Have you had your COVID-19 booster shot?
Boosters significantly cut down your risk of getting severely ill. You’re eligible for a booster if it’s been at least five months since your primary vaccination series with either Pfizer or Moderna, or at least two months since your Johnson & Johnson vaccination.
Free Community Vaccination Centers
Community Vaccination Centers are open for first dose, second dose, and boosters for adults and children.
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Federal Way Performing Arts Center now through Feb. 18, and Feb. 20 to Feb. 28 from noon to 7 p.m. Appointments and drop-ins are welcome. Click here to schedule an appointment.
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Auburn Community Vaccination Center is open now through Feb. 12 from noon to 7 p.m. Appointments and drop-ins are welcome. Click here to schedule an appointment.
For more options, visit www.kingcounty.gov/vaccine.
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Black History is American History — Ride Metro to visit local African American historical sites
Cross-posted from Metro Matters
In a collaborative project, community activists, the Black Heritage Society of Washington State and King County Metro created 40 photo murals installed in seven bus shelters in the Central District recognizing the living legacy of African Americans in this community—shelters you of course can reach by bus.
Click here to read more about these installations and how to experience other historic locations in the community.
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Join King County’s 'Stream Team,' the environmental scientists who hunt for bugs to monitor the health of local watersheds
King County is tracking the health of local watersheds by deploying a small, elite team of young environmental scientists who capture and study bugs in local streams.
Recruiting for the 2022 Stream Team roster begins soon. Each summer, the paid Environmental Aides put on boots and waders to bushwhack their way to 200 streams throughout the county to collect samples as part of an ongoing research project to track trends on water and habitat health.
Cick here to watch a video to learn more about the program and how to apply.
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Black History Month Stories of Hope: Naisha Williams
The King County MLK Day Committee is sharing Stories of Hope first presented during the 2022 Martin Luther King Day celebration in honor of Black History Month.
Watch this video to meet Naisha Williams, a Manager in Public Health working on the COVID-19 Vaccine Equity Program, as she shares her story of hope.
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Health Hero Kanesa Monroe balances work and parenting in the pandemic
During Black History Month, Balanced You is excited to recognize our many talented Black employees in different bodies of work around the county. Health Hero, Kanesa Monroe, is a single mother and a LAN Administrator Journey with KCIT.
In this video, she talks about working on the onboarding management system, while juggling being a mom and making sure her daughter gets the attention she needs. Click here to watch the video to learn more of Kanesa's story and hear her advice to all parents who are working from home during the pandemic.
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Introducing BIPOC Thrive: Training Opportunities that center BIPOC experiences and perspectives
Too many of our learning opportunities at King County fail to include BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) experiences. That’s what our Equity and Social Justice (ESJ) Interbranch team found through feedback and listening sessions in 2018. Since then, King County has made investments to better ensure the county understands and practices diverse perspectives and ways of being.
Our latest investment in equity and inclusion is BIPOC Thrive – a skill building, learning-and-growth program designed to center the values and experiences of BIPOC communities, broaden BIPOC leadership, and strengthen our commitment to being a pro-equity and anti-racist government. Every King County employee should be a leader in moving our ESJ vision forward, and these learning opportunities will help build your ability to do just that.
If you’re interested in these learning opportunities, apply online by Feb. 21 or visit kingcounty.gov/BIPOCthrive. Supervisor approval is required, and we encourage you to apply as soon as possible, as space is limited.
Support and processing drop-in groups for BIPOC employees, new schedule
Balanced You and the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) have extended the recurring drop-in sessions for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) employees on the front line. BIPOC employees who are front line and/or involved in the COVID-19 response are invited to join voluntary hour-long group drop-in sessions to process stress, connect with others, and share coping strategies.
- Wednesdays, Feb. 9 – June 29, from noon to 1 p.m.
See the Balanced You blog for Zoom log-in details.
Balanced You and EAP also offer team-based drop-in groups for employees who are involved in the COVID-19 response and/or are serving as front line employees during COVID-19. If you and your colleagues are interested in a team-based group for processing and sharing coping skills, go here or email BalancedYou@kingcounty.gov for next steps.
