Employee News - July 19

A service of the King County Department of Human Resources

King County Employee News

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Highlights

Vaccine male nurse female patient

Should I wait to get my next COVID vaccination? 

Cross-posted from Public Health Insider

Have you been waiting to get a COVID booster shot or to get your child vaccinated?

Dr. Mark Del Beccaro is a pediatrician and former emergency department doctor. He now works with COVID vaccination and provides advice about the best timing for getting a COVID-19 vaccination. Read more.


gender identity

Office of Risk Management Services aims to improve customer service with gender identity policy

Cross-posted from Executive Services Express

The Office of Risk Management Services (ORMS) continues to develop a policy to handle customer service regarding gender identity.

“Customers, claimants, and other individuals with whom ORMS interacts have the right to be addressed by the name and pronouns that correspond to their gender identity,” said Sean Catanese, Program Manager. “This policy and its procedures ensure respectful customer service and clear communication.” Read more.


Digital Award 2022

King County ranked #1 – again! – for digital government, online services

For the second year in a row, King County has been named the nation’s #1 Top Digital County by the Center for Digital Government and the National Association of Counties. This prestigious annual award identifies the best technology practices among U.S. counties, including initiatives that streamline delivery of government services, encourage collaboration, enhance cybersecurity, and apply innovative and emerging technologies to county priorities.

“Winning the top spot again this year – it’s a direct reflection of King County’s bold technology strategies that are dramatically transforming how we serve residents,” said David Mendel, Chief Information Officer for King County. “We’re building community engagement with user-friendly tools that make government better, and breaking down barriers to broadband connectivity.” Read more.


Employee Spotlights

Metro EE of the Month

Metro’s Operators of the Month for May and June

They are as unique as the people who ride with them every day: A baker. The operator of a soul food catering company. Someone who started driving to supplement her income and chose to stay with Metro. Another who enjoys collecting M&M candy dispensers and calligraphy. A driver who is being recognized by his peers for a fifth time. And those who love driving and giving back to their community.

They are transit operators with more than 150 years of experience at Metro, and the May and June Opeartors of the Month. Read more.


Probation officers

Honoring Probation Officers and District Court staff during National Pretrial, Probation, and Parole Supervision Week

By Meagan Terlep-Boxley, Probation Manager with King County District Court

The American Probation and Parole Association annually celebrates over 100,000 community corrections professionals around the country during National Pretrial, Probation, and Parole Supervision Week, July 19-25.

This year’s theme for the week is Restoring Trust, Creating Hope, and King County has several employees recognized for 2022. Read more.


Announcements

James Lewis 2

Video Q&A: Dr. James on COVID-19 testing

Cross-posted from Public Health Insider

We all have questions about COVID-19, and there is a lot to learn when it comes to testing. You might know someone who felt sick after being exposed to COVID, but never tested positive. Or maybe you’re wondering if you should get tested sooner if you haven’t been vaccinated.

Dr. James Lewis served as a medical epidemiologist supporting King County’s COVID-19 response for more than two years, before recently accepting a position as Health Officer for Snohomish Health District. Public Health's Leslie Daniels recently sat down to ask Dr. Lewis some common questions about COVID-19 and post his answers. See more.


Change to motor pool vehicles at Goat Hill and King Street garages

Due to upcoming maintenance at Goat Hill Garage, a handful of Fleet Motor Pool Dispatch vehicles for employee use have been moved to the King Street Center Garage.

When you reserve a vehicle in the INVERS system, you can choose the downtown garage (Goat Hill or King Street) where you'd like to pick up a vehicle. INVERS will indicate if there are no vehicles available at your preferred garage for the time you requested.

If this happens, you can change your request to the other downtown garage and/or change the time period for your reservation. King County employees also have access to Fleet vehicles parked at other County facilities via the INVERS system.

If you have questions or concerns, please contact Fleet Services at motorpool.dispatch@kingcounty.gov or 206-477-3880.


meditation asian woman

Mindfulness Classes

Mindful approach to Pandemic Fatigue: Are you feeling exhausted, anxious, overwhelmed? Join us to find out how mindfulness can help.

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.

To see the complete mindfulness summer calendar, click here.


mother and child

August is National Breastfeeding Month

The FDA Office of Women’s Health celebrates August as National Breastfeeding Month by sharing valuable information and resources with pregnant and breastfeeding parents and their loved ones. While the decision to breastfeed may look different for everyone, this month’s observance helps build awareness around resources and support for breastfeeding families.

For more information, take a look at the Lactation Coalition of King County’s detailed list of resources and benefits. View the Balanced You website for a list of lactation rooms around county worksites and King County’s Lactation Accommodation policy.


Training Spotlight:

Staying Steady – Online – Leaders are often balancing multiple priorities and demands. This year has been especially difficult in finding ways to stay steady ourselves and ensure the wellbeing of our teams. Join an interactive session that focuses on prioritizing your wellbeing as a leader and supporting your team with strategies to build a sense of stability and resiliency, and to work more effectively. Sessions are free and are offered monthly. The next session will be 

Creating Effective Application Materials – This two-hour online workshop will provide you tips and strategies on how to make your application materials stand out. Learning objectives include: 

  • Understanding the purpose of the job application, resume, cover letter and supplemental questions and how to make each of them more effective
  • Deciding what to include in your resume and the best format to showcase your qualifications
  • How to write a cover letter tailored to the specific position
  • Identifying and showcasing your accomplishments and transferable skills

There are multiple dates available. The next workshop will be:

Visit ther King County Eventbrite website and the 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


logo

Featured Job: Paralegal - Transportation and Real Property Section and the Contracts Section

Salary: $2,146.90 - $2,721.60 Biweekly

Location: Seattle, WA

Job Type: Regular, Full time, 35 hrs/week

Department: PAO - Prosecuting Attorneys

Job Number: 2022-16513

Closes: July 21 at 11:59 p.m. 

The Prosecuting Attorney's Office is hiring a highly motivated Paralegal to join the Transportation and Contracts Section. If you seek meaningful work and serving your community while working as part of a collaborative team, this opportunity may be for you!

Learn more about this position and view all available positions


King County Headlines

Public Health Insider: Press briefing with Dr. Duchin and Dr. Friedly on COVID-19 and Long COVID

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.