Open Enrollment for 2022 benefits ends Monday, Nov. 15
Get the most out of your robust King County employee benefits package by finding out what’s offered in 2022 and by participating in Open Enrollment.
Click here for more information.
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Nov. 11 is Veterans Day holiday
Thursday, Nov. 11 is Veterans Day, and King County government offices will be closed. All offices will reopen Friday, Nov. 12.
Metro Transit buses will operate on weekday schedules.
If you have questions about your holiday schedule, please speak to your supervisor. Have a safe and healthy holiday.
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Trading a sick day to help end homelessness
 Team members from King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks (DNRP) Director’s Office traded a sick day to volunteer with Sound Foundations NW (SFNW) and be part of the solution to end homelessness in our community.
At the Hope Factory in SODO, they worked as a team on an assembly line to construct the frame of a tiny home which will provide shelter for someone experiencing homelessness. This tiny home is 96 square feet and will be set-up at the new Friendship Heights Village at Aurora and 125th in Seattle later this month.
SFNW says the main function of a tiny home is to get the person off the streets and into a space that is warm, safe, and dry. Many of the village residents then go on to move into long-term or permanent housing.
This DNRP team volunteer event was also part of the King County Employee Giving Program's annual giving drive, as SFNW is associated with Low Income Housing Institution (LIHI), which is one of the nonprofits in the giving drive.
To learn how to help out in the community and volunteer with Sound Foundations NW visit www.soundfoundationsnw.org. Click the image below to view it full size.
King County’s Veterans and Military Affinity Group brings core values from military service
The King County Veterans and Military Affinity Group (V-MAG) provides guidance, resources, and mutual support to the King County network of veteran and military employees. The group strives to make King County a more equitable workplace that attracts, retains, and develops veteran and military employees so they may achieve their full potential and thrive.
Over the past year the V-MAG has hosted presentations by organizations to include Friends of Fisher House Puget Sound, Seattle Police Department’s Crime Prevention Unit, DAWN – domestic violence resources and advocacy, United American Mortgage – VA home loans, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the American Legion. The group has also hosted multiple social events such as an Army-Navy Game virtual watch party, a Memorial Day gathering at VFW Post 2995, and a Halloween pet costume contest.
To be notified of upcoming meetings, events and other important information, please subscribe to the V-MAG email list. For questions or more information contact vet.milag@kingcounty.gov.
King County Affinity Groups are employee-led groups formed around shared interests, issues, and backgrounds. For more information about the Veterans and Military Affinity Group, and others, visit www.kingcounty.gov/affinitygroups.
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Steps for opting out of the WA Cares Fund
If you meet the criteria and want to apply for a permanent exemption to the state’s long-term care program, the WA Cares Fund, and associated payroll deduction that begins in January 2022, you will need to follow certain steps.
According to state law, your exemption will take effect on the first day of the quarter after you apply for an exemption. Until then, the deduction will continue to be taken out of your paycheck. State law does not allow refunds for any premiums already paid.
Click here for more information and steps on how to apply for an exemption.
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Community, connection, and emotional well-being for Veterans
For Veterans Day, Balanced You honors the continued service of our veteran and military employees. View the Balanced You blog for resources specific to veterans that support emotional well-being and mental health.
Additionally, we would like to acknowledge the Veteran and Military Affinity Group (V-MAG) for providing a space of shared connection and community. V-MAG’s strives to make King County a more equitable workplace that attracts, retains, and develops veteran and military employees so they may achieve their full potential and thrive.
Watch this short video to see how Keith Clark, Army Veteran and ESJ Educator in the Department of Human Resources, found community in the Veterans and Military Affinity Group. V-MAG meetings occur the third Wednesday of each month from noon to 1 p.m. Email vet.milag@kingcounty.gov to receive the meeting invite series.
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Supporting veterans and military organizations through the 2021 Annual Giving Drive
As part of the 2021 Annual Giving Drive, we are highlighting nonprofits whose work supports organizations committed to veterans and military issues.These and hundreds of nonprofits are participating in this year’s Annual Giving Drive.
Click here to find out more about agencies working with veterans and military.
Online nonprofit expo: Education and literacy. The next session in the series of expos focuses on agencies working to promote education and literacy.
Check out previous expos and get addtional information on the Employee Giving Program page.
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Vets 4 Hire program expands funding
The Vets 4 Hire program, which offers on-the-job learning experiences for veterans, is now approved to offer King County agencies up to a full year of financial support when hiring military veterans into veteran fellowship experiences, doubling the amount previously available.
Read more here.
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Showing support for employees who serve in the U.S. National Guard or Reserves
This article is courtesy of the King County Veterans and Military Affinity Group
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 more than 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.
Here are some ways in which to show our support for those who serve. Read more.
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Meaningful ways to thank a veteran for their service
This article is courtesy of the King County Veterans and Military Affinity Group
This Veterans Day, America will pause to honor those who have served in the military. Most Americans hold those who have served in high regard, yet sometimes are unsure how to properly thank a veteran without unintentionally saying the wrong thing, appearing intrusive, or somehow offending them.
While it is customary to offer a “thank you for your service” to veterans, you could instead say:
- “Thank you for putting your life on hold to serve our country.”