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Coffee Connections: Veteran’s Affinity Group
Balanced You Coffee Connections occur every other week and provide a chance for county employees to take a break, socialize and connect with each other.
The next Coffee Connection theme is all about the Veteran’s Affinity Group. Join us to learn about how this group can help active and retired military employees.
Learn more about all King County Affinity Groups here.
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Mentoring: Helping you build your future
Mentoring is a form of professional development that helps to explore one’s potential. It provides an opportunity for growth and development that can be beneficial and rewarding.
The next Adminstrative Professionals Networking Event will feature Rowena Jackson with the King County Mentoring Program. Whether you are interested in being a mentor or being mentored, Rowena will provide insights and answer questions on the mentoring program.
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King County employee discounts for the Seattle Symphony
The theatrical circus company Troupe Vertigo designs stories that ignite the imagination. Using highly stylized choreography, lighting and music, Troupe Vertigo combines captivating scenes with enchanting visual landscapes.
- Friday, Feb. 18 at 8 p.m.
- Saturday, Feb. 19 at 8 p.m.
- Sunday, Feb. 20 at 2 p.m.
Use promo code MAESTRO22 to receive 25% off ticket prices and waived handling fees. To order tickets visit www.seattlesymphony.org and enter the promo code, order by phone at 206-215-4747 or 1-866-833-4747 and give the operator the promo code, or purchase tickets in person at the Benaroya Hall Box Office.
See all available discounts on the Employee Discount webpage.
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King County Deferred Compensation Board seeks employee representative
The King County Employees Deferred Compensation Plan Board is seeking an applicant to fill an open position on the Board. The position is open to current King County employees who are participating in the Employees Deferred Compensation Plan. The term for this position is three years and runs through December 31, 2024.
The plan is governed by a nine-member Board, including seven who are current employees and two who are retired. Board expereince is not required, but they Board is looking for a new member who has one or more of the following qualities:
- An interest in personal finance and investing and a desire to learn more
- A commitment to King County’s Equity and Social Justice initiative
- A willingness to engage with fellow employees about the Employees Deferred Compensation Plan
- Comfortable representing the interests of plan participants
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Experience in a variety of King County work environments, especially frontline and direct service
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A work location outside the Seattle civic campus and access to a phone or video conference line
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Fewer than five years of service with King County
Applications must be received by March 14, 2022.
If you have an interest in this position, email KCDeferredcomp@kingcounty.gov for an application. If you have any questions or need additional information, please visit the website Deferred Compensation Plan - King County or contact the plan coordinator, Osceola “O.C.” Collier, at 206-263-9250 or KCDeferredcomp@kingcounty.gov.
Cross-posted from King County Parks
February is National Bird Feeding Month, the origins of which date back to 1994 when February was recognized as one of the toughest months for wild birds to access food, water, and shelter.
The flora and fauna experts at the King County Parks Volunteer Program are diving into the topic of gardening with native plants that can serve as food sources to wild birds in the winter months. This month starts off with the evergreen huckleberry.
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Pet of the Week: Ariya
Hi! My name is Ariya! I'm an eight-year-old tabby who is very affectionate with humans. I am a very loving girl and love to sit on your lap when I'm done eating. And while I might get along with small dogs, I generally don't like other cats.
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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Building Inspector (General Inspector II)
Salary: $38.88 - $42.29 Hourly
Location: Snoqualmie, WA
Job Type: Career Service, Full Time, 40 hrs/week
Department: DLS - Local Services
Job Number: 2022VS15223
Division: Permitting
Closes: Feb. 20 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific time
The Building Inspector (General Inspector II) will perform field inspections of single family, multi-family, commercial buildings and other structures to ensure compliance with State building codes and other applicable codes and regulations.
Learn more about this position or view all available positions.
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King County Headlines
King County launches $1.75 million in federal funds available to community-based media and organizations to increase transparency and accountability of COVID funding
Public Health Officials are cautiously optimistic about COVID but advise people to remain vigilant – Cross-posted from the The Seattle Medium
King County seeks concrete supplier contract to deliver on critical infrastructure projects
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