Local health care leaders recommend wearing masks indoors
Cross-posted from Public Health Insider
Communities across Washington and around the U.S. are experiencing an unprecedented surge in viral respiratory illnesses, including respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza, and COVID-19.
Health officers and health care leaders working to improve the health of Washington residents recommend that everyone wear a high-quality, well-fitting mask when around others in indoor spaces to protect against both acquiring and spreading these infections to others. Read more.
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Diapers and baby wipes drive through Dec. 15
Cross-posted from Sheriff's Office Weekly Newsletter
Metro and Sound Transit Resource Officers (TRO's) are hosting a diaper drive for the Salvation Army Street Level Program.
Street Level conducts in-person outreach for people living in their vehicle and experiencing homelessness. They specialize in getting people into permanent housing.
All of the diapers and baby wipes collected will be donated to The Salvation Army Street Level Program to assist them with their needs. Diapers and baby wipes can be dropped off at Metro Transit Police or Sound Transit Police until Thursday, Dec. 15.
Contact Sound Transit Detective Cassie Bertaina at cbertaina@kingcounty.gov or Metro Detective Bryan Rose at Bryan.Rose@kingcounty.gov with questions.
Sheriff's Office HR Heroes
Cross-posted from Sheriff's Office Weekly Newsletter
Left to right: Julie Kyle, Janet Parks, Christy Hammond, Jessica Klein, Nae Saechao, Nicole Hall, and Jessica Lussier
General Counsel Erin Overbey and Chief Jeff Flohr, Technical Services Division, recently presented the King County Sheriff's Office Human Resources team with a Meritorious Service award for their service and dedication the past few years.
This group navigated ever-changing protocols and worked on expediting the background process to improve hiring practices, all while never compromising the standards and core values of the Sheriff’s Office.
According to Chief Flohr, this team is always quick to respond to requests, research problems that arise, and smooth out problems. And they do it all with positivity and customer service in mind.
Annual Cybersecurity Training required for all King County employees by Dec. 31
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.
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V-MAG monthly meeting is Dec. 14
The King County Veterans and Military Affinity Group (V-MAG) will hold their monthly meeting Wednesday, Dec. 14.
This month’s meeting will feature a guided discussion on veteran/military suicide, a nationwide problem tragically impacting more than 6,100 veterans and their family and friends annually.
The meeting is open to all employees who are currently serving or are former members of the military and their allies, as well as their family members and partners. To be added to the meeting invite send an email to: vet.milag@kingcounty.gov.
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Wednesday, Dec. 14 at noon. Join via Zoom. Meeting ID: 848 5343 5901; Passcode: 686182
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End the year with mindfulness
Take a free mindfulness class and end your year with a sense of calm and intention.
Mindful Communication: Underlying Issues
When we communicate mindfully, every interaction is fresh with opportunity and open to discovery. Mindful communication helps us break down the complex process of communication, increase awareness of what's really going on, and bring greater clarity and kindness to our interactions. Investigate underlying challenges and issues that hinder good communication with the tools of mindfulness.
Meeting the Inner Critic
Are you hard on yourself when things go wrong? Using mindfulness and self-compassion practices, we'll get curious about negative self-talk. Learn simple, effective tools for being kinder to yourself.
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Washington Paid Family and Medical Leave rates to increase Jan. 1
Premium rates for Washington’s Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) program will increase on Jan. 1, 2023.
The PFML program is funded by premiums collected from employees and employers in Washington state. By law, the Employment Security Department recalculates the premium rate annually based on program usage and premiums collected the previous year. Read more.
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Professional Development Scholarship
The first application period for the Coalition Labor Agreement’s Scholarship Program will open from Jan. 9 through Feb. 5, 2023. Below is some important information:
- Employees must first confirm whether their department can pay for the training.
- $3,000 is the maximum per person per year award.
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Click here for the application questions employees will be required to complete when applying for a scholarship.
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View a video recording outlining details about the Scholarship Program.
- Employees must meet the below eligibility criteria below to apply for the scholarship:
- Be a comprehensive leave benefited employee (excluding TLTs).
- Be represented by one of the unions in the Coalition.
- Have completed a probationary period in a comprehensive leave benefited position.
- Have completed at least one year of full or part time KC employment in a comprehensive leave benefited position. This includes time spent in a Term-Limited Temporary position if there is no break in service between positions.
- Have no documented performance or discipline issues for at least one year from the date applying for a scholarship.
It is highly recommended, but not required, to complete an Individual Development Plan (IDP) to supplement your application. This plan helps you map out your career goals and how you intend to get there, aligning your efforts with the scholarship criteria. Visit the scholarship webpage for IDP resources and please reach out to scholarshipfund@kingcounty.gov for any questions or concerns.
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The ongoing pandemic and seasonal illnesses, stressful end-of-year work assignments, additional holiday activities - these and other factors can lead to compassion fatigue and burnout.
Understanding the cause of compassion fatigue and burnout is essential in protecting yourself from these common conditions. There are numerous techniques and tips for how to prevent this from happening to you. Read more.
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Training Spotlight:
Communication and Problem Solving Skills – Online – This two-day training addresses communication and problem-solving skills with the public and with coworkers. This class covers skills for effective listening, speaking, handling conflicts, and managing defensive behavior. The fee is $85 and attendance at both days is required for completion of the course.
- Tuesday, Jan. 24, and Wednesday, Jan. 25 from 8:30 a.m. to noon both days. Register here.
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.
Featured Job: Administrative Specialist IV
Salary: $29.87 - $37.86 Hourly
Location: Multiple locations in King County, WA
Job Type: Career Service, Full Time, 40 hrs/week
Department: DJA - Judicial Administration
Job Number: 2022JF17588
Division: Court Services
Closes: Dec. 23 at 4:30 p.m. Pacific time
Court Services division is looking for an outstanding Administrative Professional who is interested in having a key role in justice system administration and management. The role is a high visibility position responsible for the daily scheduling of clerks to attend and record the proceedings of criminal and civil courts, as well as a variety of legal hearings, and accurately prepare a written record of King County Superior Court events. The position requires a high level of flexibility, problem solving, and innovative strategizing.
Learn more about this position and view all available positions.
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King County Headlines
Executive Constantine and Sheriff Cole-Tindall announced the launch of a new Community Advisory Board
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