Do you qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program?
As a King County employee, you might be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. The U.S. Department of Education is allowing a one-time exception to give borrowers credit for payments that may not have qualified in the past for forgiveness.
Please forward your application form to your department payroll representatives for verification. The deadline for submission is Monday, Oct. 31, 2022.
Go to Public Service Loan Forgiveness | Federal Student Aid for more information.
Simon P. Foster announced as new Director of Housing, Homelessness and Community Development
The King County Department of Community and Human Services recenlty announced Simon P. Foster as the new Division Director for Housing, Homelessness, and Community Development.
Foster brings more than a decade of experience leading strategic initiatives, operationalizing programs and policies, and connecting with communities. Foster led teams among a diverse range of industries, including behavioral health, transportation, homelessness, and federal and state funding programs. He most recently led operations for the Salvation Army Northwest Division. Read more.
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DNRP employees receive praise for considerate customer service
Two employees from the Department of Natural Resources and Parks (DNRP), Parks Division, were recently highlighted on LinkedIn for the positive and friendly way in which they interacted with a King County resident.
While replacing old benches with wood repurposed from parks around the county, carpenters Rob Lohr and Wojciech Maciejewski were approached by a resident who enjoyed their professionalism and courtesy.
Here is the original recognition posted on LinkedIn, and here is a brief video of the excellent carpentry work they do.
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King County District Court to celebrate Latinx Heritage Month with September events
Join these events to be inspired and learn more about the vibrant Latinx cultures and people in the United States. All King County employees are invited.
History of Latinx Heritage Month - Get an overview of the history and importance of Latinx Heritage Month by King County District Court judges and staff who serve on the Court’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee.
¡Ya Es Tiempo! | The Time is Now! - Join a panel discussion on this short film about the experience of the local Latinx community as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Featured panelists for this event include:
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EAP Counselors destigmatize mental health and suicide
In honor of National Suicide Prevention Awareness month, Balanced You talks with Employee Assistance Program (EAP) counselors about how to support loved ones, and the importance of destigmatizing the conversation around suicide and mental health.
To learn more about supporting others and yourself in times of crisis, watch these short videos with EAP counselors Tierra Lovelace and Evie Lewis-McNeil.
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Balanced You presents: A Conversation on Suicide Prevention Awareness
This event is intended to provide an opportunity for King County employees to normalize the discussion around mental health, learn how to identify early warning signs of suicidal ideation, and learn more about resources available to support the mental health of employees and their loved ones.
The panel will be coordinated by the employee well-being team, Balanced You, and feature a panel of King County mental health experts.
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Upcoming mindfulness events
Mindful Leadership: Learn how mindfulness can help you become a more effective and compassionate leader.
Mindful Relationships: How do we cultivate the feelings of safety, security, and well-being we need to feel connected? Mindfulness can help. In this workshop we'll explore getting to the root of harmful relationship patterns such as blame, defensiveness, avoiding conflict, and shutting down. We will discover how mindfulness can help us let go of unhelpful narratives about ourselves and others, bring awareness of our feelings and needs, and enrich our relationships.
To see the complete mindfulness summer calendar, click here.
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Get a flu shot this fall
The county makes it free for employees and anyone covered by your benefits to get a flu shot at one of our onsite clinics, or at your doctor’s office or local pharmacy. The Balanced You team is again organizing free onsite flu shot clinics for those workers onsite. Appointments ahead of time are highly encouraged. Read about free onsite flu shot clinics and schedule your appointment here.
Next week’s flu shot clinics:
- Cedar Hills Regional Landfill: Monday, Sept. 19 from 1 to 3 p.m.
- Brightwater Treatment Plant: Tuesday, Sept. 20 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
- South Transit Base: Friday, Sept. 23 from 6:30 to 10 a.m. and from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Benefits-covered employees who are telecommuting and their insurance-covered family members may find it more convenient to go to their healthcare provider’s office or a local pharmacy for their free flu shot. Learn more about how to get a flu shot through your provider or local pharmacy.
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Husky tickets flash sale for this Saturday, Sept. 17
Michigan State is rolling into Husky Stadium this Saturday, Sept. 17 at 4:30 p.m. and King County employees are eligible for discounted tickets.
Click here to save $20 on tickets on the Upper Sideline, and get as close as possible to the action with East Endzone tickets going for just $75.
The University of Washington is grateful for all you do and is happy to offer exclusive discounts to those working in our local government. Check out other deals as the Huskies still have Stanford, Arizona, and Colorado on the schedule this season.
See all available King County employee discounts on the Employee Discount webpage.
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Pet of the Week: Mystique
Hi, I'm Mystique, a four-year-old female German Shepherd who gets along with people, but can also be independent. I would probably do best as the only dog in the house.
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! You can find out more information on our adoption process on our website as well. 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: Drainage Engineer III (Project Manager)
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King County Headlines
King County and State acquire behavioral health treatment center in North Seattle, preserving sixty-four treatment beds
King County Executive Constantine speaks to early success of evidence-based juvenile diversion programming and impacts to public safety
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