Careers at Kitsap job fair was a success!
Carol Mackie, Human Resources
What an amazing day! Thank you to everyone who worked the event, helped coordinate, or served on the committee, as well as those who came by to say hello!
We had 200+ attendees, 136 attendees who provided contact information for our open, featured positions, and we held 12 on-site interviews for the Summer Help Program! The event was a great showing of interest, support, and community education about why we Love Where We Work!
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Drop, Cover, and Hold evacuation drill
Lee Reyes, Administrative Services
On April 25, 2023, at 10:00 AM, Kitsap County is holding a “Drop, Cover, Hold” evacuation drill. We encourage all departments/offices to participate, including off-site locations, as the drills are designed to protect lives and prevent injuries during an actual earthquake.
As we have not conducted a drill post-COVID, please take this opportunity to discuss internal procedures, update rosters, determine assignments, and assign tasks.
For questions or concerns, reach out to Tim Perez, Risk Manager in the Department of Administrative Services. |
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Stormwater Staff Release Salmon
Pat Kirschbaum, Public Works
Each year since 1988, local elementary students have raised and released salmon into Clear Creek as part of the Salmon in the Classroom program. The program was started by the Kiwanis Club of Central Kitsap and has been a partnership between our Stormwater Division and the Clear Creek Trail since 2009.
With the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and its impact on schools, many teachers were unsure about raising salmon. Stormwater staff did not want students to miss this opportunity, so they began raising salmon at the Public Works Annex in the fall of 2020.
Short, one-minute observation videos were posted on YouTube regularly so students could follow the salmon as they developed. Longer five-minute “Tank Talk” videos were created, each focusing on a critical aspect of salmon development. As schools slowly reopened, stormwater staff continued to raise salmon in case any classrooms did not have a good survival rate and needed additional salmon fry to release. This year, no classrooms needed the extra fish, so the Stormwater Division staff graciously agreed to release these salmon into Clear Creek!
Ninety-five chum salmon fry were raised and released. The Stormwater Division’s mission is to “Protect, sustain, enhance, and restore the quality of Kitsap County’s surface waters to protect human health, support economic growth and recreational activities, and sustain a healthy environment.” This opportunity to release salmon allowed the staff to connect with the natural environment while also providing time to work together, further improving the team. |
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April is Child Abuse Prevention Month
Cami Lewis, Prosecutor's Office
Be a hero in the eyes of a child! Everyone can play a role in preventing child abuse. Below are some examples* of everyday actions that you can take to help prevent child abuse and make a positive impact on the lives of children and families.
Help a friend, neighbor, or relative. Being a parent isn't easy. Offer a helping hand to take care of the children so the parent(s) can rest or spend time together.
Be a nurturing parent. Children need to know that they are special, loved, and capable of following their dreams. Help yourself. When the big and little problems of your everyday life pile up to the point that you feel overwhelmed and out of control - take time out so you don't take it out on your child.
If your baby cries. It can be frustrating to hear your baby cry. Learn what to do if your baby won't stop crying. Never shake a baby - shaking a child may result in severe injury or death.
Get involved. Volunteer your time to help community leaders, clergy, libraries, and schools develop services to meet the needs of healthy children and families.
Monitor your children's TV, video, and internet viewing/usage. Excessively watching violent films, TV programs, and videos can harm young children.
Report suspected neglect. If you have reason to believe a child has been or may be harmed, call the Washington State Department of Children, Youth & Families or your local police department.
*Source: Prevent Child Abuse America |
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News from TicketsatWork
TicketsatWork
Find healthy savings for Physical Wellness Month on TicketsatWork this April, with special wellness products and service deals. Plan your summer vacation now with new cruises, hotels, flights, and more. April is also Financial Literacy Month, so make sure to take advantage of savings on financial management solutions and, of course, last-minute tax preparation services.
View the April flyer here. If you haven’t signed up yet, click Become a member and enter our company code: KITSAP. |
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COVID health plan relief is ending
Alicia Hartnett, Human Resources
In 2020 various branches of the federal government declared a Public Health Emergency and a National Emergency because of the COVID-19 pandemic. This created several relief measures, which Kitsap County adopted to apply to our health plans in 2020. This week, President Biden signed legislation that ends both emergency declarations, also ending all related health plan relief. Most notably, effective May 11, 2023, the Kitsap County health benefit plans return to pre-pandemic coverage in the following areas:
- Lab testing for COVID-19 is treated as any other lab test
- Over-the-counter (OTC) COVID-19 tests are no longer covered under the plan
- Telehealth services are covered as any other office visits, and available to those enrolled in one of our medical plans
For more detail read the End of Outbreak Period Extensions Notice. |
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Crucial Conversations for Mastering Dialogue - On-demand learning & in-person review sessions!
