DSHS OOS Human Resource Consultant 1

State of Washington•King County – Tukwila, WA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) is seeking a Human Resource Consultant 1 (HRC 1) to join our team and provide critical human resources support. In this entry-level professional HR role, you will serve as a trusted resource for employees, supervisors, and managers, delivering consultation and transactional HR services that support 24/7 behavioral health facilities. You’ll help employees start and grow in their jobs. Along with your team, new hires count on you to set them up in our HR and Payroll systems, write their appointment letters and lead New Employee Orientation. You’ll answer questions about health insurance, retirement, and leave. Supervisors will turn to you for guidance on HR topics and applicable employment laws, policies, and procedures. This position offers an excellent opportunity to build a strong foundation in human resources while making a meaningful impact on employees and the important work they perform every day. Please note: This position is currently approved to work a flexible/hybrid schedule that requires at least two in-office days per week. The schedule may vary due to business needs – staff coverage, New Employee Orientation dates, training, etc. King County employees receive 5% premium pay in addition to the advertised salary and are eligible to receive a free ORCA card for transportation needs.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in business, human resources, social or organizational behavioral sciences, or a related field. Note: Equivalent education and related experience may substitute, year-for-year, for the required education.
Customer service: Greet each person with patience and respect and explain HR rules in words people understand.
HR knowledge: Apply knowledge of federal and state HR laws to give accurate, reliable guidance.
Communication: Guide managers, supervisors and employees through clear spoken and written advice.
Organization and time management: Set priorities, plan the workday and meet deadlines.
Problem solving: Analyze problems and data to find solutions that work.
Attention to detail: Check pay steps, dates and system entries carefully so employees are paid and covered correctly.
Teamwork: Build and maintain positive working relationships with colleagues.
Demonstrates the ability to remain calm, focused, and organized while managing competing priorities and unexpected disruptions.
Confidentiality: Protect private employee information and handle sensitive records with care.
Fairness, access, and social justice commitment to your work.

Responsibilities

Serve as the first point of contact for managers, supervisors, and employees, on a wide range of human resources matters.
Provide professional human resource services and consultation in the areas of hiring, benefits, leave, classification, compensation, and employee retention.
Interpret and apply HR policies, collective bargaining agreements, state and federal laws, WACs, and RCWs while providing guidance to customers.
Consult with hiring managers throughout the recruitment process, including transfer and bid procedures.
Process personnel and payroll actions, including appointments, promotions, transfers, salary determinations, and employment status changes.
Coordinate onboarding and offboarding activities, ensure compliance with I-9 and E-Verify requirements, and conduct New Employee Orientation.
Assist employees with benefits, retirement, insurance, and other employment-related questions and transactions.
Monitor and process critical HR activities, including review periods, in-training advancements, insurance eligibility, anniversary and seniority adjustments, and non-permanent appointments.
Maintain confidential personnel records, conduct personnel file reviews, and ensure compliance with agency policies and employment regulations.
Generate reports, research and resolve complex personnel issues, and support team operations through cross-training and backup assistance.