UPDATE: Employee News - Dec. 15

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King County Employee News

Dec. 15, 2022

UPDATE: The link has been fixed in the All People Restrooms coming to Chinook and King Street Center story.



Highlights

Housing

King County and Chief Seattle Club announce first residents moving into new Health Through Housing building in Pioneer Square

King County Executive Dow Constantine announced the latest opening for Health Through Housing: Salmonberry Lofts, a newly constructed building providing 76 units of permanent supportive housing in Pioneer Square.

The building will welcome the first residents later this month and is being operated by Chief Seattle Club, an organization with a local footprint in the Pioneer Square neighborhood. Read more.


Coast Salish Ways: Cultural practices woven across generations

Coast Salish

Fellow King County colleagues Annie Kirk and Bryon Davis show us the importance of place and connection to culture, land and water as being essential to how they move through this world. 

A practice not done simply for one’s own, or families benefit but also an honoring, reclaiming, and living of cultural practices on behalf of future generations and the continuation of life in balance. With this video we can see the importance of storytelling, language learning, practicing traditional arts and crafts, and canoe journey serving as a bridge for the spirit to connect with both ancestors and community while preserving birthright inheritances for future generations.

This is part of a video series by the Native American Leadership Council. Watch the previous video, “Indigenizing leadership, advocacy, and education.”


all people restrooms

All People Restrooms coming to Chinook and King Street Center

After many years of employee advocacy, King County is expanding the number of inclusive restrooms. Transgender and gender expansive employees have highlighted the need to create more inclusive restroom access where employees do not need to choose between gender-specific restrooms. Read more.


clock gift of time

Leave donation programs updated for 2023

Beginning Jan. 1, 2023, King County’s donated leave programs are being replaced by two similar programs that better comply with IRS tax requirements. This includes the employee-to-employee donation program and the Emergency Leave Donation Fund started during COVID-19 pandemic. Read more.


Employee Spotlights

christine oh

Christine Oh named new Director of Risk Management

Christine Oh has been selected as the new director of the Office of Risk Management Services (ORMS) in the Department of Executive Services (DES). She begins her new position on Dec. 24.

“Christine has the experience, professionalism and management skills to lead the Office of Risk Management Services into the future,” said Caroline Whalen, Director of DES. “She brings both continuity and a new perspective to the county’s nationally recognized program.”

Christine has been serving as Interim Director for ORMS since Jennifer Hills took a new position as Deputy Chief Operating Officer in September.

“I am looking forward on working with departments in the county on risk assessment, maximizing opportunities while implementing the risk appetite statement,” said Christine.

Christine joined King County in 2003 as a Senior Tort Investigator. In 2008 she became the Deputy Risk Manager, primarily overseeing the claims section and then also the financial section of the office. 

She has a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Pittsburg State University. In her spare time she cheers on the Seahawks, loves to travel, and spend time with family.


Drew Thompson

Drew Thompson, finalist for the Clean Tech Alliance Energy Leadership JEDI Award

Cross-posted from Clean Water Stories

Drew Thompson, Resource Recovery Project Manager for King County Wastewater Treatment Division, was recently a finalist for the 2022 Energy Leadership JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion) Award.

The award, given by the Clean Tech Alliance, recognizes those who perform outstanding work to make the energy sector more equitable, support climate justice and diversity in the sector, and foster an inclusive ecosystem. Read more.


Announcements

Bus snow

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.


King Street Center

King Street Center information session recordings available

Nearly 550 King County employees recently joined information sessions about upcoming changes at King Street Center and across the downtown campus.

For those who were not able to attend, or attendees who want to review the information shared, you can now access the recorded sessions and related materials.


FSA

Spend your FSA money

Do you have money left in your Flexible Spending Account (FSA)? To check the balance of your Health Care or Day Care FSA, go to Navia Benefits and sign in to your account.

Expenses must be incurred by Dec. 31, 2022, and submitted for reimbursement by March 31, 2023.


piggy bank

Focus on Financial Goals in 2023

Whether you are building a budget, planning for a large purchase or thinking about retirement, My Secure Advantage (MSA) has money coaches available to help you and your family. King County employees get 90 days of money coaching every year. Read more on the Balanced You blog.


Project Manager graphic

New resources help managers and teams navigate project work

The Project Management Team (PMT) in the Office of Performance, Strategy and Budget has developed a set of tools, templates, and processes to guide project managers across King County in navigating project work.

Whether you are a designated project manager or someone who manages projects from time to time, these resources will support you and your team through your project work:

  • ​​​​​​​A 13-minute video introduces the Project Management Team’s standard work and provides an overview of the required minimum standards for PMT-assigned projects.
  • These tools and templates help project teams plan and implement their projects.
  • To build specific project management skills, the PMT recommends these trainings.

The Project Management Team maintains a complete library of resources to assist project managers and teams. Developing and maintaining project management standards supports the county’s goal of becoming the Best-Run Government.


Training Spotlight:

Brain-based Time Management – Online – This hands-on 3.5 hour online class will show you how to support your brain so you can be more efficient with time, more effective in planning, and experience less stress and feeling overwhelmed. The fee is $50.

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


POTW Banta

Pet of the Week: Banta

Hi, I'm Banta, a one-year-old female looking for a forever home! But because I am so shy I would thrive in a home that is very calm and quiet so I can show my true colors when I'm comfortable.

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


logo

Featured Job: Program Coordinator (Administrator I)

Salary: $34.15 - $43.29 Hourly

Location: Seattle, WA

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

Department: DLS - Local Services

Job Number: 2022VS15479

Division: Permitting

Closes: Dec. 26 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific time

King County's Department of Local Services (DLS) Director's Office is seeking a Program Coordinator (Administrator I) to provide administrative and program support for the Participatory Budgeting Program. This position supports the County’s policy of being anti-racist and seeking to transform programming and service delivery that has historically harmed, neglected or excluded Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC). The ideal candidate for this role will be a self-starter who has excellent interpersonal skills, a keen attention to detail, an ability to stay focused in a fast-paced environment with competing priorities, and a passion for equity and social justice. 

Learn more about this position or view all available positions

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.