Is it time to schedule your COVID-19 booster?
If it has been at least six months since your second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, or at least two months since your single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, you are eligible for a booster shot.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend everyone currently eligible should get a COVID-19 vaccine booster to maximize protection.
To schedule a COVID-19 vaccine booster, visit www.kingcounty.gov/vaccine or use the Washington State Department of Health’s vaccine locator to check out your options and get on a waitlist.
With the Omicron variant now circulating, it is more important than ever to get a booster dose, wear a high-quality and well-fitting face mask, avoid crowded indoor spaces, and get tested if you have symptoms.
Thank you for all you are doing to help keep yourself, your family, our workplaces, and our community healthy and safe.
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Agency-paid parking at Goat Hill and King Street Center ends Dec. 31
The temporary agency-paid parking for downtown garages at Goat Hill and King Street Center will be discontinued on Friday, Dec. 31. Facilities Management Division (FMD) Parking Operations has resumed processing employee-paid parking requests for the Goat Hill and King Street Center garages for a Monday, Jan. 3 start date.
There are no changes for employees who receive paid parking as part of their bargaining agreements.
If you wish to enroll in paid monthly parking for the coming year at either the Goat Hill or King Street Center garage, please complete an application and submit to FMD Parking Operations.
At this time, employee parking at the Children and Family Justice Center is limited to those employees permanently assigned to that building.
For questions or further information, please contact FMD Parking Operations. For after-hours emergencies or accessibility assistance, please contact the FMD Emergency Dispatch Center at 206-296-5000.
Supported employee takes pride in his work, shares joy with community
The Supported Employment Program (SEP) provides employment opportunities within King County government to people with disabilities. With an assigned job coach, and supportive supervisors and team members, participants are encouraged to fulfill their potential, pursue career goals, and thrive in a helpful environment.
One employee within the Supported Employment Program who enjoys his work and the chance to make a difference is Naveed Labib, an Office Assistant in the Transit Facilities Division of the Metro Transit Department. Naveed has been with King County since January 2018. While some of his duties include working on payroll, completing time sheets, utility billing, and filing, they have recently expanded. He now also helps other groups beyond his specific team within the Division.
“It feels good to go beyond, and be proven to be reliable and independent,” Naveed shares. “I love being productive and love working hard.” Read more.
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Cross-posted from Executive Services Express
Sean Catanese, project manager of the county’s Future of Work effort, had an opportunity recently to talk about the project on “FedHeads,” a government management podcast sponsored by consultant, Grant Thornton.
Catanese shared how the county has used the constraints and challenges of the pandemic to adapt operations with an eye toward the future, focusing on equity and safety.
Click here to read the full story and listen to the podcast.
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County offices closed Dec. 24 and Dec. 31
King County government offices will be closed Friday, Dec. 24 for the observed Christmas Day holiday, repoening Monday, Dec. 27. Offices will again be closed Friday, Dec. 31 for New Year's Day observed holiday, reopening on Monday, Jan. 3.
Click here for Metro Transit bus schedules.
If you have questions about your holiday schedule, please speak to your supervisor. Have a safe and healthy holiday.
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Executive Constantine announces changes to leadership team for 2022
Heading into 2022, King County Executive Dow Constantine announced several promotions and changes to the leadership of his office, including naming April Putney as Deputy Executive.
With reelection to a fourth term, Executive Constantine is focusing on four major priorities: housing individuals who are chronically homeless, battling the climate crisis, becoming an anti-racist government, and transforming the criminal legal system and public safety. Read the full announcement here.
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King County Health Officer shares updates on COVID-19 trends and the Omicron variant
King County Health Officer Dr. Jeff Duchin held a public briefing on Dec. 15, providing updates on COVID-19 and vaccination trends in King County, as well as our evolving understanding of the Omicron variant.
Dr. Duchin put the new threat from Omicron, as well as our continued struggle with the predominant Delta variant, into perspective. Click here to read more and watch the announcement.
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Tips to recover from end-of-year burnout
In the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic, we are seeing the development of compassion fatigue and burnout in the workplace. These conditions can lead to long-term mental and physical health complications. Fortunately, steps can be taken to recover from compassion fatigue and burnout and to develop resiliency to carry us through.
Read through Compassion fatigue and burnout: what they are and how to recover for tips on how to recharge. Attend a training on burnout, compassion fatigue and resiliency in the new year:
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Cross-posted from Executive Services Express
If you are interested in a leadership role on King County’s Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Committee, you must apply by Thursday, Dec. 30.
The employee-based committee serves in an advisory capacity to the King County Executive. Click here to read more about the role and how to apply.
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Training Spotlight: Cybersecurity Training due by Dec. 31 – even if you took it last year
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.
Training includes 90 minutes of engaging videos that are surprisingly better than most of what’s streaming on Netflix. While watching an exciting espionage plot unfold, each episode reveals several basic cybersecurity practices that you – like the plucky protagonists – should use to thwart hackers.
So break out that popcorn, and cross this off your to-do list! You should have received an email from King County’s partner KnowBe4 with a direct link to training. If you can’t find the email, login with your work email here.
Pet of the Week: Tamale
I am a two-year-old male short hair rabbit ready for adoption! Rabbits are intelligent and complex animals who do well in families with humans who understand that we are prey animals, and do not enjoy being picked up or held. The best way to bond with me is to spend time with me on the floor, and shower me with plenty of greens and timothy hay! I am a domestic rabbit and it's recommended that I stay indoors.
You can find out more about me and my other friends on our website at www.kingcounty.gov/adoptapet. Note that RASKC has moved to adoptions by appointment only. If you have more questions, you can contact RASKC via phone at 206-296-7387 (PETS) or email pets@kingcounty.gov.
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Featured Job: Fire Investigator II
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