6. The season pass sale will end Jan. 8, 2020. For more information about rates and discounts for the Summit at Snoqualmie 2019-2020 season, view this flyer or email summitstore@summiti90.com 

View all available discounts at www.kingcounty.gov/employeediscounts


Training Spotlight

Facilitating Effective Meetings, Nov. 14:  A common challenge faced by individuals in business is how to lead and facilitating meetings that are interesting and solicit active engagement. 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. 

View more training and development opportunities at www.kingcounty.gov/learning. 


priscilla

Pet of the Week: Priscilla 

Priscilla is a 7 year-old, female, shorthair, gray tabby cat (A591804). Her personality color is GREEN, meaning she is an adaptable cat who loves to go with the flow. This sweet girl can be a little shy in new situations, but it doesn’t take her long to get comfortable and show you what a sweetie pie she is! 

Read more at www.kingcounty.gov/adoptapet. 


Featured Job: Animal Care Technician 

Salary: $19.90 - $25.22 Hourly 

Location: Kent, WA 

Job Type: Multiple job types-career service and/or temp 

Department: DES - Executive Services 

Job Number: 2019SG10680 

Closing: 10/13/2019 11:59 PM Pacific 

Learn more about this position or view all available positions. 


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