Spotlight on King County Regional Veterans Court Mentor Program
The King County Regional Veterans Court (RVC) seeks to increase effective cooperation between federal, state and local veterans’ service agencies and the criminal justice system. The RVC’s Mentor Program is a key part of the support available to help veterans successfully complete the RVC requirements.
“The RVC Mentor Program connects participants with someone who can relate to their past experiences," says Terrell Carrington, RVC Mentor Program Coordinator for King County District Court, and also a U.S. Army veteran. Click here to read the full feature on this program.
Executive Dow Constantine announced the purchase of an additional 400,000 COVID-19 test kits, following last week’s purchase of an initial 300,000 home kits. The first portion of the tests is scheduled to arrive next week. Read the full announcement here.
King County Metro rail employees are second to none, and consistently demonstrate unparalleled dedication to the agency, passengers, and community. And because of their work, riders now have even more fast, frequent travel options to move throughout the region. Click here to read the announcement about the rail employee recognition for 2021.
Announcements
MLK Day celebration Jan. 13
The theme and accompanying quote for our 2022 Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration are: “The time is always right to do what’s right,” and “Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.” – James Baldwin.
The celebration will be held Thursday, Jan. 13 from noon to 1 p.m. In keeping with Public Health guidance and safety, this year's event will be held virtually on the following platforms:
Comcast channel 22 and 322 (HD)
Wave Bradband channel 22
Livestream link available the day of the event here.
2022 calendar is now available
Produced in conjunction with the annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day celebration, this calendar features the work of local artist Maya Milton.
To order physical and digital copies of the calendar or for more information and program updates, click here.
A Conversation on Burnout, Compassion Fatigue and Resiliency
In the prolonged emergency of the 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.
Balanced You partners with Mindfulness Northwest to bring King County employees free, virtual mindfulness classes. 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. Join us for an upcoming class and look for a three-month mindfulness schedule to be released in the next edition of Employee News.
Intro to Mindfulness - Learn simple practices to use at work and home in this hands-on workshop. Monday, Jan. 10 from noon to 2 p.m. Register here.
Meeting Anxiety with Mindfulness - With a warm, supportive teacher, we'll try some simple practices that help reduce stress, depression, and anxiety. Tuesday, Jan. 11 from 4 to 6 p.m. Register here.
Coffee Connections: Mindful Start to the New Year - Hosted by Balanced You, Coffee Connections are virtual Zoom sessions to connect with colleagues and friends across the county. Join us for this special Coffee Connections with Mindfulness Northwest, for guided mindfulness exercises to enter into the new year calm and grounded. Wednesday, Jan 12 from 12:30 to 1 p.m. Register here.
Disability Affinity Group meeting Jan. 11
The Disability Affinity Group strives to advance disability equity at King County. At this work session, the topics will be meeting frequency and potential group goals for calendar year 2022.
Disability Affinity Group meetings are open to King County employees who self-identify as a person with a disability; individuals will not be asked to disclose any information regarding one’s disability. If you need a reasonable accommodation to fully participate in the meeting, please email DisabilityEquity@kingcounty.gov.
CybersecurityTraining deadline extended to March 31
The deadline to complete mandatory Cybersecurity Training has been extended to March 31, 2022 (with approval from your department leadership). Cybersecurity Training is an important safeguard that protects King County systems. The number of employees who complete training each year impacts our insurance rates and our regulatory compliance. Training includes 90 minutes of engaging videos; while watching an exciting espionage plot unfold, each episode demonstrates basic security practices.
You should have received an email with a direct link to training from King County’s partner KnowBe4. If you can’t find the email, login with your work email here. If you don’t see your 2021 training listed as an option, please submit a Helpdesk ticket and follow the prompts to select “Help With Security” then “Security Training Request.”
Training Spotlight:
Leader Mindset webinar – Hit the ground running in 2022 by attending any of the courses in the Leading the Way series. Start the year off right and set your intention to create a safe, inclusive and equitable workplace where every employee can thrive and feel like they belong. Each course will set the stage with resources, a supportive network and personalized action steps to make your job easier as a supervisor, manager, project/program leader – or if you aspire to be one.
Past participants said “One of the best trainings I have taken in a very long time," and "I gathered new tools for my tool box,” and the workshop showed the importance of “continually working on improving my mindset as a leader in order to help my team be more effective and responsive.” The next Leader Mindset class is:
Career Support Services provides a variety of virtual career development workshops, along with online resources, to support you in achieving your career goals.
Creating Effective Application Materials – This two-hour online workshop will provide you tips and strategies on how to make your application materials stand out. The next workshop is Thursday, Jan. 20, from 9 to 11 a.m. Register here.
Strategic Interviewing Tips and Techniques – This two-hour online workshop helps you with techniques to do your best during the interview. The next session is Thursday, Jan. 20 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Register here.
For additional online workshops offered by King County Career Support Services, visit their Eventbrite page. For more information about CSS along with links to career related tips, resume/cover letter examples and templates, and other resources, visit www.kingcounty.gov/CSS.
Pet of the Week: Sid
Hi, my name is Sid! I'm a two-year-old, black and white male Pit Bull weighing in about 55 pounds. I'm an independent guy who likes to do my own thing. I am full of energy and I love to play! I tend to calm down more when the people around me stay calm. I do best when I have lots of exercise and something to keep my mind busy.
You can find out more about me and my other friends 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.
Featured Job: Utility Line Worker (aka Utility Lineman)
Salary: $109,907.20 Annually
Location: Seattle, WA
Job Type: Multiple job types-career service and/or temp
Department: MTD - Metro Transit
Job Number: 2020AL12173.3
Division: Facilities
Open until filled
Metro Transit is hiring journey-level line workers for their Power Distribution unit. This position may be required to lead others in the same trade, material workers, and helpers on various projects. Join Metro in building the future!
