Updated guidance on masks and Future of Work planning
A message from Dow Constantine, King County Executive
On Tuesday, June 29, Gov. Inslee announced that most coronavirus restrictions in Washington would end today. This is great news and signals that, for those who have been fully vaccinated, we can begin to get back to the things we love doing without restrictions.
As we move into the recovery and rebuilding phase of the pandemic, we need to remember that the pandemic is not over, and COVID-19 is still present in our communities. Those who have yet to get vaccinated remain at risk, and we need to be mindful of virus variants.
To read the full mask guidance for King County employees, click here (SharePoint link),
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New process for voluntarily providing vaccination information
On June 30, Executive Constantine announced the next phase in our COVID-19 pandemic, which includes updated requirements for wearing masks and a new process for employees to voluntarily provide vaccination information.
If an employee chooses to do so, there are options to provide proof that they are fully vaccinated. Click here for details.
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Protecting Unvaccinated Children as COVID-19 Restrictions Are Lifted
Cross-posted from Public Health Insider
For families and caregivers with children under the age of 12 who are not yet eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine, the re-opening of Washington state and King County may cause concern and raise a lot of questions on how best to protect our kids who are still at risk.
For tips on how to protect unvaccinated children, click here.
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Wastewater Treatment Division wants input on accessibility options at a popular trailhead
Wastewater Treatment Division's Community Services (CS) team recognized that the Coal Creek Red Cedar trailhead area affected by planned work would need to be brought up to current accessibility standards.
The team came up with ideas for improving accessibility of signage, seating, surface, and content to help people of all abilities plan and enjoy a trip to this area. And they would like public feedback on their ideas.
Read the full story here.
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Jail Health Services new deputy director brings deep background
Cross-posted from Roll Call, the DAJD newsletter
Angela (Angie) Hosking recently joined Jail Health Services (JHS) as Deputy Division Director, offering a wealth of behavioral health experience in her new role.
“I am so excited that she has joined our team, and she has already started immersing herself into our practice and operations,” JHS Director Danotra McBride said in an introductory email.
Read more about Angie's experience here.
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Independence Day holiday observed on Monday, July 5
Sunday, July 4 is Independence Day, which means that King County will observe the holiday on Monday, July 5 and government offices will be closed. All offices will be back on schedule Tuesday, July 6.
On both July 4 and July 5, most Metro Transit buses will operate on Sunday schedules.
If you have questions about your holiday schedule, please speak to your supervisor. Have a safe and healthy holiday.
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Extended Schedule: Drop-in groups for stress and coping for frontline BIPOC employees
By popular demand, Balanced You and the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) have extended the recurring drop-in sessions for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) employees on the frontline. BIPOC employees who are front-line and/or involved in the COVID-19 response are invited to join voluntary hour-long group drop-in sessions to process stress, connect with others, and share coping strategies.
The groups are hosted on Zoom, facilitated by a Mental Health Counselor from the King County EAP team, and will be held from 12-1 p.m. every Wednesday beginning July 7 and ending September 22, 2021. See Balanced You blog for BIPOC drop-in group log-in details.
Balanced You and EAP also offer team-based drop-in groups for employees who are involved in the COVID-19 response and/or are serving as frontline employees during COVID-19. If you and your colleagues are interested in a team-based group for processing and sharing coping skills, email BalancedYou@kingcounty.gov for next steps.
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What to do if you lose your COVID-19 vaccine card
When you receive your COVID-19 vaccine, you get a vaccination card to prove it. Keep it safe! You should treat it like you would your credit cards, driver's license, or passport. Your card is not just a scheduling reminder: it is an official record that you may need for travel, event access, and possibly booster doses later.
If you've misplaced or lost your card, don't worry! You can get official, verified proof of your COVID-19 vaccination online, for free. The MyIR website is an official state pathway to access proof of vaccination in Washington state. Find out how.
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Register for the next Mental Health First Aid@Work training
More than 20 million Americans experience a mental health challenge in any given year. In a world that sometimes makes it feel impossible to ask for help, it’s up to all of us as people leaders and co-workers to know when to help, what resources are available, and how to offer support.
During this course, you will learn how to recognize the signs and symptoms that suggest a potential mental health challenge, how they may emerge in the workplace, how to listen without judgement and give reassurance to a person who may be experiencing a mental health challenge, and how to connect someone to support and services. Learn more or consider additional dates here.
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Safety Tip #4: Have a plan before you see trouble
It's a good practice to make a safety plan to help you prevent trouble. Make an effort to be aware of your surroundings and the people nearby. And always keep an eye out for a safe place in case of danger. And if you ever encounter trouble, don't hesitate to call 9-1-1.
Learn more by watching our brief video, Have a Plan Before You See Trouble.
Thank you for helping to keep everyone safe!
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Training Spotlight:
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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 with the next session taking place:
- From our Leading the Way program, please join us for Staying Steady – Online – As leaders we are often balancing multiple priorities and demands. This year has been especially difficult in finding ways to stay steady ourselves and ensure the wellbeing of our teams, especially as we continue with Future of Work planning, re-entry anxiety at home/work, and racism as a public health crisis. Join us for an interactive session that focuses on prioritizing your wellbeing as a leader and supporting your team with strategies to ensure they have a sense of stability, feel respected, and can work more effectively. Sessions are free and are offered monthly. The next session will be
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Tuesday, July 13, from 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
- Register here to select the date that fits your schedule
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.
Pet of the Week: Caesar
Hi! My name is Caesar and I'm available for adoption! I'm a two-year-old male, brown tabby. I like getting pets on my cheeks, but am a little nervous about being picked up. Because of my shy nature, I would do best in a calm, quiet home.
My personality color is BLUE. I am a gentle and loving cat who likes to take things slow. I may get nervous in new situations, so I am looking for a family who understands that I might need some time to warm up. Once I get to know you, I will be a very devoted friend!
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.
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Featured Job: Engineer II
Salary: $80,870.40 - $102,523.20 Annually
Location: Snoqualmie, WA
Job Type: Multiple job types-career service and/or temp
Department: DLS - Dept. of Local Services
Job Number: 2021TR13567
Division: Permitting
Closes: July 5
Position will support the planning, analyses, and design of river and floodplain management projects and programs. Produce timely, accurate, quality reviews and approvals of building and land use development projects.
Learn more about this position or view all available positions.
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King County Headlines
Transit returning to full capacity
How we can protect the whole community as the mask directive ends
New ways to find the right ORCA fare
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