Recognizing 2020 Disability Awareness Month
This year marks the thirtieth anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), signed into law in 1990 by former U.S. President George H. W. Bush. Every October we celebrate the many contributions that people with disabilities make to our community and workforce here at King County.
To honor these contributions, on Oct. 13, 2020, the King County Council officially proclaimed October 2020 as Disability Awareness Month.
In a meeting held virtually so as to allow for safety and social distancing measures, the King County Council welcomed King County councilmembers and members of the public to join in the official proclamation of Disability Awareness Month. This recognizes the continued efforts to break down barriers so that people of all abilities can share their unique abilities, perspectives and talents. The meeting and proclamation can be viewed here on Facebook.
“Disability Awareness Month is an opportunity to celebrate the contributions of people with disabilities, recognize the many barriers that still exist, and recommit ourselves to breaking down those barriers to make our community more inclusive. All of us have varying degrees of ability, and these can change dramatically throughout our lives. We all benefit when we include and learn from people of every level and kind of ability,” said King County Councilmember Claudia Balducci. Read more.
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Look for Open Enrollment information in your mailbox
Look for Open Enrollment information
Check your home mailbox for important benefits and Open Enrollment information mailed recently to the address you have listed in PeopleSoft. Open Enrollment takes place Nov. 1 – 15 and you can start preparing now.
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New online enrollment tool: This year, we’ll be using an updated PeopleSoft tool featuring a new look and feel and a mobile-friendly interface—making it easier to complete Open Enrollment using your smart phone or tablet. For details, step-by-step instructions, and screenshots, watch the Completing Open Enrollment with PeopleSoft video and read the Open Enrollment PeopleSoft Guide.
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Join us: The Annual Giving Drive is happening now
Earlier this month, we kicked off our Employee Giving Program Annual Giving Drive — the most fun time of the year!
Now through Nov. 20, we can make a difference by supporting the causes that are most important to us.
This is year is different. While we may be physically apart, we are still together through this important work.
As you know, we are in a critical moment – locally and globally. Across our region, nonprofits are simultaneously facing a drop in funding while working on the front lines responding to the global pandemic, racism as a public health crisis, and climate change. Read more.
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King County GIS receives Geospatial Excellence Catalyst Award
Working from home since March means my unabridged Random House Dictionary is always just three feet away. Here is an entry…
Cat·a·lyst (n) 3. A person or thing that precipitates an event or change.
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October is a three-payday month
Most King County employees get paid on a biweekly basis, every-other-Thursday, resulting in 26 pay periods per year. You usually receive two paychecks per month, but Oct. 29 will be your third payday of the month.
The net dollar amount of these “third” paychecks may be larger because not all deductions are taken out. For example, Deferred Compensation, supplemental insurance premiums, Benefit Access Fees, and Employee Giving donations are not deducted from these checks.
For more information about your paycheck, go to Payroll or speak with your department Payroll representative or timekeeper.
Volunteer to close a drop box with King County Elections
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.
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Who: You and your co-workers!
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What: Closing ballot drop boxes across King County
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When: Election night, Tuesday, Nov. 3 from 6-8:30 pm
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Where: A drop box location near you
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Sign up: Click here.
Most voters wait until Election Day to return their ballots and drop boxes are often busiest in the last few hours of voting. We need your help to provide customer service and assistance to voters using this last opportunity to return their ballots. Sign up and join us for a fun and fulfilling experience helping your neighbors experience the excitement and community of casting their ballots.
You’ll be partnered with Elections staff and no experience is necessary – we provide all the training you need. Read more.
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Announcing the 2020 Online Nonprofit Expo Series
The 2020 Nonprofit Expo Series will kick off on Thursday, Oct. 22. Join the Employee Giving Program via Zoom from 11 a.m. to noon every Thursday through Nov. 20 to learn about nonprofits engaged in the work you care about. Each week will feature organizations working in the following key service areas:
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Oct. 22, from 11 a.m. to noon: Social and Economic Justice
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Oct. 29, from 11 a.m. to noon: Animals
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Nov. 5, from 11 a.m. to noon: Frontline COVID-19 Assistance
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Nov. 12, from 11 a.m. to noon: Serving Children during the COVI-19 pandemic
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Nov. 19, from 11 a.m. to noon: Housing and Employment
Each Expo will feature four nonprofits, giving you the opportunity to learn about the abundance of amazing services provided in our community. Presentations will be followed by a brief opportunity for Q&A. Follow this Zoom link to join the meeting. And don’t forget to make your pledge through PeopleSoft by Nov. 20.
On-site employee flu clinics now closed
Balanced You thanks King County employees for a successful 2020 flu clinic season. Together, we were able to distribute 1,200 flu shots to onsite employees across King County this year. Onsite flu clinics have now ended. If you or your family members have not received your flu shots, please visit this blogpost for information on how to do so.
