Employee Relations Workplace Complaint Investigator

University of Washington•Seattle, WA

2d•$100,008 - $116,004

About The Position

Campus Employee Relations has an outstanding opportunity for a Employee Relations Workplace Complaint Investigator to join their team. The Senior Human Resources Consultant – Employee Relations Workplace Complaint Investigator conducts complex, high-impact workplace investigations involving staff, academic personnel, and student employees across the University of Washington’s Seattle, Tacoma, and Bothell campuses. Reporting to the Director of Campus Employee Relations, this position provides independent, objective fact finding in response to allegations of misconduct, unprofessional behavior, policy violations, and other sensitive workplace concerns. This role partners with Human Resources, the Office of the Attorney General, the Civil Rights Compliance Office, Labor Relations, and unit leadership to ensure investigations are conducted in accordance with federal and state employment laws, University policy, and collective bargaining agreements. The position supports post-investigation resolution as appropriate. About this Opportunity This position supports all employee populations across UW’s tri-campus environment and directly influences institutional risk management by ensuring timely, thorough, and compliant investigation of workplace concerns. Investigative findings and recommendations inform employment decisions, grievance outcomes, and policy interpretation, and may be relied upon in administrative or legal proceedings. By providing consistent investigative practices and facilitating resolution strategies following fact finding, this role helps prevent escalation of workplace issues into formal disputes, complaints, or litigation. This position contributes to maintaining a fair, respectful, and accountable work environment and supports UW’s commitment to effective workforce management and compliance with applicable employment laws.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources, Public Administration, Business Administration, or related field.
Four years of professional experience conducting complex workplace investigations in a unionized environment.
Knowledge of federal and state employment laws and collective bargaining agreements.
Experience preparing written investigative reports and presenting findings.
Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise independent judgment.
Strong , writing, interviewing, analytical, and conflict resolution skills.
Positive track record of building relationships and the ability to work effectively both independently and as a member of a team.
Demonstrated exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to both be impartial and project impartiality and the ability to establish rapport with a diverse range of community members.

Nice To Haves

Experience in higher education or public sector environment.
Experience working with Assistant Attorneys General or compliance offices.
Certification in workplace investigations.

Responsibilities

Workplace Investigations Conduct timely investigations into allegations of misconduct, unprofessional behavior, neglect of duty, unethical practice, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and related concerns. Interview complainants, respondents, and witnesses and review relevant documentation. Analyze findings and prepare written investigation reports. Provide testimony or consultation in administrative or legal proceedings as needed. Ensure investigations comply with applicable laws, University policies, and collective bargaining agreements.
Post-Investigation Resolution Support departments in implementing recommendations or corrective actions. Partner with leadership to restore working relationships and promote workplace effectiveness following investigation conclusion.
Labor Relations Support Provide consultation related to grievance processes or labor contract interpretation when investigations involve unionized employees. Collaborate with HR consultants and Labor Relations staff as appropriate.
Consultation and Collaboration Partner with the Office of the Attorney General, Civil Rights Compliance, Labor Relations, and campus leadership on complex or sensitive cases. Provide guidance to departments on investigation outcomes and next steps.
Training and Process Support Assist in developing training or guidance related to workplace complaint resolution and investigation practices. Support improvements to investigative processes and documentation standards.