World Aids Day

Every year, on Dec. 1, the world commemorates World AIDS Day. People around the world unite to show support for people living with and affected by HIV and to remember those who lost their lives to AIDS. Four decades into the HIV response, inequalities still persist for the most basic services like testing, treatment, and even more so for new technologies. 

King County is committed to radically reducing new HIV infections through diagnosing, treating, preventing, and responding quickly to HIV outbreaks. Learn more about Ending the HIV Epidemic Initiative through Public Health – Seattle & King County.

Individuals can do their part by staying up to date on their preventive HIV screenings through their Primary Care Provider. As a King County employee, preventive screenings are 100% covered by your health plan. 

Learn more about changes coming to King Street Center 

The new year will bring a new look to King Street Center, including the opening of a new Customer Service Center on the second floor and reconfigurations of other floors among other changes.

You can learn more about the project and have your questions answered at one of two employee information sessions. Both sessions will be virtual. Register now at Eventbrite to attend the session that works best for your schedule.

The first session is geared toward employees who are currently assigned or will be assigned to King Street Center, but anyone is welcome to attend. 

• Tuesday, Dec. 6 at 9 a.m. Register here. 

The second session is intended for all downtown campus employees.

• Thursday, Dec. 8 at 1 p.m. Register here.  

PeopleSoft outage notice

To allow for system maintenance, the PeopleSoft system will not be available starting on Friday, Dec. 2 at 3 p.m. and is scheduled to be back online by 6:30 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 5.

During this planned outage, the Business Resource Center will apply vendor updates and maintenance.

The system will not be available for access by any County staff during this outage window. There will be a communication sent out to all County staff when the system becomes available.

How to help prevent illness and protect those who are most vulnerable

Cross-posted from Public Health Insider

Public Health has reported four deaths from complications of the flu in King County, two children and two adults. This is shaping up to be a bad flu season; the positivity rate for flu tests is much higher at this early point in the flu season than we’ve seen in many years, and the volume of cases is increasing rapidly. Everyone six-months-old and older should get a flu shot every year. Find a flu shot clinic near you.

• Get your flu shot and updated COVID-19 booster now. There’s no vaccination against Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection (RSV). However, getting vaccinated for other respiratory viruses – COVID-19 and the flu — will help keep you safer and help protect our fragile healthcare system. It is safe to get both flu and COVID vaccines at the same time if the individual is due for them.
• Wash hands regularly.  
• Wear a high-quality, well-fitting mask when in indoor public spaces. 
• If you feel sick – even if you test negative for COVID-19 – stay home. This is particularly important if you’re going to be around young children, older adults, pregnant people, or people who have underlying medical conditions.

Read more on Public Health Insider.

Get Movin' with Balanced You

Join Balanced You every other Wednesday for virtual exercise sessions with certified trainers. These 30-minute move breaks are free and virtual so you can tap in from anywhere. Each session will be different ranging from yoga and stretching to cardio and strength training. Register for an upcoming session below.

Get Movin' with Balanced You: Yoga

• Wednesday, Dec. 7 from 12:30 to 1 p.m. Register here.

Get Movin' with Balanced You: Stretching

• Wednesday, Jan. 11 from 12:30 to 1 p.m. Register here.

Professional Development Scholarship Information Sessions

Career Support Services is hosting general information sessions for the Coalition Labor Agreement’s Professional Development Scholarship throughout December 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 sessions will be:

• Tuesday, Dec. 13 from 9 to 10 a.m. Register here.

For more information about the scholarship program, click here.

Seattle Symphony Holiday discounts

It’s time to experience the Joy, Cheer and Magic of the Holiday Season. Gather your friends and family and join us at Benaroya Hall for beautiful holiday music and great entertainment.

Seasonal events for December include Holiday Pops, Handel's Messiah, and Beethoven's Symphony No. 9.

Use promo code HOLIDAY23 for 20% off tickets and no handling fees. View upcoming performances and purchase tickets at www.seattlesymphony.org/concerttickets.

See all available discounts on the Employee Discount webpage.

Pet of the Week: Tiny Tina

Hi, I'm Tiny Tina and I'm looking for a forever home. 

I am food motivated and really enjoy chin scratches! But due to my shy nature I would thrive in a home that is calm and quiet so I can show my true colors when I'm comfortable and ready to snuggle.

You can find out more about me and my other friends on our website at www.kingcounty.gov/adoptapet. Note that Regional Animal Services of King County (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. 

Deputy Fire Marshal I / II

Salary: $36.11 - $51.53 Hourly (Depends on Qualifications) 

Location: Renton, WA

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

Department: DLS - Local Services

Job Number: 2022VS17419

Division: Permitting

Closes: Continuous until filled

The primary focus of this position is to perform fire protection engineering review and site inspections. Responsibilities include the review of building and land development permits, and the review of fire systems permits to ensure compliance with applicable fire and life safety codes. This includes reviewing construction documents and supporting engineering, interpreting and applying fire codes and standards, evaluating new materials, conducting formal meetings with clients (virtually, in person, and in the field), and performing site inspections.

Learn more about this position or view all available positions.