Whenever you’re not getting the results you’re looking for, it’s likely a crucial conversation is keeping you stuck. Whether it’s a problem with poor quality, declining customer satisfaction, or a strained relationship—whatever the issue—if you can’t talk honestly with nearly anybody about almost anything, you can expect poor results.
This training teaches skills for creating alignment and agreement by fostering open dialogue around high-stakes, emotional, or risky topics—at all levels of your organization. By learning how to speak and be heard (and encouraging others to do the same), you’ll surface the best ideas, make the highest-quality decisions, and then act on your decisions with unity and commitment.
Join us for the in-person/online hybrid course beginning May 16!
- Virtual Kick-off -- Tuesday, May 16 from 9 AM - 10 AM
- On-demand Coursework May 16 - May 25
- Review Session # 1 -- Thursday, May 25 - 9 AM - 11 AM in Givens Training Room #115
- On-demand Coursework May 25 - June 1
- Review Session # 2 -- Thursday, June 1 - 9 AM - 11 AM in Givens Training Room #1
Please remember to communicate with your supervisor and request approval for training opportunities that you would like to take.
Click here to enroll in Workday Learning.
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Thanks for all the participation in our first month of Prize in the Park! Two tickets were found at A Quiet Place Park: congrats John Weaver and Alicia Adler! This month visit Chico Salmon Park and Banner Heritage Park!
At each location, you can:
- Locate the Prize in the Park sign with a QR code - scan it and fill out the form, and you are entered to win a prize!
- Hunt for two hidden tickets. If you find one, take a picture of the ticket and email kitsapbenefits@kitsap.gov to win a prize. Make sure you take the ticket with you!
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April Challenge: Adulting Month
Being an adult often requires you to complete the necessary things for your health, family, and future. We've put together some resources to help you take care of some of those "adulting" things this month. To participate this month:
Monthly prizes:
- Beauty Care System
- Phillips Sonicare Toothbrush
- Presto Salad Shooter
- Kitchen Fire Extinguisher
- LED Flashlight
Fill out your monthly entries here!
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April on-demand webinars: Finances
The True Cost of Financial Dependence
Giving up control of your finances -- voluntarily or otherwise -- can leave you powerless and, in some cases, confined to a cycle of abuse. In this personal talk, accountant Estelle Gibson shares her own story of recovering from financial dependence and provides actionable advice to empower others who desire the freedom that comes with being responsible for your own money.
Trusts & Estates Webinar Series: Wills and Trusts - The Basics
This webinar discusses Wills and Trusts and the differences between them. The webinar also provides an overview as to why a trust may be necessary.
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Tips for spring cleaning your health
With milder temperatures, more sun, and wildlife sprouting everywhere, the arrival of spring puts an extra kick in your step. If you want to pay your health and well-being a little extra attention, but aren't sure where to start, here are some tips to get you started:
Fill Your plate with fresh, in-season fruits & vegetables. Visit a farmer’s market and shop for organic produce, when possible, especially for fruits and veggies that you eat whole from the outside, like apples or cherries.
Be mindful of opportunities to overindulge. Warmer weather often brings outdoor gatherings like picnics and barbeques, which can come with unhealthy foods
like grilled and processed meats and fatty snacks. You don’t have to forgo these foods but look for leaner meat and poultry options.
Stay hydrated. When it’s warmer outside, your body can lose more moisture through sweating, even if you don’t feel yourself getting sweaty. To help prevent dehydration, it’s important to take proactive steps to drink enough water throughout the day. Always keep a water bottle handy.
Get outside and get moving. Getting enough physical activity every day is important. It can be as simple as taking a walk down the block or spending some time gardening.
Read the whole WCIF For Your Benefit Spring Newsletter here.
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Mark your calendar - Chair Yoga is back in May!
Join Nina Lynne from Olympic Essence Yoga for lunchtime chair yoga.
Sessions begin on Wednesday, May 17 from Noon - 1:00 PM in the Commissioner Chambers. This spring session runs for 6 weeks.
Don't worry if you can't stay for the whole hour, drop in for any portion!
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Walk & Talk in the Park - The first Friday of the month!
Join us for the Walk & Talks in the Park on the first Friday of the month, beginning in May. Our Parks Natural Resources Coordinators will guide us through one of our beautiful Parks, and tell us about the history, area, and more! Our first hike:
May 5 at 5:30 PM at Harper Park - 3500 SE Southworth Dr, Port Orchard, WA 98366.
See the flyer for dates and locations of upcoming hikes. |
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Save the date - Golf Scramble September 30!
Join us for the second annual Kitsap County Golf Scramble on Saturday, September 30, at the Rolling Hills Golf Course! Team registration opens next month. Stay tuned for more details to follow! |
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Have an article for ITL?Submit articles for “In the Loop” at kcowa.us/ITLSubmitThe next edition is on Thursday, April 27 The issue deadline is 3:30 pm on April 26.
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