Human Resource Consultant 3

The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) Office of the Secretary Human Resources Division is seeking a Human Resource Consultant 3 to provide consultative HR support for leaders and to manage key employee relations and labor relations functions. Based at Western State Hospital in Lakewood, WA, this hybrid role supports sound, timely decision-making across performance management, investigations, workforce planning, leave, and related HR activities.

This position is paid USD 5,779 - 7,774 per month and requires at least two years of professional human resource work experience. DSHS offers a flexible/hybrid schedule with in-office expectations to support operational needs.

What you will do

• Provide consultative support to senior leaders, managers, and supervisors on employee performance, investigations, labor relations, workforce planning, employee leave, and other core human resources functions.
• Analyze complex employee relations issues and develop practical, strategic options to support decision-making and timely resolution.
• Draft clear, well-reasoned correspondence, including responses to complaints, performance expectations, disciplinary actions, and grievance responses.
• Represent human resources in grievance meetings, appeals, and adjudicative forums to ensure HR positions are well supported, consistent, and defensible.
• Serve as a trusted subject matter expert on performance management, employment laws, and department policy.
• Develop and deliver tools, resources, and training to help leaders manage their workforce effectively while reducing risk and strengthening working relationships.
• Use a solutions-focused, risk-based approach to consultation by presenting options and helping leaders understand tradeoffs.
• Partner with labor relations staff and the Office of the Attorney General to prepare for hearings, respond to information requests, and support arbitration matters.
• Participate in special projects and workgroups that improve HRD processes, service delivery, and consistency across programs.

Minimum qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree with a focus on business, human resources, social or organizational behavioral sciences, or a related field.
• Two years of professional human resource work experience.
• Equivalent education/experience.

Additional preferred knowledge, skills, and abilities

• Human resources expertise applying working knowledge of employee relations, leave laws, reasonable accommodation, discipline, and investigations.
• Ongoing professional development or HR certification is highly valued.
• Clear communication in writing and conversation to explain rules, decisions, and expectations.
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.
• Confidence in training and teaching HR topics for different audiences.
• Inclusive consultation that supports equity, access, and inclusion and promotes respectful workplaces and effective supervisor-employee relationships.
• Sound judgment to weigh risks, consider impacts, and choose fair options when situations are complex or sensitive.

Work schedule and notes

• Approved for a flexible/hybrid schedule requiring a minimum of two in-office days per week.
• Operational needs may require additional on-site work, and telework days may vary week to week.
• Flexibility to be on-site when needed is important for this role.

Compensation and related benefits

• Pierce County employees receive a free ORCA card for transportation purposes.
• On-site work performed at these work locations at least three days a week may be eligible for an additional 5% premium on-site pay along with the advertised salary.

Supplemental information

• Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may be conducted.
• This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies.
• Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver’s license.
• Employees driving a privately owned vehicle on state business must have liability insurance on the privately owned vehicle.
• DSHS is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment, its programs, or services based on protected characteristics.
• Accommodation requests for the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may be directed to the Recruiter at (360) 725-5810.
• Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.
• Selected applicants must disclose whether they have a relative, household member, close friend, or romantic partner within their potential supervisory chain of command; prohibited reporting relationships affect eligibility.
• E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

If you have questions, contact DSHS Recruiter Vincent Hamilton at [email protected] and reference #06728.