Employee News - Aug. 5

A service of the King County Department of Human Resources

King County Employee News

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Highlights

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Creating safer workplaces for employees

King County is committed to continuously improving safety at workplaces, in downtown Seattle, and throughout our county for all employees, residents, and businesses, and on Metro vehicles.

We’re also engaging with employees for their perspectives and recommendations for how to improve safety at work. The County is taking immediate action on some of these suggestions to make workplaces safer, including:

  • Increased security: Boosting security in the courthouse and other King County buildings
  • Employee-only restrooms: Some restrooms are being designated for employees only and can only be accessed with a keycard or code
  • Security escort program: Upon request, the County provides security in downtown Seattle for individuals moving between their workplace and their commute. Information is available on our “Staying Safe at Work” webpage.
  • Security analysis: The County is working with a security consultant to undertake a security audit of the downtown campus and to recommend further improvements.

Click here for more details. 


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Metro provides many options for safely commuting to and from work

King County Metro provides many public transportation options that can connect people directly with worksites within the Civic Campus. For those returning to transit, information about our safety measures and how to ride can be found on our “A healthier Metro is here” webpage. In addition, King County’s Employee Transportation Program (ETP)  provides resources and benefits to support King County employees with using transit, Vanpools, walkpools, and other non-drive alone options for getting to and from work.

Choosing Transit

During the peak commute, Link light rail operates through the downtown transit tunnel every 6 minutes. To transport people between the Civic Campus and the International District Station or Amtrak/Sounder Station, buses operate on 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th Avenues with service coming every 3 to 5 minutes.

For more information on commuting, click here


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Safety and security onboard Metro services

While fare enforcement on Metro services has been suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic, security officers continue to ride services that have the highest rates of non-compliance with Metro’s code of conduct seven days a week from 5 a.m. to 1 a.m.

Security officers’ presence and interaction with customers aims to encourage and support compliance with the code of conduct and serves as a deterrent. Their practice is to get on and off buses frequently, so they spread themselves out across coaches and routes to maximize their visibility. Officers prioritize service areas with higher instances of customer safety-related complaints.

For emergencies, customers should call 911. Riders can also contact Metro Transit Police 24/7 at 206-296-3311. Additional information is available on Metro’s “Safety and Security” webpage..


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Recent surge in COVID-19 cases increases need for testing

Cross-posted by Public Health Insider

With more than 80% of all eligible residents in King County having received at least one vaccine dose, we have come a long way in slowing the spread of COVID-19. But with the rapid spread of the Delta variant and cases rising steadily in the last month, we are not in the clear and COVID-19 will be with us for the foreseeable future. 

To find out why early testing is essential and where you can get tested, click here


Announcements

Best Starts for Kids Prop 1

Executive Constantine statement on Best Starts for Kids levy renewal

King County Executive Dow Constantine released a statement on the Best Starts for Kids levy renewal election results after King County Elections posted that it was passing with 58% percent of the vote in early returns.

Read the full announcement here


Via Shuttle car

Increased mobility options arrive with expanded Via to Transit

A future of better connections to frequent transit service and improved mobility for people who live and work in Rainier Beach, Skyway, Tukwila, and Renton arrives Tuesday, August 10 with the expansion of Via to Transit.

Via to Transit is an on-demand pilot service connecting riders to and from select hubs in their community. People who live, work, or go to school within the specified service areas can download the Via app or call 206-258-7739 and request a ride from Via to Transit to connect to buses and trains or get to select community hubs like grocery stores, parks, libraries, healthcare, and more.

Read more about this program here


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Questions about the WA Cares Fund long-term care program?

Beginning next year, a mandatory payroll deduction will be imposed on all Washington employee wages to fund a statewide long-term care insurance benefit called the WA Cares Fund.

The state is offering live webinar sessions in August and September to help you learn more about the WA Cares Fund and get your questions answered. Registration is not required.

Click here to read a summary about the plan and information about the webinars. 


Revive and Thrive

Helping our community Revive & Thrive Together

As King County recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic, we’re working together across departments to ensure our community can revive and thrive together in the future.

On May 25, the King County Council passed Executive Dow Constantine’s seventh COVID-19 supplemental budget, funded in part by the American Rescue Plan. 

As part of the rollout, the Executive’s Office worked with KCIT’s Design & Civic Engagement team to create the “Revive & Thrive Together” campaign and visual brand to ensure residents see a unified effort across county departments.

Read more here about the campaign and how you can incorporate it into your work.


Employee Discounts to Washington State Fair and UW football games

WA State Fair

Washington State Fair: Employees can save on tickets to the Washington State Fair, Sept. 3-26. 

Click here for instructions on how to purchase your discount tickets. Once you log in to the Corporate Perks portal, your discount pricing will be unlocked. There is no need to enter an additional discount code.

UW logo

UW football: The University of Washington is offering discounted tickets to three Local Government Appreciation Games. 

  • UW vs. Arkansas State, Saturday, Sept. 18 at 1:15 p.m.
  • UW vs. California, Saturday, Sept. 25, time TBD
  • UW vs. UCLA, Saturday, Oct. 16, time TBD.

To access the UW football game discount, visit this link here

Click here for more information about these discounts.. See all available employee discounts at www.kingcounty.gov/employeediscounts


Covid test site 2

Transition Debriefing Groups offered to support COVID-19 responders

Many King County employees who are COVID-19 responders have experienced or are currently experiencing transitions out of their response role.

To support King County employees in transition, Balanced You is partnering with the Employee Assistance Program to provide Transition Debriefing Groups for employees who are currently or previously involved in the COVID-19 response.

In these groups, you will connect with others to share experiences, strategies, and resources for moving through response transitions in a way that honors your emotional well-being. 


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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.

Meeting Anxiety with Mindfulness. With a warm, supportive teacher, we'll try some simple practices that help reduce stress, depression, and anxiety.

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

See the full Mindfulness class schedule here.


Reminder: Proof of vaccination required to use Activity Centers

 

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Verified proof of full COVID-19 vaccination is now required to use any of King County’s Activity Centers, and vaccinated staff must wear masks while in Activity Centers.

Only those employees who have verified their proof of full vaccination through our existing process are permitted to enter Activity Centers.

Click here to see more about the options for providing verification of vaccination and additional information about the Activity Centers.

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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
  • Leading the WayStaying 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 build a sense of stability and resiliency, to work more effectively. Sessions are free and are offered monthly. The next session will be:
    • Thursday Aug. 19 from 12:30-4 p.m.
    • Register here and 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


POTW Duke

Pet of the Week: Duke

Hi, my name is Duke!  I'm a 13-month old male Rodesian Ridgeback and German Shepherd mix, about 85 pounds.  I've been described as energetic and well trained. At the shelter, I am practicing how to "sit", "stay", "come", "down", and "heel". I am an affectionate pet and would be thrilled to play with you at 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.


Project Manager graphic

PPM II - Provider Relations

Salary: $37.97 - $48.13 Hourly

Location: Seattle, WA

Job Type: Special Duty Assignment or Term Limited Temp (TLT)

Department: DCHS - Community & Human Services

Job Number: 2021AC13883

Division: Behavioral Health and Recovery

Closes: Aug. 8

Behind the Behavioral Health & Recovery division exists a complex structure of projects and contracts. We’re looking for the ultimate organizer and compliance professional to ensure treatment providers succeed through adherence to state and federal regulations.

Learn more about this position or view all available positions


King County Headlines

Ask Miss Rona: Delta Variant

Rider alert: Get ready for month-long Montlake Bridge closure

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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.