- “Thank you for the sacrifices you made being away from your family.”
- “Thank you for stepping up and choosing to serve when many others didn’t.”
But don’t stop there. Follow up by asking them if they have an interesting military story they might like to share. In fact, most veterans would be happy to share their military stories about coming of age, lifelong friends they’ve made, humorous situations, locations they’ve traveled to, cultures they’ve explored, and more. Read more.
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Employee discounts to Seattle Symphony for November performances
King County employees have access to a variety of discount programs, providing savings on everything from electronics to travel to entertainment.
King County employees can now take advantage of discounts for upcoming Seattle Symphony performances. Use code OVATION22 to save 15% on performances of Brahms Symphony No. 1 on Thursday, Nov. 11, Friday, Nov. 12, and Saturday, Nov. 13, and Beach Gaelic Symphony on Thursday, Nov. 18, and Saturday, Nov. 20. Visit www.seattlesymphony.org to purchase tickets and for more information.
See all available employee discounts at www.kingcounty.gov/employeediscounts.
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Burnout, Compassion Fatigue, and Resiliency for Managers and Supervisors, Nov. 16
For more than 18 months, we’ve been working under the stress of the COVID-19 pandemic. Among the mental health and well-being challenges, people are experiencing symptoms of burnout and compassion fatigue.
Join the Balanced You team for the interactive training “Burnout, Compassion Fatigue, and Resiliency for Managers and Supervisors.” Learn the signs of burnout and compassion fatigue, as well as practices for building resiliency.
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Tuesday, Nov. 16 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., or schedule a training for your department, division, or team with Balanced You.
Review the full steps on the Balanced You blog.
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Mindfulness classes for November from Balanced You
Balanced You partners with Mindfulness Northwest to offer free, virtual mindfulness classes and workshops to King County employees. Mindfulness is a practice that can help you quiet your mind, find focus and reduce some of the mental strain we are all going through. Sign up for an upcoming mindfulness class:
Mindful Approach to Pandemic Fatigue
Mindful Movement
Intro to Mindfulness: Self Compassion
See entire mindfulness schedule here.
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King County Mentorship Program Lunch and Learn, Nov. 18
The King County Mentorship Program provides opportunities for growth, development, and support, and can help King County employees achieve their career goals.
The program supports mentors by providing opportunities to deepen their knowledge on a specific topic, increase their reputation and influence, and provide the opportunity for them to pass on critical knowledge important to the continued success of the County. It also supports mentees by providing a trusted advisor who can urge them to learn new things about themselves, and help them to increase strengths and develop hidden talents. Mentors will also help mentees create their personal individual development plan.
To learn more about the program and take the first step towards pursuing personal career goals, register to attend the next Lunch and Learn session.
For more information about the King County Mentoring Program visit www.kingcounty.gov/mentoring or email KCMentoring@kingcounty.gov.
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PeopleSoft authentication changes
The PeopleSoft system is streamlining its authentication method on Nov. 20 to exclusively use King County network credentials.
What does this mean for employees? Starting Nov. 20, employees will be prompted to login to PeopleSoft with the same method used across the County for applications, like SharePoint, using their King County email and network password. Employees will no longer be prompted to use the PeopleSoft login screen, but instead be prompted with the King County Single Sign On authentication screens. Employees may also be asked to verify their identity on first time login with the new method.
Using King County network credentials provides a better user experience and is as easy as 1, 2 and you’re in! For questions, please check out the quick reference guide for more information.
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Upgraded Content Manager system now available for all employees
What's that new application on your desktop? Content Manager (accessible via VPN), King County’s records management system, is being installed for all Executive branch employees this month. It’s easier than ever to manage your records and reduce risk for King County. You can use Content Manager to:
- File emails
- File inactive electronic records
- Send boxes to offsite storage at the King County Records Center
The installation will occur behind the scenes and will not interfere with anyone’s work. After the installation occurs, employees will see a “Content Manager” icon on their desktop. Although all employees will have Content Manager installed, you still need to contact records.management@kingcounty.gov to activate your profile. The activation process is quick and easy.
This change only applies to Executive branch employees. If you work in a separately elected agency, contact your IT representative for information on how to install Content Manager on your computer.
Get more information here about the recent upgrade and what Content Manager can do.
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Training Spotlight:
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Leader Mindset – Online – Leader Mindset for King County supervisors and managers sets a foundation that leading a team starts with understanding yourself and your responsibility to create a team culture of belonging where all employees can thrive. In this interactive webinar, participants will take part in engaging activities, small group discussions and action planning. This training is free and will be offered on multiple dates with the next session taking place:
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Mentorship Lunch and Learn – Online – Would you like to have a mentor, someone who can help you grow professionally? Do you want to strengthen your coaching skills? As a Mentee, you will have a trusted advisor who can help you navigate complex situations, and as a Mentor, you can uncover new or forgotten skills and build influence. This Lunch and Learn is free and the next session is:
Please visit our King County Eventbrite website and our Learning and Development 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.
King County Headlines
Press briefing with Dr. Jeff Duchin - Covid-19 vaccination for kids ages 5-11
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