Thanking our local veterans for their service
For more than a century, our nation has dedicated Nov. 11 as the day to recognize the brave members of our country’s armed forces, past and present. They placed their own lives at risk to defend freedom here at home and around the world. Veterans Day is our opportunity to honor and thank them for their service.
King County is home to 115,000 veterans of all ages. More than 1,200 of our King County colleagues are veterans, working alongside us in every department and every branch of our government. So far this year, 93 of our colleagues have recorded military service hours with the reserves, national guard, or active duty, continuing their service to our nation. We are grateful for everything they do for our nation and our county. Read more.
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Complete Open Enrollment by Tuesday, Nov. 15
If you haven’t already, review your benefit choices and make changes for next year. Go into Open Enrollment by signing in to PeopleSoft and selecting the Open Enrollment tile.
You can go into the system as often as you need until 11:59 pm on Tuesday, Nov. 15. For hands-on help completing Open Enrollment in PeopleSoft, stop by Chinook Room 233 (Rhododendron) on Nov. 10, 14, & 15 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
If you don’t participate in Open Enrollment, your current elections automatically continue for next year—except your Flexible Spending Accounts and your Benefit Access Fee exemption if you cover a spouse on your KingCare PPO medical plan—these must be selected each year. Read more.
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King County employees and Native American Leadership Council affinity group members come together for a conversation on what Indigenous Peoples Day means to them, and how we’re not meant to celebrate on just one day or celebrate Native American Heritage Month for just one month, but all year round and for a lifetime. Your colleagues Stacey McQuade (OESJ), Katherine Festa (NALC, DCHS) and Avreayl Jacobson (NALC, DCHS) joined host Ninona Boujrada (NALC, PH-SKC) to discuss the call to action to move from the performative to transformative change in the recognition of Indigenous communities.
This is the first video of a three-part video series that will be published in Employee News throughout the month of November. These videos will feature Indigenous and Native community members, King County employees, youth and elders on the movement to increase awareness of the diverse experiences, culture, stories of struggle and resilience within the Native community. We’re still here. Watch the video below.
King County to observe Veterans Day holiday Nov. 11
Most King County offices will be closed in observance of Veterans Day on Friday, Nov. 11.
Due to the nature of our work, some services will continue as normal while others will operate on a reduced schedule. If you have any questions about your schedule for Nov. 11, please talk to your supervisor.
Veterans Day is our opportunity to thank our veterans for their service to our nation, and the contributions that they continue to bring to our communities.
On Nov. 11, most Metro Transit buses will operate on Reduced Weekday schedules. Servoces will return to normal on Monday, Nov. 14.
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Showing support for a coworker or a direct report who has chosen to serve in the U.S. National Guard or Reserves
People join the National Guard and Reserves for a variety of reasons. Participating in the Guard and Reserve enables them to continue with their civilian jobs while still serving our country and being part of something greater than themselves. Their success and ability to focus on their varied missions depend on the support they receive not just from their families but also from their employer, direct supervisor, and fellow co-workers.
King County is truly proud to have about 100 employees who choose to serve in the National Guard and Reserves. In fact, King County was bestowed the “Above and Beyond Award” in 2018 by the U.S. Department of Defense, Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, for the generous benefits we offer those who serve. However, benefits are just one piece; the support each of us chooses to provide to our fellow co-workers who serve can be very impactful and meaningful. Read more.
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Tri-demic? Time to increase protections against surging respiratory viruses
Crossposted from Public Health Insider
We’ve been hearing talk of a potential triple threat of viruses or a “tri-demic” this winter – a rise in multiple types of respiratory viruses. We sat down with Dr. Eric Chow, who leads our Communicable Disease and Epidemiology Section, to learn more about what’s happening and what we can do to stay safer.
We’ve heard concerns about a potential “tri-demic” this winter – high cases of COVID-19, flu, and RSV. Is this something Public Health is worried about?
Yes, both locally and nationally we’re seeing a rise in these respiratory viruses. This is concerning both for the health of our most vulnerable residents, such as young children, older adults, and for people with underlying conditions. It’s also concerning for our healthcare system, which for many months has been experiencing staffing shortages and limited available hospital beds for new patients. Read more.
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Financial planning tips for the holidays
Watch this video with a My Secure Advantage (MSA) Financial Coach sharing tips for financial planning as we lead up to the holidays. My Secure Advantage (MSA) is a financial wellness program that provides King County employees with tools and coaching to help you reach your financial goals.
Work to begin on Vision 2045
Public input is important to King County International Airport's (KCIA) future! Join us for Vision 2045.
KCIA's Vision 2045 (FAA Master Plan) is a long-range plan that will help us become a world-class airport. The completed plan will include a noise study and will tell us which construction projects, infrastructure, and other updates to prioritize and fund in the coming decades.
KCIA will start working on Vision 2045 next year and we want you to be involved! We want to know how best to reach you and how to ensure the plan is equitable, sustainable, and data-driven. We also want your thoughts on how we should choose a location to relocate the airport fuel farm.
Get more information and take a brief survey by Nov. 15.
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Giving Program Nonprofit Expo Series: Environment and Sustainability
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 the environment and sustainability with representatives from Beavers Northwest, Weed Warriors, Zero Waste Washington, North Olympic Land Trust. Read more.
Join the Employee Giving Program via Teams to learn about nonprofits engaged in the work you care about. For more information visit www.kingcounty.gov/giving.
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Training Spotlight
STAR-LA Interview Practice and Feedback – Online – This 90-minute small group workshop is designed to provide mock interview practice and feedback using the STAR-LA method as taught by King County Career Support Services. This workshop is for participants who have attended the Career Support Services led Strategic Interviewing Tips and Techniques online workshop or have watched the 10-minute STAR-LA method video found on the Career Support Services website at www.kingcounty.gov/CSS. This training takes place on:
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: OJ
Hi! My name is OJ and I am available for adoption! I'm a six-month-old male domestic longhair cat. I must admit I am a shy little guy and still learning that people aren't so scary. I am very food motivated so that will help with winning my trust! Because I am so shy I would thrive best in a home that is calm and quiet so I can show my true colors when I'm ready.
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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Featured Job: Real Property Title Analyst
Salary: $1,901.20 - $2,410.10 Biweekly
Location: Seattle, WA
Job Type: Career Service, Full Time, 35 hrs/week
Department: DOA - Assessor's Office
Job Number: 2022-17320
Division: Accounting Operations
Closing: 11/21/2022 3:37 PM Pacific
The Department of Assessments Accounting Operations Division is seeking a qualified Real Property Title Analyst. This position serves a vital role in meeting our mission of ensuring fair and equitable property tax administration and values. This role involves daily interaction with staff and the public requiring collaborative skills, a strong grounding in analysis, customer service and property ownership issues.
Learn about this position and view all available positions.
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