Keeping you informed on vaccination eligibility and scheduling

from Whitney Abrams, Chief People Officer

Leaders in Public Health tell us that the next month or two will be especially important in determining the course of the coronavirus outbreak, with the threat from new variants increasing while we work to get more people protected through vaccination.

Click here to read more about vaccine eligibility and scheduling. 

Washington state in Phase 3, mandatory telework guidance remains in place

Washington state is now in Phase 3 of Governor Inslee’s Roadmap to Recovery and more activities and gatherings with increased capacity are now permitted.

King County employees remain under mandatory telecommuting through July 5, 2021, for all Executive Branch employees who are currently telecommuting, except where there is an operational need to physically return to the workplace.

Click here for more information.

Employee Survey closes this Friday

Over half of all eligible employees have completed the 2021 Employee Engagement Survey and let County leaders know about their experiences at King County. 

As of Tuesday morning, March 23, over 52% of participating employees have completed the survey. You can see a complete breakdown of participation rates here.

The deadline to participate is Friday, March 26. If you haven’t completed the survey, look in your King County inbox for an email from KC Employee Survey (kcemployeesurvey@us.confirmit.com) with the subject line “Welcome to the King County 2021 Employee Survey.”

Read more here. 

The Long Road to Women's Equality: The unfinished business of the Equal Rights Amendment

Thirty-eight states have ratified the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA). Last month the U.S. House of Representatives voted to remove the time limit for Congress to ratify the ERA. The legislation is currently awaiting a vote in the U.S. Senate. Will 2021 be the year of the 28th?

You are invited to join Bettina Hager, the DC Director of the Fund for Women’s Equality, the educational sister organization of the ERA Coalition, as she discusses the Equal Rights Amendment – past, present, and future.

• Tuesday, March 30 from 12:15–1:15 p.m. 
• Webinar Access Link
• Passcode 324323

Presented by King County Superior Court’s 2021 Courts & Community Committee in Recognition of Women’s History Month

Join King County’s Black/African Affinity Group Leadership Council

King County’s Black/African Affinity Group Leadership Council seeks individuals who will advance the values and vision of the Black/African Affinity Group. If you are a change agent who is adaptive and community-oriented, this opportunity is for you.

The Black/African Affinity Group is increasing its capacity to serve and has several key leadership positions open for King County employees. This is a fantastic professional development opportunity to be on the frontlines of the County’s fight for racial and social justice.

Members of this leadership council will work with County leaders, employees, organizations, and community partners to help transform King County into an anti-racist and pro-equity organization while building community with its Black and African employees.

If you are interested, please apply here; all positions will remain open until filled.

Are you at risk for diabetes? Omada can help

Balanced You and Omada^® are joining the American Diabetes Association in recognizing Diabetes Alert Day — a movement that challenges everyone to take a quick survey to assess their risk of Type 2 diabetes. Take a 60-second assessment that will help you determine if you’re at risk — and get you started on taking control to prevent diabetes.

If you are at risk, there’s good news. You can prevent or delay the onset of Type 2 diabetes by making simple lifestyle changes, like moving more and eating better. 

Even more good news: You don’t have to do it alone — Omada can help. Omada, available to you or a benefits-covered family member, is a personalized healthy living program that surrounds you with the tools and support you need to take small, day-to-day steps that lead to lifelong health. And it is all free as a King County employee or benefits-covered family member. For more information, click here. 

Student Event: Careers in clean water

Green Jobs or STEM careers don't automatically bring to mind jobs involving wastewater. But wastewater jobs are all about keeping water resources clean now and in the future.

Each year, King County's utility’s education team introduces local youth and college students to careers that keep local waters clean. This year due to COVID-19, the programs may look a little different, but are well worth the time spent in front of a screen.

Three online career events in 2021 will introduce students to the variety of careers. In each event, students will participate in informational sessions with professionals from different occupations. The sessions will be interactive and include time for students to ask questions.  Examples of careers that will be represented include:  

• Environmental & Civil Engineers 
• Water Quality Scientist
• Treatment Plant Operator
• Community Relations Specialist 
• Project Manager
• Maintenance Mechanic

Click the links below to register. Each event will have different professionals attending so students can participate in multiple events. 

• Saturday, March 27 from 10 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
• Saturday, April 10 from 10 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
• Saturday, April 24 from 10 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Operations Manager Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention