DSHS OOS Human Resource Consultant 1

State of Washington•Pierce County – Lakewood, WA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

DSHS OOS Human Resource Consultant 1 Western State Hospital in Lakewood runs around the clock. Thousands of staff care for patients day and night. When those staff have questions about pay, benefits, leave or their first day on the job, they come to the HR office. As a Human Resource Consultant 1, you are often the first person they interact with from the Human Resources Division (HRD). In this role, you'll help people start and grow in their jobs with care. Along with your team, new hires count on you to set them up in our HR and payroll system, 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 the rules and policies that go with them. Many hospital staff work in direct patient care and cannot get to a computer during their shift. When these busy staff have questions for HR, they will stop by the HR office before work, after work or on a break. Your in-person help gives them answers so they can get back to caring for patients. You will work with a team of HR consultants who share covering in-office days and support each other. 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 for this varies based on business needs - staff coverage, New Employee Orientation dates, trainings, etc. Pierce County employees are eligible to receive an Orca Card for transportation needs.

Requirements

Professionals with a 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: Work side by side with coworkers, stay steady during busy times and handle interruptions calmly.
Confidentiality: Protect private employee information and handle sensitive records with care.
Fairness, access, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS.

Responsibilities

Provide first-level advice on HR policies, guidelines, laws (WACs, RCWs), and CBAs, consulting with higher-level HR professionals on complex issues.
Oversee hiring processes, including SEIU Internal Transfer and WFSE Bid processes, advising managers on screening, interview questions, reference checks, and compensation for new hires.
Manage personnel/payroll actions for new hires, promotions, transfers, and other appointments, ensuring compliance with WACs, policies, and CBAs; resolve issues with Payroll and HRMS.
Conduct onboarding, maintain staff records, and ensure compliance with I-9, E-Verify, and other employment requirements; lead new employee orientations.
Assist employees with understanding and completing insurance, retirement, payroll, and other forms; resolve HR, Payroll, and retirement system issues.
Monitor and process eligibility for insurance, retirement, leave usage, and other employment statuses, and handle performance evaluations and employment verification.
Maintain personnel and medical files, generate reports, and serve as backup for team members; attend meetings and perform other duties as assigned.