Recognizing all the employees who get you from a place to a place as we celebrate Transit Appreciation Week!
Cross-posted from Metro Matters.
March 17-23 is Transit Appreciation Week, which recognizes and celebrates everyone who contributes to the operation of one of the best transit systems in America: Metro!
Our operators—bus drivers, light rail and streetcar operators, Metro Flex drivers and Water Taxi captains and crew—are the most visible faces you see every day, but our regional mobility system has more than 5,200 people working to get you where you need to go comfortably and safely, 24/7. Whether you ride daily or use one of our mobility options for a trip to the store, a medical appointment, or a night on the town, all of Metro’s employees work together to get you where you need to go. Read more.
|
Recruitment and Outreach campaigns show success
In 2021, King County began to identify a trend showing the overall number of qualified job applicants significantly decreasing while the number of open vacancies were increasing.
At the same time, HR professionals were transitioning to new roles or departing the County as part of an industry-wide trend largely tied to burnout. This resulted in prolonged vacancies in key recruiter positions, which in turn slowed the recruiting and hiring process.
In an effort to mitigate this issue, the Department of Human Resources developed a pilot program that featured an increased presence at community events and a new media campaign to enhance the King County brand to new audiences. Read more.
|
King County Council hosts Women's History Month discussion March 21
The King County Council will host its annual educational panel discussion for Women’s History Month. This year's theme is Empowering Women who Power the Economy, an event that will dive into the role of women in our economy.
The panelists sharing their experiences this year are:
-
Shaunie Wheeler James (she/her), Deputy Executive Secretary-Treasurer, MLK Labor Council
-
Lalita Uppala (she/her), Executive Director & Community Program Director, Indian American Community Services
-
Ilona Lohrey (she/her), President & CEO, Greater Seattle Business Association
-
Sharmila Swenson (she/her), Vice President, Public Affairs & Social Impact, Symetra
The presentation is open to all employees and the public. The first 15 minutes are set aside for a meet and greet, including light snacks.
- Thursday, March 21 from 11:15 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.
- King County Chinook Building, Rooms 121/123 (401 5th Avenue, Seattle)
- King County TV live stream begins at 11:30 a.m.
This event is co-sponsored by Councilmembers Claudia Balducci, Teresa Mosqueda, Sarah Perry, and the Legislative Branch Equity and Social Justice Team.
For County-sponsored events, employees who are scheduled to work and wish to attend must get the approval of their supervisor. Supervisors are encouraged to permit employees to participate, if possible. For more information, please refer to your supervisor or Human Resources Manager.
Shaped by the sacrifice and heroism of her family that saved her from genocide in Cambodia, Maythia Airhart leads a King County environmental program that advances a healthier future for all
Cross-posted from Keeping King County Green
Hazardous Waste Management Program Director Maythia Airhart’s life story is anything but ordinary – and that’s contributed to her success in seeing a large organization with complicated governance and funding structures through a major reorganization, all during a pandemic.
A displaced refugee of the civil war that ripped apart her Cambodian homeland in the 1960s and 1970s. A young immigrant settling in a foreign land with family members who also survived Pol Pot’s Khmer Rouge regime. A professional who has dedicated herself to promoting healthy, dynamic communities, Maythia has succeeded through commitments to communication and compassion. Read more.
|
Showing leadership, a story of song and showbiz
She is an award-winning, karaoke-singing Seattle native with a Planet Fitness Black card. Meet Shireen Hayre (pronounced: “Sha-reen Hair), she/her, from the Facilities Management Division (FMD).
Shireen was born at the former Group Health Hospital on Broadway in Seattle. She attended Parkwood Elementary School in Shoreline. She moved on to Meany Middle School and Franklin High School in Seattle, and then attended Mount Rainier High School in Des Moines. She is authentically a child of King County. Read more.
More about the American Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Pasifika Affinity Group
The next American Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Pasifika (AANHP) virtual gathering will take place on Wednesday, March 27 from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. via Teams.
If you are interested in attending this online event or getting connected to the AANHP community at King County, reach out to the co-Chairs, Helen Potter (hpotter@kingcounty.gov) and Guru Dorje (guru.dorje@kingcounty.gov).
Learn more about King County Affinity groups at www.kingcounty.gov/AffinityGroups.
|
Get to know the Walking Bus program
King County’s employee “Walking Bus” pilot program now offers five afternoon departures times. In this pilot phase, employees can join their colleagues and a Facilities Management Division (FMD) Security Escort each weekday evening walking from the Third Avenue entrance of the King County Courthouse to the King Street Station and Colman Dock via a stop at the Pioneer Square light rail station entrance at Jefferson Street and Yesler Way.
The meeting location for both routes is the Information Desk in the First Floor lobby of the courthouse. Get more information on routes and departure times. Check out this video for more details.
|
Seattle Mariners discount tickets
Baseball is back and the Seattle Mariners have announced discounted tickets for King County employees for select games this season. With this offer, score specially priced tickets and enjoy a great weekend outing at the ballpark.
- Saturday, March 30 at 6:40 p.m. vs. Boston Red Sox
- Sunday, July 21 at 1:10 p.m. vs. Houston Astros
- Saturday, Sept. 14 at 6:40 p.m. vs. Texas Rangers
Please note, these discounts are available only online. Click here for more information and to purchase tickets.
See all available discounts on the Employee Discount webpage.
|
Tech Tip: Now you can set a recurring desk reservation
Training Spotlight:
Unlocking the Power of Your Credit: Credit plays a vital role in achieving financial health, yet many people struggle to understand and effectively manage their credit. In this informative and engaging session, we'll dive into the fundamentals of credit, including how it works, how to establish and maintain good credit, and common mistakes to avoid.
Supervisors: Here is a printer-friendly PDF with upcoming MSA webinars to post at your worksites for employees who do not have access to email.
Featured Job: Victim Advocate - Juvenile Division
Salary: $35.52 - $45.02 Hourly
Location: Seattle, WA
Job Type: Regular, Full time, 40 hrs/week
Job Number: 2024-21387
Department: PAO - Prosecuting Attorneys
Closes: March 26 at 5 p.m. Pacific time
The King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office is seeking a Juvenile Victim Advocate. The position will provide comprehensive victim advocacy to the surviving family members of homicides and vehicular homicides, and victims of felony assault and felony property crimes.
Learn more about this position and view all available positions.
|
King County Headlines
Public Health Insider: A public health approach to gun violence: King County Regional Office of Gun Violence Prevention
Best Starts for Kids: Announcing the 21 Youth Healing Project Awardees
Cultivating Connections: Celebrating the opening of the first School Based Health Center in the Auburn School District
|
