Employee News - July 29

A service of the King County Department of Human Resources

King County Employee News

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Highlights

Woman Mask

Employees must wear masks when working indoors with public or while in public spaces

All Executive Branch employees are required to wear masks when working in indoor spaces that are open to the public and in public spaces. Also, it is strongly recommended that employees who work in non-public indoor settings wear a mask, regardless of vaccination status, in line with the updated health officer directive for King County and new guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

As such, King County has updated its mask directives for Executive Branch employees. Click here to learn more. 


Space Needle Skyline

Staying safe at work

An employee was assaulted at work earlier today, Thursday, July 29, on the second floor of the King County Courthouse. We are grateful for the actions of the King County Sheriff’s Office Marshalls who stopped the assault and apprehended the perpetrator.

This incident is a sad reminder that all employees should be aware of their surroundings and potential threats in and around their workspace. If you see anything or anyone that looks unusual or out of place, please call Facilities Management Division (FMD) Security at 206-296-5000. If it's an emergency, call 9-1-1 first, then call FMD Security when you are able.

Click here to read the full announcement. 


masked office worker

Future of Work: Return to in-person work

Building on what we learned during the COVID-19 pandemic, King County has developed an employee accessible intranet site, The Future of Work, focused on tools, resources, and information. The site helps provide answers to common questions and will be regularly updated with more news and resources.

One section, titled Return To In-Person Work, explains in more detail teleworking updates, vaccine and mask guidelines, and answers several frequently asked questions.

Click here to read more. 


Announcements

Ballot close-up

Return your primary ballot by this Tuesday, August 3

It’s time to cast your ballot and make your voice heard! Primary Election Day is this coming Tuesday, August 3. 

In this Primary, we’re weighing in and narrowing the field for 56 races, 217 candidates, and making decisions on seven ballot measures across the county. While Presidential elections are exciting, we know that local elections and local government have a profound impact on our day-to-day lives.

As always, please do not send your ballot via interoffice mail – USPS or drop box only! No stamp needed for either option. You just need a postmark by August 3 or your ballot in a drop box by 8 p.m. sharp on Election Day!


child vaccine

Sound Transit COVID-19 vaccination community event

If you have not received a COVID-19 vaccine, or you have a family member or friend who hasn’t, you are invited to get vaccinated at a community vaccination event at Union Station Concourse. The vaccination is free and walk-ins are welcome.

  • Friday, July 30 from 10:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.
  • Union Station, 401 S. Jackson St. in Seattle

Click here for more information, including QR codes to schedule an appointment. 


coffee & Laptop

Coffee Connections are Back!

Last year, as part of the Hope & Joy Campaign, Balanced You started virtual Zoom sessions called Coffee Connections as a way to connect with colleagues and friends. Next Wednesday, August 4, Coffee Connections will resume at a new time, 12:30 p.m. - 1 p.m. To kick things off, we will start with our most popular session, Share Your Pet. 

Bring your furry friend along to the chat and tell us what’s most interesting about them. Maybe you just got a new pet and want to show them off? Whether you have joined us in the past or are brand new, grab your coffee, tea or snack and come chat with us!


meditation mindfulness

Upcoming Mindfulness Classes

Balanced You partners with Mindfulness Northwest to offer free classes to King County employees. Mindfulness is a practice that can support you in reducing stress, and bringing awareness and compassion to the present moment. All classes are free for King County employees and held on Zoom.

Introduction to Mindfulness: Try these simple practices to use at work and home in this hands-on workshop.

Mindful Parenting: We'll bring the lens of mindfulness to bear on what some say is the "world's hardest job", helping you meet the joys and challenges of parenting.

See full Mindfulness class schedule here.


King County sets $96 million in purchase agreements for Health Through Housing properties

King County Executive Dow Constantine announced the county’s plans to purchase its sixth, seventh, and eighth Health Through Housing properties for a total of $96 million at a press conference in Seattle. Together the properties now under purchase and sale agreements will soon provide housing for up to 313 people experiencing homelessness.

Read the full announcement here


Map

Mapping your Equity and Social Justice data

Location is a key predictor of individuals’ wellbeing, and viewing Equity and Social Justice (ESJ) data through a geographic lens can help you better evaluate your programs. But understanding what mapping tools are available may be a daunting task.

To get started, join KCIT’s Geographic Information Sciences (GIS) team for an exciting tour of King County’s modern, user-friendly mapping tools for ESJ advocates.

GIS for Equity and Social Justice is a 4-hour online workshop that provides a high-level overview of GIS mapping, and how it can provide scientific insights and clearly communicate ESJ issues. No previous GIS experience is necessary, and you’ll leave with several recommendations for free and low-cost mapping tools that any King County employee can use.

  • Wednesday, Aug. 4 from 8 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
  • Register here - fee $100

Disability graphic

Understanding Ableism: Part VII - Celebrate the ADA and Disability Pride!

Part VII of the Understanding Ableism Series will discuss the impact of the Americans with Disabilities Act on disability rights. It will also feature an update from King County on their response to the disability community on disability access, equity, and inclusion, including a King County proclamation for Disability Pride Day.

Register below for the webcast or watch on King County TV:

  • Thursday, July 29 from 4:30-6 p.m.
  • Register here
  • King County TV: Comcast channel 22 and 322; Wave channel 22

Coin Jar

Register now for August retirement classes

Check out the educational opportunities below to help you learn about—and prepare for—retirement. These online classes will be held on Zoom and are provided by your King County Retirement Team.

Medicare 101: Join this 90-minute class if you are reaching Medicare age and want to learn more about Medicare and your options as a King County employee. Guest speaker Jean Cormier will discuss Medicare basics. In addition, Jenny Stark from Regence BlueShield and Hannah Bachelder from Kaiser Permanente will discuss their Medicare Advantage plan options.

Road to Retirement: This 90-minute class is designed for employees who are planning to retire from King County in the next six months. It covers procedures, forms, medical coverage options, and pension plans—so you’ll be on a smooth road toward a happy retirement.

Registration for all courses is required. Use the registration links above, then select the date you’d like to attend. Before classes start, you’ll receive a Zoom meeting invitation at the email address you register with.

Please note, attendance at retirement classes is strictly voluntary, on your own time, and non-work related.

For additional information, visit the King County Retirement page, refer to the Retirement Guide, or contact Carmen Johnson, retirement navigator.


Training Spotlight

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:

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 Willow

Pet of the Week: Willow

Hi, my name is Willow! I'm a 12-year-old female Siamese Lynx. I have been described as shy, curious and playful. I'm affectionate and would be thrilled to cuddle up with you at home! I don't seem to get along well with other cats, so I may do best as the only cat in my new 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.


Featured Job

Utility Coordination / Resident Engineer

Salary: $91,062.40 - $115,419.20 Annually

Location: Seattle, WA

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

Department: DLS - Dept. of Local Services

Job Number: 2021JH13155

Division: Road Services

Closes: Aug 2

Make a difference in your community by providing construction support as a resident engineer on complex infrastructure projects and support a team of constructions inspectors! Be the voice between utility companies and guide road projects to the finish line!

Learn more about this position or view all available positions


King County Headlines

Recent surge in COVID-19 cases increases need for testing: Know when to get tested and where to go

Partnership helps deliver community kiosks to Skyway

New King County data: Inequitable health impacts of COVID-19 reflect the intersections of social and economic factors.

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.