Open Enrollment is Nov. 1-15
Prepare for Open Enrollment and find out about new benefit options for 2023. Most employees have three new important benefit options to consider for next year. See the updated information and resources to help you make decisions for you and your family during Open Enrollment, Nov. 1–15.
Read more.
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PeopleSoft password and MFA security reminder
Open Enrollment starts Nov. 1: Please remember that PeopleSoft now uses Single Sign On (SSO) and is the same login as your King County username/password. Reset your password here.
To access PeopleSoft, employees must also verify their identity using a separate device such as a cell phone. See KCIT’s new Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) page for more information. If your department allows digital MFA fobs, please have it with you when logging into PeopleSoft. To order a new fob, submit a Helpdesk Ticket (please allow 5 to10 days processing time).
For assistance with your password or MFA verification, call the IT Helpdesk at 206-263-HELP (4357).
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Safety video: See something, say something
Our first priority is your safety and security at work, and we are continuing to partner with law enforcement, community, and other governments to ensure a safer, more welcoming environment in and around our facilities.
A number of actions and programs have already been implemented, including regular patrols by Sheriff’s deputies and Facilities Management Division (FMD) security officers, increasing the number of security personnel onsite, and daily trash and general clean-up on weekdays.
The county is also producing a series of safety videos with tips for staying safe and other related information. Check out a new short video about how to report emergencies and non-urgent security concerns. Watch for additional videos with safety tips this year.
For more information on employee safety programs and resources, check out the Future of Work Personal Safety at Work intranet page (employee access only).
Keeping courtrooms free of discrimination based on dender identity and expression
Cross-posted from King County Superior Court
Judges across Washington are expressly prohibited from discriminating against someone because of their gender identity and gender expression, thanks to a rule change that went into effect Sept. 1.
King County Superior Court Commissioner Jonathon Lack proposed the amendment to the Code of Judicial Conduct, which governs the behavior of judges in Washington. Read more.
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Team effort in search and dive operation for missing person
From the King County Sheriff's Office newsletter
The Marine Rescue Dive Unit conducted extensive search and dive operations in support of Major Crimes and King County Search and Rescue looking for a missing female.
A vehicle belonging to the missing person was located in the Five Mile Lake parking area, which prompted the search. While the rescue efforts did not locate her at that time, fortunately, the woman was found safe in a nearby woods. Read more.
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Sign up for ballot alerts
King County Elections recently launched ballot alerts, text and email notifications that alert you when your ballot hits a new milestone in the process.
From mailed to counted, ballot alerts are the easiest way to know if your vote was counted. You will also get an alert if there is any issue with your signature so you can get it fixed and make your voice heard.
Sign up for ballot alerts here, and for more information visit www.kingcounty.gov/elections.
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Get your updated booster at King County Roads Maintenance Headquarters in Renton on Oct. 28
King County Roads Services Division, Department of Local Services, is partnering with Discovery Health to host a COVID-19 booster clinic for all employees and their family members ages 12 and older. Appointments to receive the vaccine are strongly recommended. The updated Pfizer booster will be available for those 12 and older and the updated Moderna booster will be available for those 18 and older. View a flyer for the clinic here.
Capacity at the clinic is limited, so registration for an appointment is strongly encouraged. Please register below:
The booster clinic will be held at King County Roads, Building C, 155 Monroe Ave. NE, Renton WA. Parking is available on site, and masks are required in the vaccination area. Those attending are reminded to please bring their CDC vaccination card with them. Read more.
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Giving Program Nonprofit Expo Series: Food and Hunger
The 2022 Employee Giving Program is underway and the virtual Nonprofit Expo Series is every Wednesday through Nov.16.
The next session will be for organizations focused on food and hunger with representatives from Trail Youth, Alajawan Brown Foundation, Homage Senior Services, and White Center Food Bank. Read more.
Join the Employee Giving Program via Teams to learn about nonprofits engaged in the work you care about.
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During the Annual Giving Drive, selecting a charitable organization can sometimes seems like a daunting task because there are so many important causes that need support.
To help you choose, the King County Disability Equity Network (KCDEN) put together a list of some of the many charitable organizations that support those with disabilities. The Annual Giving Drive runs through Friday, Nov. 18. Read more.
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Professional Development Scholarship Information
Career Support Services is hosting general information sessions for the Coalition Labor Agreement’s Professional Development Scholarship throughout November to help you prepare for the first application period in January.
The event will cover eligibility criteria, 2023 timelines, an Individual Development Plan, and more. There will also be time for questions. The next session will be:
If you can not attend in person, then watch the video here. The video can also be found on the Scholarship Program website.
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How to navigate your finances while caregiving
My Secure Advantage (MSA) provides employees with tools and coaching to support you in reaching your financial goals. The next webinar hosted by MSA is about navigating finances while caregiving.
