Focus on values: We are responsible stewards
Last month, we launched a monthly focus on our values to help us gain a deeper understanding of King County’s values and how we apply them to our work. This month, we are focusing on the value “We are responsible stewards.” Stewardship may mean something different for each of us, but we all play a role in being responsible stewards as a local and regional government. Read more and watch the video here. And if you missed it, check out the first values video about how “We drive for results.”
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Knowing your role during winter weather and emergencies
As we approach winter, this is a great time to ensure you are well-prepared for an emergency or inclement weather at home or work. There are many online resources that you can use to make sure you and your family have what you need to Make it Through an emergency – from an extended power outage to a more severe event. We strongly encourage you to take personal preparedness seriously. Read more.
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King County Council recognizes 2019 Disability Awareness Month
On Oct. 16, 2019, the Metropolitan King County Council proclaimed October as Disability Awareness Month in King County, celebrating the many contributions that people with disabilities make to our community and workforce. The proclamation is a reminder of our continued efforts to break down barriers so that people of all abilities can share their unique abilities, perspectives and talents. Read more.
Five questions with Chris O’Claire, Division Director for Mobility, King County Metro
Why did you start in your role with King County?
I started at King County 15 years ago as an intern in the Service Development. I joined Metro because I was passionate about making a positive impact on the environment. And, I was immediately drawn to public transportation as a way to reduce carbon emissions by getting people out of their cars. But what keeps me here is the people - the employees that are committed to providing the best public transportation and the customers. Read more.
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DPD's new special counsel has long worked at the forefront of social change
As a young woman just out of college and well aware of institutionalized racism and its generational impact on black and brown people in America, La Rond Baker decided to use her degree to teach GED and Adult Basic Education classes at the King County Correctional Facility. Even so, she was struck by what she saw in the jail – by the stark racial disparities between the jail population and the general population of Seattle. Read more.
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Meaningful program creates workplace efficiencies and opportunities for employees
King County’s Supported Employment Program matches job seekers with developmental disabilities to available jobs by identifying efficiencies and unmet needs throughout King County departments. The program allows each department to review its standard work practices utilizing Lean principles. A job coach is also available to help supported employees thrive in the workplace. Read more.
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Improved services for customers with disabilities
Metro’s new Access Paratransit operator, MV Transportation, brings a renewed customer service focus to the service, with offerings on the horizon including app-based scheduling, expanded multilingual support, higher on-time performance, and tighter pick-up and drop-off windows. Read more.
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Recycling program builds relationships between King County and Spanish-speaking communities
Advancing our “We are responsible stewards” value
The Recicla más, or Recycle more program, provides information about recycling in Spanish to communities throughout King County. Started in 2011, Recicla más has relied on developing a partnership with facilitadores, or community educators, in the Latinx community to help improve and increase recycling. Read more.
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2019 Annual Giving Drive: Spotlight on nonprofits supporting animal welfare
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 be featuring four nonprofits in different categories. This week, we’re highlighting four nonprofits that support and offer animal adoptions, rehabilitation for senior animals, and training services.
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Greyhound Pets, Inc. (9935) PO Box 891, Woodinville. WA 98072 – This foundation places retired Greyhounds in loving and secure homes and educate the public on the benefits of Greyhounds as family companions. They have multiple locations across the Puget Sound area, as well as Idaho and British Columbia.
Read more.
King County Drug Court celebrates 25 years, Oct. 30
Empowering lives and strengthening communities since 1994, the King Cunty Drug Court is holding a celebration for its 25th year anniversary. The public and employees are welcome to attend. There will be inspiration, music, food, and the celebration of graduates, current participants, service providers, and community partners.
Wednesday, Oct. 30 from 3 – 5 p.m. at the King County Courthouse, Room E-942, 516 Third Ave Seattle, WA 98104.
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2020 Strategic Climate Action Plan – All staff workshop, Oct. 31
Advancing our “We are responsible stewards” value
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. The workshops will take place Thursday, Oct. 31 from noon to 2 p.m. in King Street Center, 201 S. Jackson St, 8th Floor Conference Center. Register here. Read more.
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New funding opportunity from the Veterans, Seniors and Human Services Levy
The King County Department of Community and Human Services is now accepting applications for a facilitator for the recently awarded Countywide Commercial Sexual Exploitation (CSE) Collaborative. The facilitator will support the four awarded agencies in building a shared mission and vision and to develop a service model and work plan to steward the goals identified by the Collaborative. Applications are due Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2019 by 5 p.m. Read more.
Learn how to boost your retirement savings
Employees and their spouse or significant other are invited to learn more about saving for retirement with the King County Deferred Compensation Plan. Upcoming in-person sessions on Oct. 29, 30, and 31 will include: Social Security Simplified, Retirement Savings Options, Savings Strategies, and Achieving Financial Goals. See details and registration here. Read more.
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Harborstone Credit Union and BECU discounts available for employees
Through the Harborstone Credit Union Preferred Employer Program, when employees open a new membership that includes a savings, checking, and direct deposit, they will receive a $100 deposited to the account, a 0.25% discount on vehicle loans, and a paid appraisal on home loan purchases and refinances that are funded through Harborstone (a $700 average value). To receive the discount and apply, employees should contact Galileo Tan, Preferred Employer Program Manager, at 206-310-7204 or galileo.tan@harborstone.com.
With BECU, Employees can earn a $200 bonus deposit by opening a new Member Advantage Money Market account and meeting the member advantage requirements. Find out more. Free financial education webinars are also available: self-paced and in-person.
Training Spotlight
Mindful Leadership, Dec. 5: A mindful leader embodies leadership presence by cultivating focus, clarity, creativity, and compassion in the service of others. Leadership presence is a tangible quality. Mindful leaders can fell the space in fast-paced, high-stress situations and work to create a culture of trust. Leadership presence is a tangible quailty. This requires full and complete attention, with curiosity and openness, in the present moment. Those around a mindful leader see and feel that presence. Register and learn more.
Pet of the Week: Dusty
Say hello to this handsome gentleman – Dusty is our Pet of the Week! This senior boy is very sweet and loving, and loves pets from head to tail. His favorites are head rubs and scratches behind his ears. Dusty also likes the double-cheek smoosh – where you gently rub both his cheeks at the same time. He may even do the roly poly as you pet him! Read more.
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Featured Job: Registered Nurse Clinical Quality Optimizer
Salary: $101,566.41 - $131,934.41 Annually
Job Type: Special Duty Assignment or Term Limited Temp (TLT)
Department: DPH - Public Health
Closing: 11/7/2019 11:59 PM Pacific
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.
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