Employee News - March 2

A service of the King County Department of Human Resources

King County Employee News

PRINT THIS EMAIL or VIEW THIS EMAIL IN YOUR BROWSER

Highlights

COVID virus

Marking one year of COVID-19

One year after the first cases of COVID-19 were identified in King County, Executive Dow Constantine and Dr. Jeff Duchin reflect on this past year when King County became ground zero in the United States for the global pandemic. Watch here


Translations and other changes coming to 2021 Engagement Survey

The 2021 Employee Engagement Survey will take place from March 8-26, and it is your opportunity to let County leaders what is going well and where we need to improve.

There a few changes in this year's survey that we want you to know about. Click here for a preview.


Announcements

Wastewater Treatment

Executive Constantine requests $65 million and signs emergency declaration to protect West Point Treatment Plant

King County Executive Dow Constantine transmitted legislation to the King County Council and signed an emergency declaration to provide the West Point Treatment Plant with more reliable power in response to increasing power disruptions at the 1.45 million-square-foot facility.

Read more here


IRS Tax Form

IRS 2020 Tax Tips*
Recovery Rebate Credit helps people still eligible for Economic Impact Payments

For those who may be eligible for stimulus payments, they should carefully review the guidelines for the Recovery Rebate Credit.

Most people received Economic Impact Payments automatically, and anyone who received the maximum amount does not need to include any information about their payments when they file. However, those who didn't receive a payment or only received a partial payment may be eligible to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit when they file their 2020 tax return. Tax preparation software, including IRS Free File, will help taxpayers figure the amount.

*King County does not provide tax, legal or accounting advice. This reference material has been prepared for informational purposes only. Any taxpayer should seek advice from their own independent tax, legal or accounting adviser based on the taxpayer's particular circumstances.


Family cooking

Hope & Joy Coffee Connections: Recipe Swap

As part of the Hope and Joy Campaign, the Balanced You team is hosting a series of informal zoom sessions called “Coffee Connections,” to provide spaces for employees to connect over fun topics and events.

Join us tomorrow, Wednesday, March 3 at 10 a.m. to share your go-to treat during quarantine and hear about other's favorite dishes. Invite your colleagues to join, too!


Coin Jar

Balanced You Self-Care Series: Financial Wellness

Did you know that 41% of Americans can’t put their hands on $1,000 dollars in an emergency situation? We are living in uncertain times and it is important to ensure your family’s financial wellness.

This event will provide an opportunity for King County employees to hear tips and resources from a My Secure Advantage (MSA) financial expert on how to secure your financial future. We hope you will join us for this important discussion!


Training Spotlight:

  • Leader Mindset – Online – Leader Mindset for King County supervisors and managers sets a foundation that leading a team starts with understanding yourself and your responsibility to create a team culture of belonging where all employees can thrive. In this interactive webinar, participants will take part in engaging activities, small group discussions, and action planning. This training is free and will be offered on multiple dates. You can select the session that best suits your schedule on the registration page. The next session will be held:
    • Tuesday, March 9, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
    • Register here - Free
  • Communication and Problem Solving Skills – Online – Join instructor Lenny Borer for this two-day training. He will address communication and problem-solving skills with the public and with co-workers. This class covers skills for effective listening, speaking, dealing with conflicts, and with defensive behavior. 
    • Tuesday, March 9 and Wednesday, March 10, from 1-4:30 p.m. both days
    • Fee is $65. Attendance both days is required for completion of the class.
    • Register here

Please visit our King County Eventbrite website and our Learning and Development website for more learning opportunities. For more information, contact the Learning and Development Team at KCTraining@kingcounty.gov or visit Learning and Development at www.kingcounty.gov/learning


Featured Job

Community Based Parenting Support Manager

Salary: $88,920.00 - $112,715.20 Annually

Location: Seattle, WA

Job Type: Career Service, Full Time, 40 hrs/week

Department: DPH - Public Health

Job Number: 2021EY12873

Closes: March 8

As part of the Best Starts for Kids' Parent Child Health Services team, this position provides program leadership, contract management, grant assessments, community engagement, policy development, and more.

Learn more about this position or view all available positions.


King County Headlines

Dr. Jeff Duchin reflects: After a Most Difficult COVID-19 Pandemic Year, Cautious Optimism and Gratitude

Registration open for the 2021 Best Starts for Kids Virtual Summit

King County libraries will reopen in some cities for in-person services

Looking for back issues?

Click here for previous editions of the Employee News e-newsletter going back to 2019.

Contact us!

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.