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Which fare is right for you? King County and Sound Transit offer new subsidized annual pass for riders in greatest need
Discounted passes allow more people to ride transit, even if they would otherwise face financial barriers. Some customers have their transit passes covered by their work or school, while others qualify for reduced fares due to their age, disability, or income level.
You may qualify for a discounted transit pass if you are:
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Age 19-64? Check with your employer or school to see if they help with transit costs, or purchase a monthly pass
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Age 6-18? You may qualify for an Youth ORCA card
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Reminder: Free live, virtual exercises classes for King County employees begin Wednesday, October 21
In response to employee requests, Balanced You, in partnership with Vivecorp, will begin offering free, live, virtual exercise classes on Wednesday, Oct. 21. King County employees and anyone in their home, including children, are welcome to join. Classes will be hosted on Zoom and held on Wednesdays at 5 p.m. and Fridays at noon through December 2020. Visit this Balanced You blogpost for the class schedule and instructions on how to register and join.
Please note: You will need to use Chrome or Microsoft Edge as your browser in order to sign up for the exercise classes. Internet Explorer is not compatible with the Vivecorp site.
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Lunch and Learn Sessions for Disability Awareness Month, October 21
In celebration of October as National Disability Awareness Month, the Department of Human Resources is hosting two Lunch and Learn discussions that focus on Race and Disability, to be held via Zoom. We will begin our discussion with a short video and then an open dialogue facilitated by Workforce Equity Manager Gloria Ngezaho, and employees Jennifer Greenlee, Lili Stansberry and Christina Davidson. All King County employees are welcome to join.
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Lunch and Learn, Wednesday, Oct. 21 from noon to 1 p.m. - Discussion on Media Representation of Race and Disability
To register and for more information, email Christina Davidson at Christina.Davidson@kingcounty.gov. You will receive an Outlook calendar event with the Zoom link upon registration.
Creating Effective Application Materials online workshops, October 27 and November 17
This two-hour VIRTUAL workshop will provide you tips and strategies on how to make your application materials stand out. Learning objectives include:
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Understanding the purpose of the job application, resume, cover letter and supplemental questions and how to make each of them more effective
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Deciding what to include in your resume and the best format to showcase your qualifications
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How to write a cover letter tailored to the specific position
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Identifying and showcasing your accomplishments
There are two opportunities to attend this online workshop:
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Tuesday, Oct. 27 from 1-3 p.m. and Tuesday, Nov. 17 from 1-3 p.m. Register here.
A Conversation on the Impacts of the Pandemic While Living with a Disability, October 29
The Disability Awareness Committee, Balanced You, and the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) are hosting a panel featuring employees with disabilities who will share their experiences and stories living through this pandemic. Resources to support employees with disabilities will also be shared during this panel discussion. All King County employees are welcome to join.
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Training Spotlight for October 20
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Decision Making through North Seattle College – Online – Expand your decision-making skills by identifying problem-solving styles. Find creative solutions in decision-making and build the ability to search for and find facts that relate to the situation and put them together in ways that work. Learn to tap into the knowledge of others to help expand available options. This workshop will give you better problem-solving steps and tools to make decisions. This class is tomorrow, Oct. 21, from 1-4 p.m. The fee is $89.00 and space is limited. Register here
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Mentorship Lunch and Learn – Online – Would you like to have a mentor, someone who can help you grow professionally? Do you want to strengthen your coaching skills? As a Mentee, you will have a trusted advisor who can help you navigate complex situations, and as a Mentor, you can uncover new or forgotten skills and build influence. This Lunch and Learn is free and the next session is on Oct. 22 from noon to 1 p.m. Register Here
Pet of the Week: Annie
Hi! My name is Annie and I am available for adoption. My personality color is GREEN. I am an adaptable dog who loves to go with the flow! I am outgoing and carefree, and I just can't wait to find my forever home! I am a very smart dog! At the shelter I am practicing how to "sit", "stay", "come", "down" and "shake". I am an affectionate lovebug who would be thrilled to cuddle up with you at home! I am full of energy and I love to play! I tend to calm down more when the people around me stay calm. I do best when I have lots of exercise and something to keep my mind busy. My caregivers have noticed that I seem to do well with other dogs. When meeting dogs in a new home, I would do best with a slow introduction.
Read more and view all available pets at www.kingcounty.gov/adoptapet. Have you or someone you know adopted a pet from RASKC? Let us know. We’d love to tell your story.
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Featured Job: Court Program Technician
Salary: $29.62 - $37.61 Hourly
Job Type: Regular, Full time, 35 hrs/week
Department: KCSC - Superior Court
Division: Family Court Ops
Closing: 10/30/2020 11:59 PM Pacific
KC Headlines
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