Senior HR Consultant

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Senior HR Consultant

Salary

$64,092.00 - $95,184.00 Annually

Location

Thurston County – Tumwater, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Job Number

24 OPS HRC4 0780

Department

Office of the Secretary of State

Division

Operations

Opening Date

02/08/2024

Closing Date

3/19/2024 8:54 AM Pacific

Description



The Office of Secretary of State (OSOS) offers some of the most unique and diverse job opportunities in state government. Its critical responsibilities include: ensuring a fair and accurate elections process; connecting Washingtonians through the power of libraries; protecting our important government records; and registering corporations and charities. The Secretary of State also administers vital community programs that inspire giving, document our history, and assist crime survivors in avoiding further abuse. This independent office under the state Constitution operates from facilities in the Olympia area and statewide.

The OSOS is looking for top-performing employees who embody its core values of integrity, service excellence, visionary leadership, collaboration and teamwork. It is committed to both employee growth and work-life balance. The benefits of working in state government also include potential eligibility for the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.

The Operations Division is the heart of the Office of Secretary of State, supporting the Executive Office and every division through the internal functions of Public Records, Financial Services, Budget, Facilities, and Human Resources. This division serves as a trusted and knowledgeable resource to both its internal and external customers. Its success depends on the expertise of employees who ensure public access to information, protect financial resources, and help develop our most valuable asset: people.

 

Senior Human Resources Consultant (HRC4)
Full-Time, Permanent
This position reports to the HR Operations Manager and is responsible for providing expert level guidance and consultation to customers in multiple HR disciplines such as classification, compensation, benefits, employee and labor relations, recruitment, training, rule interpretations, FMLA, FLSA, reasonable accommodation and payroll.  

This position has an option of a one year in-training at the Human Resource Consultant 3 level and can be filled at either the HRC 3 or HRC 4 level.

Please note: Interviews for this position will be conducted on an on-going basis.  It is in the candidate's best interest to apply as soon as possible.  The hiring manager reserves the right to fill the position at any time.  
This recruitment may be used to fill multiple positions.

Duties

Provides expert level consultation:
Tasks include:
  • Provides advice, interpretation and counsel to clients regarding applicable human resource rules, regulations, policies and procedures in areas such as classification, compensation, performance management, grievance resolution, employee and labor relations, reasonable accommodation, layoff and organizational development. Responsible for the most complex issues.
  • Meets with employees and managers at all levels of the organization and regularly represents the HR office and the Office of the Secretary of State at meetings.
  • Assesses, plans, develops and implements strategies to promote effective client relations and to resolve problems.
  • Investigates, prepares documentation and recommends position on grievances, complaints and appeals; serves as representative in a variety of appeal or adjudicative forums.
  • Researches, reviews, recommends, and drafts new policy and policy changes.
  • Works with clients and staff proactively to enhance workplace performance.
  • Assists HR manager and HR Operations Manager with strategy, planning, and implementation of new processes and procedures.

Provides HR guidance and support for assigned divisions:
Tasks include:
  • Processes and completes payroll: reviews Personnel Action Requests for accuracy and appropriateness under the applicable law, rule, CBA, or policy, logs and tracks due dates and paperwork that must be returned, completes required data entry and benefit eligibility forms, calculates various date adjustments, sends online new employee orientation, completes appropriate employee letters, inputs payroll entries into payroll system, performs quality review of payroll entry for other HR staff, and runs reports
  • Serves as liaison between division and Department of Enterprise Services for The Learning Center (TLC); problem solves, and trouble shoots issues for supervisors and employees; assigns required training to new employees; runs compliance reports for required training; creates courses in TLC; provides on demand TLC training when necessary.
  • FMLA administration: requests clarification when necessary; completes and sends appropriate FMLA paperwork and makes FMLA designations or denials in consultation with supervisor if appropriate.
  • Reasonable accommodation (RA): completes and sends appropriate RA paperwork and questionnaires; works with health care providers, supervisors, and employee to implement accommodation if appropriate.
  • Reviews position description forms and makes allocation decisions on job class.
  • In their absence, backs up other HR staff in providing guidance and support to their assigned divisions.
Special projects:
Tasks include: 
  • Serves as the HR office expert/lead in one or more disciplines
  • Works on special projects as they arise to meet HR’s mission, goals, and deadlines
  • Leads, directs, plans, reviews, analyzes and makes recommendations for accomplishing projects
  • Consults with others in order to accomplish completion of project
  • Provides training and presentations
Miscellaneous activities:
Tasks include: 
  • Responds to routine employment verification inquiries.
  • Conducts background checks on employees.
  • May represent OSOS on various state-wide committee and task forces.
  • As a member of the HR team, opens mail, orders supplies, and files.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Human Resource Consultant 3

Incumbent would provide consultation and guidance, but not at the expert level for every HR discipline.  Expert level consultation would be expected in at least 2 of the following subject areas: payroll, recruitment, reasonable accommodation, position description writing and allocation, and/or FMLA.  In addition, incumbent would not be responsible for providing guidance to HR staff in the other HR disciplines that they are not considered to be an expert in.

Qualifications

HRC4 level - Pay Range 63 ($5,900-$7,932 )

Required Qualifications:
  • At least five years of experience providing support or consultation in at least two human resource disciplines; experience should include at least one year at the expert level for at least one HR discipline and also include independently composing business communications, managing records, and responding to customer inquiries; Education may be substituted for up to 2 years of required experience.
  • Ability to efficiently use a personal computer and applicable software to successfully perform the essential job functions of the position.
  • Attention to detail and accuracy.
(Experience and education may be gained concurrently) 

Preferred/Desired Qualifications:
  • Experience practicing human resources disciplines in a government environment
  • Experience as a lead worker or supervisor performing the following tasks: interviewing, hiring, training, assigning and directing work, and evaluating staff or volunteers 
  • Knowledge of or demonstrated adherence to current HR best practices
  • Demonstrated ability to successfully convey new ideas and experience in change management
  • Experience with NEOGOV recruitment system
  • Experience using the Washington State HRMS payroll system
  • Additional human resources experience
  • Degree in human resources

HRC3 level - Pay Range 59 ($5,341-$7,184)
Required Qualifications:
  • At least four years of experience providing support or consultation in at least two human resource disciplines; experience should also include independently composing business communications, managing records, and responding to customer inquiries; Education may be substituted for up to 2 years of required experience.
  • Ability to efficiently use a personal computer and applicable software to successfully perform the essential job functions of the position.
  • Attention to detail and accuracy
(Experience and education may be gained concurrently)

Supplemental Information

Working Conditions
The incumbent will be working with a tightly knit team of established HR professionals. The majority of day will be spend working at a desk with standard office equipment: computer copier, scanner, fax and phone. The standard business hours are Monday - Friday from 8am -5pm. The option to adjust work hours will be given. Depending on emergencies or natural disasters, the incumbent may be required to work outside normal business hours. Additionally, the incumbent will work with both internal and external customers by phone, email, and in person. Incumbent must have the ability to handle complaints and interact with difficult and impatient people/customers.  

How to Apply:

  • To be considered for this position you must attach the following:
    • Letter of interest describing how your experience and qualifications relate to the duties and qualifications of the position
    • Current Resume
    • Three Professional references. Personal references will not be considered.
  • You must complete the supplemental questions at the end of this application. Incomplete responses such as "see resume" will not be considered.  In addition, if the employer you identify in the additional information section is not included on your resume or work experience profile and/or you do not identify an employer, you will not receive credit.
  • All veterans must include a copy of your DD214 to receive preference in the hiring process.  You must black out your social security number before attaching it to your application.

The Office of the Secretary of State is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, creed, sex, sexual orientation, disability, familial status, marital status, and age. All interested candidates are encouraged to apply. Persons of disability needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this announcement in alternative format, should email hr@sos.wa.gov.

More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note:  If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS).  New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs.  For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP).  This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165. 

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, are entitled to three (3) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Parental Leave
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 12-31-2022

01
Where did you hear about this job opening?
02
Do you have a family member or relative currently employed at the Office of the Secretary of State? *Relative includes parent, child, spouse, domestic partner, brother, sister, grandparent, aunt, uncle, cousin, niece, any 'step' relations within the preceding categories, any in-law relations within the preceding categories and any others living in the employee's household*
  • Yes
  • No
03
If you answered yes to the question above, what is the name of your family member/relative?
04
PLEASE READ THE BELOW AND TYPE YOUR INITIALS IN RESPONSE TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT YOU HAVE READ AND UNDERSTAND THESE STATEMENTS. • The Office of the Secretary of State has a Nepotism Policy that does not allow employment of relatives or family members in the same chain of command. I acknowledge this policy and I do not have familial connections or household members employed at the Office of the Secretary of State. I understand that if I am hired and it is discovered that I have a relative or household member working in the same division, my employment will be terminated immediately.
05
Which best describes your experience providing support or consultation in at least two human resource disciplines?
  • I do not have this experience, but I am willing to learn
  • 1 year of experience, but less than 2
  • 3 years of experience, but less than 4
  • 4 years of experience, but less than 5
  • 5 years or more of experience
06
Identify the HR discipline(s) in which you have experience.
  • employee and labor relations
  • recruitment
  • rule interpretations
  • FMLA
  • reasonable accommodation
  • position description writing and allocation
  • performance management
  • grievance resolution
  • layoff
  • organizational development
07
How many years of experience do you have working at an expert level in at least one HR discipline?
  • Less than 1 year of experience
  • At least 1 year of experience, but less than 2
  • At least 2 years of experience, but less than 3
  • At least 3 years of experience, but less than 4
  • More than 4 years of experience
08
If you indicated above that you have experience at an expert level in at least one HR discipline, please list which HR discipline(s) and where you gained the experience. If you do not have this type of experience, please enter "N/A" in the box below.
09
Please describe what performing as an "expert" means to you?
10
Describe your professional experience pertaining to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the workplace.
11
Please describe why Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) is important in the role of a HR Consultant, and any trainings you have provided.
12
Are you able to efficiently use a personal computer and applicable software to successfully perform the essential job functions of the position.
  • Yes
  • No
13
This position has a requirement to be physically in the office which is located in Tumwater, WA. Are you able to do this? Please answer YES or NO.
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question

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