Employee News - Nov. 29

A service of the King County Department of Human Resources

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King County Employee News

Nov. 29, 2022

Highlights

Native American Heritage Month 2022

Executive Constantine proclaims November as Native American Heritage Month

In recognition of the fact that we live and flourish on the lands and waterways of the Coast Salish peoples of Puget Sound, and that the impacts of systemic racism and colonization on Native Americans have created great harm, and to honor the many contributions that Native Americans have made in all aspects of our lives, King County Executive Dow Constantine proclaims November 2022 as Native American Heritage Month. Read more.


snowplow

Be prepared for cold temperatures, snow, and ice

Extremely cold temperatures and icy road conditions are forecast for our region this week, so please be prepared for possible commute delays and impacts to business operations. 

If you work on site, please be prepared for cold weather. Have a plan for your commute, dress warmly, and let safety be your guide when making commute decisions. If you drive, have an emergency kit in your vehicle, including extra clothing, food, water, and a flashlight. Read more.


Employee Giving Program 222 Do Good

Giving Tuesday: Make a difference today and all year long

As the Annual Giving Drive winds down, you can still make a difference through the Employee Giving Program. Giving Tuesday is a global day of giving powered by social media and collaboration. For today only, we have reopened the online pledging system for payroll donations only. To join the movement, read more here


Courthouse

Work to repair lighting in Jefferson Street alley

The City of Seattle is set to begin work to temporarily repair the lighting in the Jefferson Street alley, just south of the King County Courthouse between Third and Fourth Avenues.

The City is expediting work to provide a temporary fix and get the lights back on. A permanent repair, which involves running new electrical cable, will follow at a later date.

Ensuring the area around the Courthouse is properly illuminated will help provide a safer, more welcoming environment for staff and visitors.


Employee Spotlights

NALC 2022 video 1

A closer look at Native American Heritage Month

Cross-posted from Metro Matters

As we reflect on and celebrate the traditions, languages, stories and contributions of Native American, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian and Island communities, it’s also important that we understand the deeper meaning and purpose behind recognizing heritage months. 

A great place to start is through the new Community Conversation Series: Indigenous Voices, Truth and Movements Amplified, presented by members of the King County Native American Leadership Council (NALC). Read more.


Announcements

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Annual Cybersecurity Training required for all King County employees

Cybersecurity Training is an important safeguard that protects King County systems, and the number of employees who complete training each year impacts our insurance rates.

When your training is assigned, you will receive an email from kc-knowbe4@kingcounty.gov with a direct link to your required training modules. If you can’t find the email, check your Junk folder or login with your work email here.

All employees must complete annual Cybersecurity Training by Dec. 31, 2022 unless your agency has specified a different deadline. Thank you for doing your part to protect King County. Read more.


Everett Clinic and Polyclinic may be out-of-network starting Dec. 19

If you are a member of the Regence KingCare PPO medical plan, and you see medical providers who are part of The Everett Clinic or The Polyclinic, please note the following information about their contract with Regence BlueShield.

Regence and Optum, the parent company of The Everett Clinic and The Polyclinic, are currently in extended contract negotiations. Both organizations are working to reach an agreement before their current contract ends Dec. 19. Read more.


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New Procurement Waiver Guide released

Waivers allow you, if justified, to bypass the standard procurement process for full and open competition for purchases more than $10,000.

Procurement and Payables recently released the 2022 Procurement Waiver Guide. This guide serves as a resource to support King County agency staff with the waiver process to improve efficiency and productivity. Read more.


Holiday

Balanced You Self-care webinars: Managing stress during the holiday season

The end of the year is a joyous time, and it can also bring on a lot of stress. From the pressure to buy gifts, travel stress, and even remembering loved ones lost, the holiday season brings up a lot of emotions and anxiety.

Join this Balanced You Self-care webinar as panelists provide some ideas on how to take care of yourself during this time.


piggy bank

Holiday resources for employee financial well being

As we enter the holiday season, many employees will travel, cook, spend time with family, or all of the above. Given the stress the holidays can have on relationships and finances, My Secure Advantage (MSA) has provided financial well being resources to help you keep the holiday spirit joyful and festive.

Read Relationships & Money: Common Problems & Solutions and Building a Holiday Budget on the MSA blog.

Learn more about the MSA financial wellness benefit you get as a King County employee.


Security Tips: Keep devices and software up to date

You know that little pop-up prompting you to restart your computer for a software update? The one that only seems to come up when you’re in the middle of something important? As annoying as it may seem, this notification is actually a valuable asset to your cybersecurity. So, before you click the “Later” option, take a closer look.

To find out more about why software updates are important for cybersecurity, click here. 


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Featured Job: Human Resources Associate

Salary: $34.97 - $44.33 Hourly (Depends on Qualifications) 

Location: King Street Center/Telework

Job Type: Career Service, Full Time, 40 hours per week

Department: DLS - Local Services

Job Number: 2022MR17462

Division: Human Resources

Closes: 12/7/2022 at 11:59 pm

King County Department of Local Services is recruiting for a Human Resources Associate. The primary focus of this position is to provide administrative support to the Human Resources team, which will include recruitment support, new employee onboarding, including first day in person onboarding, records management, tracking, preparing correspondence, and scheduling.

Learn more about this position or view all available positions


King County Headlines

Captain's Blog: Water Taxi temporary service reduction now in effect

Public Health Insider: New Public Health recommendations make a syphilis test routine for women 45 and under

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.

Back issues of the newsletter

Click here for previous editions of the Employee News e-newsletter going back to 2019.