Supporting People with Disabilities: When and how to disclose a disability

One of the key issues that came out of last October’s Disability Awareness Month was how and when to disclose a disability for both King County job applicants and employees with disabilities. 

To learn more about when to disclose disability information, what to disclose, and who to disclose to, click here. 

Understanding Ableism: Part II - Intersections and Advocacy

In this session, we will discuss disability and other marginalized identities, especially race, other people’s role in combatting ableism, how disability justice meshes with other civil rights issues and ways we can all support our collective work. The workshop will include an audience question and answer session.

• Thursday, Feb. 18 from 4:30-6:30 p.m.
• Click here to register

Mixed Race workshop on March 1

This workshop is inspired by the sense of belonging and connection, and the desire to create a space for biracial and multiracial King County employees to share their experience and support. 

Discussions will be in a panel format and include breakout sessions where attendees can express their own experiences in greater detail. Hosted by Shawn Abernethy (Elections), Jennifer Greenlee (Dept. of Human Resources), and Art Hendricks (Office of Equity & Social Justice).

• Monday, March 1 from 1:30-3:30 p.m.
• Your attendance is voluntary and may require supervisor approval.
• To register, email shawn.abernethy@kingcounty.gov or
  jegreenlee@kingcounty.gov.

Intro to Mindfulness free webinar     

Balanced You is continuing to sponsor Mindfulness classes through the winter months. Mindfulness is a practice that uses breath work, visualization, and other skills to support you in reducing stress at work and at home.

During this hour-long Introduction to Mindfulness workshop, participants will review how mindfulness can help reduce stress, what reactivity and burnout are, and the science that supports mindfulness. Participants will also learn several simple, but effective mindfulness practices they can integrate into their lives right away.

• Wednesday, Feb. 24 from 10-11 a.m.
• Register here

Mental Health First Aid@Work trainings added for 2021

As we continue to navigate the pandemic, the need for mental health awareness grows. Mental health is an important part of overall health and well-being that can often be misunderstood or overlooked.

To increase awareness about mental health and highlight supportive resources, Balanced You has partnered with the National Council of Behavioral Health to offer Mental Health First Aid@Work trainings. These trainings are available to all County employees, free of charge.

Balanced You urges employees to consider participating in the Mental Health First Aid@Work training so we can all better support each other. Read the full blog post for the upcoming training schedule.

Records Management reaches milestone

The Records Management Team in the Records and Licensing Services Division recently accomplished a major milestone: one million electronic records “dispositioned” in the last year. Read more.

Restroom retrofits come in under budget

Facilities Management Division (FMD) staff have completed a project to retrofit restrooms in county buildings with touchless fixtures to improve safety which came in significantly under budget. 

About 1,000 fixtures were replaced in public-facing facilities in judicial, correctional, and public health facilities as well as other county agencies.

Click here to read the story. 

Pet of the Week: Gracie

Hi!  My name is Gracie and I am available for adoption. I'm a 13 year-old female brown Tabby cat (ID #A630261).   

I am an affectionate lovebug who would be thrilled to cuddle up with you at home! Because of my shy nature and older age, I would do best in a calm, quiet home.

You can find out more about me and my other friends on our website at www.kingcounty.gov/adoptapet. Note that RASKC has moved to adoptions by appointment only. If you have more questions, you can contact RASKC via phone at 206-296-7387 (PETS) or email pets@kingcounty.gov. Also look for me on Instagram! Search for #graciekingcountypetsa630261. 

Payroll Coordinator