How to Navigate Your Finances While Caregiving
Caregiving can be a labor of love. At the same time, it can be overwhelming and challenging. This presentation covers different care scenarios and their associated budgeting, healthcare, and estate planning implications. We will discuss the importance of optimally sourcing funds to cover current caregiving expenses, while still allowing the caregiver to fund their own long-term goals.
Register even if you cannot attend to receive a recording of the webinar. To get started with a Money Coach, Connect with MSA at kingcounty.mysecureadvantage.com or call 888-874-7290.
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Accessibility for All – Web Content Guidelines
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, and KCIT is taking a behind-the-scenes look at how our technology experts are improving accessibility for King County employees and residents.
Roughly one in four Americans live with a disability; not just visual, but auditory, mobility, and cognitive issues. That means at least 500,000 people in King County alone need accessible technology to interact with King County information and services. KCIT's Software Quality Assurance team requires every public-facing application and website follow the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines. Developed by the World Wide Web Consortium, these guidelines ensure all King County websites and apps are usable by folks with a wide range of disabilities, in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Read more.
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Disability Awareness Month: Mental Health Resources
October is Disability Awareness Month. Disability includes a broad spectrum of conditions that effect physical and mental health. If you are someone who lives with a mental health diagnosis and would like additional support, there are benefits and resources available to you.
On the Balanced You blog, we are highlighting mental health accommodations, mental health support through your medical plan, and an opportunity for social connection. Read more.
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Help recognize veterans who continue their call to service
Those who join the military do so because they feel called to serve and that call to serve continues after they leave the military. For this upcoming Veterans Day, we want to recognize King County employees who are veterans, or who are in the Guard or Reserve, and their volunteer work to support and serve our community or here within King County.
Please send your stories of recognition to the Veterans & Military Affinity Group (V-MAG) leadership team at vet.milag@kingcounty.gov by Thursday, Nov. 3. If you can, please include a photo of the person or group, in what way they have volunteered and their military branch of service. Our goal is to recognize and honor them during our monthly V-MAG meeting on Nov. 16 at noon, which will be open to all county employees.
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Help create the AP Cookbook! Send your recipes
Are you an Administrative Professional who loves to cook or bake and has a go-to or signature recipe? Or perhaps that’s not your thing, but you enjoy the cooking and baking of others, and you have a recipe you’re eager to share? King County’s Administrative Professional Partners is working on a digital cookbook featuring recipes submitted from Administrative Professionals, and would love for you and your recipe to be included.
Please use this form to submit your recipe by Nov. 18, and contact Amiee McCrea with questions at 206-263-0205 or amccrea@kingcounty.gov.
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Security Tips - Watch Out For Smishing!
What it is: Many companies, products, and services have started offering text message alerts to keep you up to date. Scammers are aware of these alerts and they’re taking advantage of unsuspecting individuals. They send a text with dangerous links, or prompt you to respond with personal information by posing as your bank, an online account, or other service–to name a few examples. This Short Message Service (SMS) or text-based phishing scam is called Smishing, and the bad guys have taken a liking to it.
How it works: The following are only a couple of examples. The bad guys are constantly coming up with new ways to “smish” you:
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Use this link: Scammers pose as a familiar company or service and send shocking alerts such as–“Your account has been locked due to multiple failed logins.”–accompanied by a link to supposedly resolve the issue. Smishing links can contain malware that instantly installs if you made the mistaking of clicking. This malware can contain keystroke-logging software or permit access to your applications and files–making it easy to steal your identity or hold your files for ransom.
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Call this phone number: Smishing attacks often try to persuade you into calling a number by telling you there’s been an issue with your account or that suspicious activity has been detected. A scammer will be ready to take your call and persuade you into providing personal information or making a payment.
Think before you tap!
- Remember that government agencies, banks, or any other legitimate business will never request sensitive information over a text message.
- Take your time. Much like email phishing, texting scammers will often use the social engineering tactic of creating a false sense of urgency in their message.
- Never click on any links or call any phone numbers in unexpected texts. Contact the company directly if you’d like to verify the text message.
Training Spotlight:
Leader Mindset – Online – Webinar 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. The next session is:
Staying Steady Webinar – Online – Leaders are often balancing multiple priorities and demands. 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 and to work more effectively. The next session is:
Please visit our King County Eventbrite website, our Learning and Development website, and our Career Support Services 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: Polly
Hi, I'm Polly, a 13-year-old lovely lady looking for a home. I'm a gentle and loving cat who likes to take things slow. I am an independent kitty who likes to do my own thing.
You can find out more about me and my other friends on our website at www.kingcounty.gov/adoptapet. Note that RASKC has moved back to walk-in services. Find out more information about our adoption process on our website. If you have more questions, contact RASKC via phone at 206-296-7387 (PETS) or email pets@kingcounty.gov.
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Employee Engagement Manager
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King County Headlines
Jails and youth detention end some COVID-19 disruptions, continuing commitment to improving conditions
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