Employee News - May 5

A service of the King County Department of Human Resources

King County Employee News

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Highlights

API proclamation 2022

Executive Constantine proclaims May as Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Heritage Month

To honor the invaluable contributions and leadership of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders, whose stories are core to the history of King County, Executive Constantine has proclaimed May 2022 as Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Click here to read the full proclamation.  

 


Women in Trades Fair 2022

King County at Washington Women in Trades Fair May 6

A wide range of King County departments and trade positions will be represented at the next Women in Trades fair on May 6. This event attracts women and students from across the state, providing the opportunity learn about the trades and meet women  who have made successful careers working in fields that are considered non-traditional for women. 

King County will have a large presence at the event, including King County International Airport, Sheriff's Office, Metro, Roads Services and Facilities Management Division. They'll showcase the numerous careers available, ranging from security and law enforcement to construction and mechanics, representing entry- and journey-level union positions. Click here to learn more about this event. 


KCSO Admin bldg

Making a more welcoming downtown civic campus

As more employees return to downtown workspaces and the weather improves, additional patrols by King County Sheriff’s Office deputies around the downtown civic campus are making the area a more welcoming space for employees and community members.

For more than a month now, Sheriff’s deputies have been providing regular patrols on foot and bicycle between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday to Friday. Find out more.


Reimagining Public Safety report

King County releases Reimagining Public Safety report and pilot program recommendations 

A new report released shares findings from the Reimagining Public Safety Survey that launched last fall, including pilot program recommendations and future community engagement strategies. 

King County is sharing the community-driven recommendations from a report on reimagining public safety in urban Unincorporated King County with the results of the Reimagining Public Safety Survey. Read the full announcement here. 


KC Airport logo

Level up: King County International Airport moves toward next step in Airport Carbon Accreditation Program

Climate change caused by carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions will have long-term consequences for the environment, the economy, and public health and safety. To do its part to reduce the threat, King County International Airport-Boeing Field (KCIA) aims to be carbon neutral by 2030.

After achieving Level 1 in the Airport Carbon Accreditation Program (ACAP) in 2021, the airport is now on track toward Level 2, demonstrating actual reductions of harmful greenhouse gases emitted in airport operations. Read the story here.


Announcements

Disability graphic

Disability Equity Network meeting May 10

King County Disability Equity Network (formerly the King County Disability Affinity Group) meetings are open to King County employees. The purpose is to center and support those employees who self-identify as a person with a disability. Employees will not be asked to disclose any information regarding one’s disability.  

 The King County Disability Equity Network (KCDEN) will host its next meeting:

If you need a reasonable accommodation to fully participate in the meeting, please email disabilityequity@kingcounty.gov. Future meetings are scheduled for the second Tuesday of each month at 1 p.m. 


Back to Basics mental health

Mental Health Month “Back to Basics” webinar

As we work toward coming back from the pandemic, we need to get back to basic conversations around mental health.

Join Karla Clark, Balanced You Employee Health Specialist, and a panel of experts to discuss how we have normalized the conversation around mental health, strategies for dealing with mental health for ourselves and our loved, ones and resources available.


senior asian woman

Register now for May retirement classes

Check out the following educational opportunities to help you prepare for retirement. These online classes will be held on Zoom or Teams and are provided by your King County Retirement Team.

Medicare 101: If you are reaching Medicare age and want to learn about your options as a King County employee, then come hear guest speaker Jean Cormier discuss Medicare basics. In addition, Jenny Stark from Regence BlueShield and Hannah Bachelder from Kaiser Permanente will discuss their Medicare Advantage plan options.

Road to Retirement: This 90-minute class is designed for employees who are planning to retire from King County in the next six months. It covers procedures, forms, medical coverage options, and pension plans—so you’ll be on a smooth road toward a happy retirement.

  • Tuesdays, May 24 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. and May 31 from 1 to 2:30 p.m.  Register here.

Before classes start, you’ll receive a meeting invitation at the email address you register with. Please note, attendance at retirement classes is strictly voluntary, on your own time, and non-work related.

For additional information, visit the King County Retirement page, refer to the Retirement Guide, or contact Carmen Johnson, retirement navigator.


family laptop

My Secure Advantage webinar: I want to buy a house

Buying a home can be an achievable goal if you do your research and plan for all the expenses associated with both purchasing and maintaining a home.

This session will walk through the different types of mortgage loans, review what lenders are looking for, and what costs you can expect from the closing process. With proper planning, your home can bring you joy for years to come.


meditation male

Mindfulness Classes

Mindful Parenting: We'll bring the lens of mindfulness to bear on what some say is the "world's hardest job", helping you meet the joys and challenges of parenting.

 Mindful Movement: An hour of gentle, guided movement appropriate for all bodies.

Mindful Communication: 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.

See the full mindfulness class schedule here.


Big Backyard

Big Backyard 5K is June 5

Founded in 2010, the Big Backyard 5K (also known as the BBY5K), is a community run/walk showcasing and benefitting King County Parks.

Proceeds from the BBY5K benefit King County Parks, supporting maintenance and operations of facilities and recreational resources. Over 12 years, more than 12,000 runners and walkers have gathered to raise over $75,000 for King County Parks. 

​This year’s event is on Sunday, June 5, and celebrates our ability to gather together again with a simple approach to fun and fitness. Click here to find out more and register.


Training Spotlight:

Communication and Problem Solving Skills – Online – Join instructor Lenny Borer for this two-day training. He will address communication and problem-solving skills with the public and with co-workers. This class covers skills for effective listening, speaking, dealing with conflicts, and with defensive behavior. There is a fee of $65.00 and attendance at both days is required for completion of the class.

  • Wednesday, May 25 and Thursday, May 26, from 1 to 4:30 p.m. 
    Register here.

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


POTW Dorito

Pet of the Week: Dorito

HI, I'm Dorito, a two-year-old male. I may be a little shy at first, but once I get to know you I will plop onto my side and ask for unlimited amounts of pets!

You can find out more about me and my other friends on our website at www.kingcounty.gov/adoptapet. Walk-in services have resumed at the Pet Adoption Center in Kent! Appointments are no longer needed to meet and greet your new furry family member. See our Adoption Processes information for details. you can contact RASKC via phone at 206-296-7387 (PETS) or email pets@kingcounty.gov.


Featured Job

Fiscal Specialist II

Salary: $24.70 - $31.31 Hourly

Location: Multiple locations in King County, WA

Job Type: Term Limited Temporary, Full Time, 40 hrs/wk

Department: DJA - Judicial Administration

Job Number: 2022JF15980

Division: Judicial Admin

Closes: May 9 at 4:30 p.m. Pacific time

The Department of Judicial Administration is seeking a Fiscal Specialist II to help with research and processes related to a recent Supreme Court ruling that results in the need to resentence, or vacate and refund monies paid on thousands of King County cases.

Learn more about this position or view all available positions


King County Headlines

Executive Constantine announces $21 million in King County Parks Levy grants

Metro Matters: Metro’s guiding commitment to safety

Public Health Insider: Preventing needless drownings in King County

Sound Transit seeking public feedback on Auburn Station parking and access improvements

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.