Employee News - June 10

A service of the King County Department of Human Resources

King County Employee News

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Highlights

pride flag

Take part in Seattle Pride celebrations

This year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the annual Seattle Pride celebration has gone virtual with a full calendar of events culminating in a two-day online celebration featuring a diverse lineup of speakers, performers, activities, and activism reflecting this year’s theme Resilience.

There are multiple events happening almost daily throughout the month that you can take part in leading up to this year’s virtual celebration on June 26 and 27.

You can get a list of upcoming events on the Seattle Pride website and register for the two-day Seattle Pride Virtual LGBTQIA+ Pride Celebration June 26 and 27.


Congrats

Public Health receives national recognition for innovation in pandemic response 

Cross-posted from Public Health Insider

Two Public Health – Seattle & King County teams are receiving national recognition for their innovative contributions to the COVID-19 pandemic response.

The National Association of City and County Health Officials granted a Bronze Innovative Practice Award to Public Health’s Safe Start for Taverns and Restaurants team, and another to Public Health’s Assessment, Policy Development and Evaluation unit for its work on the economic, social and overall health impacts data dashboard

Click here to read more about these recognitions. 


Announcements

Stories from the Road to Freedom

 Juneteenth employee events

All employees are invited to various Juneteenth events this month celebrating the emancipation of enslaved people in the United States, including:

  • Stories from the Road to Freedom - SPARKS! video and conversation series on Friday, June 11 at 3:30 p.m. 
  • “A Liberation Celebration with Tales from Our Griots” - conversations with Black Elders employed by King County on Monday, June 14 at 12 p.m.
  • A joint Executive and Legislative Branches virtual event with author, activist and entrepreneur, Dr. Marcia Tate Arunga on Thursday, June 17 at 10 a.m.

These presentations will provide insights, education, and personal experiences from a historical and current day perspective. 

Click here for more information about these celebrations.


EAP or MLE: Which program is right for my situation?

There are amazing mental health resources at your fingertips as a King County employee, but it can be a little time-consuming to understand which one is the right choice for your situation. Balanced You encourages employees to utilize two free resources, Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and Making Life Easier (MLE).

To learn more about the differences of each program, and choose which one is best for a particular situation, watch this short video .

EAP or MLE

Doctor

Catching up on our preventive care

Did you know that having a primary care provider (PCP) can improve your overall health and save you money?

In 2020, many medical visits were put on hold or moved to telehealth, causing many of us to skip our routine preventive visits. But the past year has been hard on our health in so many ways – from the extra stress and anxiety of the pandemic to less activity due to social distancing guidelines. Now is the time to get caught up on our health care in a preventive way.

Read Having a primary care provider is good for your health for guidance in finding the best PCP for you.


VMAG logo

Veterans and Military Affinity Group meeting is June 16

The King County Veterans and Military Affinity Group will hold their monthly meeting on Wednesday, June 16.

This month’s meeting will feature Part 2 of a presentation on Veterans Administration (VA) Home Loans and will be presented by Certified VA Loan Officer, Tom Corcoran from United American Mortgage.

All King County employees who have served or are currently serving in the military are invited to attend.


Disability graphic

Understanding Ableism: Part VI - Everybody can work!

In this sixth edition of the Understanding Ableism series, we will be discussing society’s misguided beliefs about working with a disAbility and the effects of Ableism in the workplace.

In this presentation, participants will: 

  • Identify the thoughts and behaviors behind Ableism in the workplace and gain insight on how employers and co-workers can work toward eliminating it.
  • Increase your awareness of the existence of Systemic Ableism in the world of work, and how it affects people with disAbilities.
  • Recognize what barriers people face with obtaining and maintaining a job, disclosing a disAbility and accessing accommodations at work.

This event is free and open to all:

  • Thursday, June 17 from 4:30-6 p.m.
  • Register here

You can view all past editions of the Understanding Ableism Series on the King County Disability Consortium Web Page.


Safety tips video: See something, say something 

Our first priority is your safety and security at work. You can take an active role in your safety. The county has produced a variety of communications to help inform employees about safety tips and related updates:  

  • Check out a new short video, below, how to report emergencies and non-urgent security concerns. Watch for additional videos with safety tips throughout the year.
  • Read more.
Safety Tips

Training Spotlight:

  • Staying Steady – Online – When leaders prioritize supporting their and their team’s wellbeing, they add to the creation of a values-based culture where team members have a sense of stability, feel respected and can work more effectively. This training is free and will be offered
  • Mentorship Lunch & 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

 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


POTW Ben

Pet of the Week: Ben

My name is Ben and I am available for adoption. I weigh 65-lbs. and my nickname is “beefcake” for a reason!  I'm described as outgoing, loving, and playful. 

I'm a very smart dog -- at the shelter I am practicing how to "sit", "stay", "come", "leave it" and "heel".  I have gone out on several adventures with volunteers and have been having a blast riding in the car and visiting local parks. My favorite activity is going to the lake where the ducks are and go swimming! 

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.


DAJD badge

Featured Job: Corrections Officer (Entry Level & Lateral)

Salary: $30-$41 per hour

Location: Multiple jail facilities in King County, WA 

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

Department: DAJD-Adult & Juvenile Detention 

Job Number: 2021CT12817

Closes: Open until filled

As a Corrections Officer, you have an opportunity to join an organization that supports safe, vibrant and healthy community partnerships with criminal justice and human service agencies. Full-time positions start at $30-41 p/hr and include health benefits, retirement and more.

Learn more about this position or view all available positions.


King County Headlines

Moving forward with pro-equity contracting by Executive Services Express

Participatory Budgeting is here! King County selects Community Investment Committee members to guide $10 million investments in urban unincorporated areas

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.