Reminder: Telecommuting guidance extended through May 31
On Wednesday, April 29, Gov. Jay Inslee advised that, aided by a new COVID-19 risk assessment dashboard, the state will slowly start “turning the dial” on several physical distancing restrictions over the coming weeks.
As a reminder, regardless of when the Governor’s Stay Home, Stay Healthy order is lifted, our operations will not return to normal like the flick of a light switch. It will take thoughtful and prudent actions and decision-making to stop the virus from reemerging in a second wave.
As such, King County has extended mandatory telecommuting for Executive Branch employees who have been telecommuting through Sunday, May 31, 2020. Read more.
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New Equity Tool brings community considerations to decision making
King County’s Office of Equity and Social Justice has created a new Equity Impact Awareness Tool in partnership with Headwater People to ensure that impacts on low income communities of color are fully considered by the County in its COVID-19 mitigation strategies and decision making.
The tool was initially created to address the concerns of community members who were worried that the County would make decisions about quarantine and isolation facilities without considering the burden that will fall on communities who are vulnerable to the health and economic crisis.
Janine Anzalota, Equity and Civil Rights Manager for the Office of Equity and Social Justice, worked with Headwater People to help create the tool, collaborating with Tom Koney, Deputy Director for the Department of Executive Services, and Erica Cox, Inclusion Manager for the Office of Equity and Social Justice, who advised on the measures of the tool.
“The impact of public health emergencies to low income communities of color is always severe, particularly to our Black/African American, Native American/Indigenous, and Immigrant and Refugee Communities,” Janine said. Read more.
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How to apply for and donate to Emergency Leave Program
King County is working hard to address the challenges that have arisen from the coronavirus, and is providing new ways to support employees. Some employees are impacted more than others, and will exhaust their paid leave while recovering their health or caring for others. With this in mind, the Emergency Leave Donation Program was developed so that employees who have been affected by COVID-19 can request donated leave.
Employees interested in supporting colleagues affected by COVID-19 can donate accrued sick and vacation leave in two different ways:
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Black/African Affinity Group finds strength
At King County, having a community to connect with is crucial, even more so in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, and the County’s Employee Resource Groups, or Affinity Groups, are helping employees support one another.
The Black/African Affinity Group centers on providing employees with a community platform. Historically, the focal point of African American life has centered around community such as family, churches, neighborhoods, and organizations, providing a way to connect, share resources, and share knowledge.
“Our goal in our Black/African Affinity Group is to bring collective souls together for one purpose… to share our gifts and talents in a way that they benefit our community,” said Danita Carter, Records and Licensing Services (RALS) Finance Manager and Co-Chair of the Black/African Affinity Group. Read more.
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Reminder: Balanced You programs during COVID-19: What’s available and what’s on pause
Due to social distancing recommendations from the CDC and stay-at-home orders from Washington state leadership, Balanced You is making changes to our programming and resources. We are working with our partners to transition in-person programs and resources to online formats when possible, and to create new programs and resources that support King County employees in staying healthy and well while you respond to this pandemic, professionally and personally.
Below is a detailed list of programs and statuses, which the Balanced You team will continue to update. If you have ideas of additional programs or resources that would help you during this time, please reach out to us with your requests or recommendations at balancedyou@kingcounty.gov. Read more.
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My Secure Advantage: New May webinars and COVID-19 financial
resources
As the number of businesses affected by the coronavirus continues to rise, so do the financial impacts on countless employees. My Secure Advantage (MSA) remains steadfast in its commitment to provide responsive, relevant personal financial guidance to employees and their families throughout this crisis and the better days to come.
Register now for new May webinars
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Navigating your Finances in Unpredictable Times: May 1, 2020, 9 a.m. Register here.
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Investor Education: Managing your Money in Volatile Markets: May 1, 2020, noon. Register here.
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Tips for Major Purchases: May 12, 2020, 9 a.m. and noon. Register here.
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I Want to Buy a House: May 28, 2020, 9 a.m. and noon. Register here.
Stay up to date with MSA's latest COVID-19 resources. Read more.
Mindfulness videos now available for King County employees
Balanced You understands this pandemic is stressful. In response, we are creating new tools and resources to support your well-being during this difficult time.
Mindfulness classes have remained popular among employees, so we have decided to expand access to mindfulness resources. Balanced You is pleased to announce a series of free mindfulness videos, developed by Mindfulness Northwest for King County employees. Visit the Balanced You blog for more information.
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Public encouraged to watch for wider range of symptoms for COVID-19
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has added to its list of symptoms for COVID-19. Also, as more farmers markets open for the spring, customers are encouraged to practice important safety measures.
As researchers continue to learn more about COVID-19, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) just added six new symptoms to its list of known COVID-19 symptoms.
People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. Read more.
Featured Job: Outpatient Care and Urgent Care Task Lead (Project / Program Manager III)
Salary: $87,640.80 - $111,089.89 Annually
Job Type: Special Duty Assignment or Term Limited Temp (TLT)
Department: DPH - Public Health
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